Qualcomm
Qualcomm is a mobile technology and processor manufacturer best known in the Android world for its vast lineup of "Snapdragon" system-on-a-chip components used primarily in smartphones and tablets. Snapdragon processors have gained popularity for having a wide range of different prices and power levels for devices of all price points, while in any case being extremely efficient with mobile data traffic because of Qualcomm's involvement in the development of 3G and 4G standards.
Though processor production may be its bread and butter as smartphone adoption has taken off, Qualcomm is also known for pushing technologies in various other areas. Qualcomm has been one of the leading developers of 3G and 4G networks since their first emerging popularity, partnering tightly with carriers around the world and holding various important patents on 3G and 4G networking. Patent licensing to other companies for mobile device processors remains a large portion of Qualcomm's business.
It has also developed a lesser-known display technology called Mirasol, which bridges the gap between efficient but black and white e-ink displays and colorful but power-hungry LCD and AMOLED displays. Mirasol has primarily lived as a technology demonstration, but in late 2013 Qualcomm also released its Toq smartwatch as an example of the display tech in real-world use.
Qualcomm has been a player in the mobile space in one way or another since the early days, and with its continued development of mobile-focused technology it is sure to be at the front of everyone's minds going forward.
Latest about Qualcomm
Report claims the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 might require larger batteries
By Nickolas Diaz published
Power hungry A rumor suggested Qualcomm's next flagship chip could cause phone makers to feature larger batteries.
Wi-Fi 7 explained: Key upgrades and how 802.11be works
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Officially known as 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7 brings significant upgrades over Wi-Fi 6 and 6E. But what are those improvements and which devices can take advantage of them?
Qualcomm's toned-down Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 takes aim at on-device AI
By Vishnu Sarangapurkar published
New Flagship SoC After wowing us with the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the company brings its toned-down version five months later, which will power some of the premium flagships later this year.
Qualcomm teases another flagship chipset coming out in March
By Jay Bonggolto published
mixing things up It looks like Qualcomm is serious about mixing things up with its flagship chip lineup.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 coming in October with Oryon CPU
By Vishnu Sarangapurkar published
Oryon CPUs The chipset maker's CMO, Don McGuire, has shared some insights into the next flagship Qualcomm SoC at MWC this week.
Qualcomm Snapdragon X80 debut could mean a huge connectivity upgrade for smartphones
By Jay Bonggolto published
future proof Snapdragon X80 is here – get ready for a big connectivity boost on smartphones.
Samsung may help Qualcomm with next-gen 2nm chip
By Nickolas Diaz published
Make it count Qualcomm has reportedly contacted Samsung about creating a prototype AP using its new 2nm process.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 leak shows the chip may achieve some impressive clock speeds
By Vishnu Sarangapurkar published
Powerful Socs Qualcomm has just started to showcase Snapdragon 8 Gen 3's prowess with the latest Android flagships. The successor, however, is likely to outshine it very soon.
Qualcomm's Q1 earnings show promise with uptick in chipset sales
By Nandika Ravi published
Uptick Qualcomm shared its Q1 earnings for 2024, and sales suggest that revenues are picking up compared to Q3 2023.
AI features on the Galaxy S24 are powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, but not everywhere
By Brady Snyder published
AI power Samsung's new Galaxy S24 series of smartphones have a bunch of artificial intelligence features made possible by a new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chip from Qualcomm.
Flagship-level power could come to mid-range Android phones in 2024
By Nickolas Diaz published
The mid-ranges are coming Rumors suggest Qualcomm's upcoming mid-range chip could feature flagship-level power.
Rumor claims Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will be manufactured by TSMC
By Nickolas Diaz published
Next-gen power A rumor suggests Qualcomm will tap TSMC to create the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.
Qualcomm's XPAN tech is the best new audio feature you'll probably never get to use
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Can you hear me now? Lossless audio streaming over Wi-Fi directly to your headphones is great. Too bad it won't see wide adoption.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 benchmark results show its dominance over Apple's A17 Pro
By Vishnu Sarangapurkar published
Benchmarks After unwrapping the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 last week, Qualcomm has also provided some benchmarks of the chipset, revealing its dominance over Apple's chip.
Qualcomm is betting its future on AI, and Google could benefit the most
By Andrew Myrick published
A bright future We could be in for a wild ride thanks to Qualcomm.
Qualcomm comes after Google's AI crown with the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
By Derrek Lee published
AI AI AI Qualcomm launches the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a flagship SoC that brings a ton of new AI capabilities to Android phones.
What is RISC-V and what does it mean for Android and Wear OS?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
RISC vs Reward Qualcomm and Google are developing a RISC-V Snapdragon Wear platform to power future devices. Why is this important, and what does it mean for you?
Rumored Meta layoffs hint at struggles amid Quest 3 launch
By Michael L Hicks published
Efficiency first Meta had ambitions to develop its own custom silicon and operating system for Quest headsets, but that now looks increasingly unlikely.
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