Qualcomm has spent the last few years working closely with Microsoft on its Windows Phone operating system for smartphones. To date, every one of these Windows Phones use a Snapdragon Processor, offering fast graphics, zippy web browsing, and long battery life. Because this collaboration has been so successful, Microsoft is making its next-generation Windows platform—for both PCs and Smartphones—available to Snapdragon processors as well.
At Mobile World Congress 2012, Microsoft unveiled the Consumer Preview of the next generation of their flagship OS—Windows 8. Compared to previous versions of Windows, Windows 8 is redesigned from the ground up, complete with a new look and support for touch navigation. The design overhaul also adds support for ARM-based processors like Snapdragon processors. The benefits of using a Snapdragon processor instead of the conventional CPUs is that this next crop of Windows 8 devices will be fan-less, exquisitely thin, and designed to instantly turn on and connect to the internet while lasting a whole lot longer on a single battery charge. While these devices aren’t available for purchase yet, you can check out a video of Windows 8 in action and download a copy of the Consumer Preview here.
Developers are starting to create new Windows applications right now, and we’re working with these developers to maximize your Windows 8 experience. Select developers will receive Snapdragon processor equipped Windows 8 test PCs so that they can optimize their apps in advance of the consumer hardware launch. These devices will feature the Snapdragon S4 processor with our next generation CPU, advanced graphics and improved battery life. Snapdragon S4 processors also provide advanced 4G mobile connectivity including fully integrated 4G LTE.
Stay tuned for more information on Windows 8 on Snapdragon.
