I was in Hawaii for Qualcomm’s press and analyst conference last week. The company made some amazing announcements.
The fact that Qualcomm announced a pivot to RISCV a week earlier was interesting. This strategic shift was not addressed at the event, which created some unintended drama. The RISC-V event was primarily focused around wearables. These were not visible at the event, except for earbuds.
The Qualcomm event this year was all about AI. It promised to not only revolutionize smartphones, but also create an interoperability level that had been promised but never delivered. Not even by Apple. Apple has a significant edge over everyone because it is vertically integrated.
If Qualcomm can deliver on its promises then one of their OEMs like Lenovo could finally offer solutions that work across both platforms and outperform the Apple offerings.
The Solgaard Carry On Closure suitcase is my Product of the week.
Snapdragon 8: the King of AI for Smartphones
Snapdragon 8 is the new king in smartphone solutions. It has a CPU and GPU as well as a new neural processing unit (NPU) for smartphones.
Qualcomm promises to not only improve efficiency and performace but also embed AI capabilities that were previously thought impossible to embed in PCs or smartphones. When combined with a complete set of sensors, we will be able to do much more with smartphones.
Qualcomm showed features that could change the way smartphones work and become a bigger part of life than they currently are. We’ll walk you through the improvements that are expected to be available in high-end phones before they become widely available.
Exercise
Qualcomm demonstrated that your phone can become a much more effective exercise coach if you pair it with AR glasses.
Custom training programs, AI generated avatar trainers, sensors that ensure your air quality, and whether you’re properly hydrated could make smartphones better than Peloton, in more places, and for much less money.
Peloton can also use this technology to improve its game, by offering even more personalized instructions.
This new technology may be the game changer we need to become more fit.
Sound
Qualcomm has demonstrated that its Bluetooth technology and audio capabilities could revolutionize our ability to listen to concerts, political and comedy events, as well as conferences.
These future smartphones, headphones, and earbuds could provide content in any language by utilizing a separate audio stream or AI within the phone.
This feature allows you to easily switch between audio sources, such as TVs or sound sources that interest you in public settings like a gym or bar. This feature improves sound quality by making it more focused. This is especially useful in venues where there are many speakers or listeners who do not speak the language. It makes events more accessible for a larger and diverse audience.
Smell
The phone doesn’t smell, but a hot day in Hawaii made me do it naturally. I’m not talking about a phone that can smell freshness.
Imagine that you can use your phone to detect the decaying particulates and off-gassing from food in a restaurant or store.
Our ancestors were able to pick fresh food in varying degrees, but this skill was lost over the generations. This feature can help us avoid food poisoning, and ensure that the dishes we prepare or eat are as fresh as they possibly can be.
Sight
Qualcomm has spent years improving its cameras. Professional filmmakers are increasingly using high-end smartphones for content creation. But even those of us not pros are increasingly dependent on AI in smartphones to take better pictures.
Qualcomm demonstrated two technologies. The first demonstration used a Samsung advanced camera to show how the image could be zoomed into after the shot without any noticeable loss in resolution. The same technology, using AI tracking, could be used to automatically follow action at sporting events, without panning.
The second approach is using AI to extract parts of the image that were removed by the photographer. The feature worked for everything but faces. It was creepy. The two technologies are not mutually exclusive. However, you’ll need a special sensor for the first one. You can improve an image that was taken poorly in both cases even after you have left the place where it was originally taken.
Generative AI
Qualcomm showed how generative AI can make Siri look stupid by allowing users to converse with their phones in order to get better results, be entertained, or develop a closer relationship with the AI.
Qualcomm has made it clear that the large language model (LLM) running on the phone will be a game changer. This will reduce the cost of the technology, the latency, and provide a cheaper price with better performance.
Qualcomm still needs to concentrate more on the problem with people talking into their phone. The company has partnered up with BMW which has been doing some interesting research in active noise cancellation. This partnership might offer a way of reducing or eliminating the distracting noises created by telephone conversations.
Qualcomm has made it clear that there is no reason to believe that smartphones cannot run large AI models.
PC/Smartphone integration
Qualcomm showed a level PC/smartphone synergy that is much more advanced. The technology allows for seamless cursor and files transitions between PCs, tablets and smartphones. Switching between platforms and migrating documents is easier.
This allows the wireless connection to act more like a monitor connected to a PC. Apple should be warned that if it doesn’t step up its game it will fall behind Qualcomm’s latest effort.
Snapdragon X Elite
Qualcomm has also launched the Snapdragon X-Elite processor. It boasts a significant boost in PC performance, as well as a dramatic reduction of energy consumption. This innovation may allow laptops with longer battery lives, surpassing any competitors in the same category.
Expect to see related PCs only next year. Microsoft has fully adopted the platform, so they’ll have to deal less with emulation. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon-X Elite chip promises a significant performance increase compared to Apple’s Apple M2 chip while using less energy.
We’ll discuss this more when laptops that use the part appear. The year 2024 is going to be fiercely competitive because AMD, Intel, and other manufacturers are creating products with AI, performance, as well as significant energy savings.
Related: It’s About To Become Much Harder To Choose the Right PC | Nov. 7, 2023
On this trip I am using my favorite HP Folio laptop, the older Qualcomm part. The new Snapdragon X is so much better than what I have now that I can’t wait to replace my old laptop with a new one.
Wrapping up Qualcomm’s Grand Slam
Qualcomm played a big role at its annual analyst/press conference in Hawaii. Both the Snapdragon 8 as well as Snapdragon X elite announcements were incredible.
What I found interesting is that it did not mention its move to RISC-V, even though I have a feeling there will be more to come as Qualcomm seems to be moving away from Arm and towards an equivalent technology which is cheaper, comes with fewer risks and restrictions.
This year’s Qualcomm event blew me away, but the event next year is already showing a level of disruption that’s almost unbelievable.
Solgaard Carry-On Closet Suitcase
Solgaard This is one of the most unique rollable suitcases available. It is unique because it has a dresser and recycled plastics. It is therefore both environmentally friendly and extremely useful.
I normally have to unpack each type of clothing before I use it, then repack the container when I get home. This is a hassle.
Solgaard allows you to store your belongings in a dresser-like unit that you can hang in the closet. You then use this unit instead of having to unpack. This method keeps your clothes in better condition, and is more convenient on the go. This suitcase is quite durable, with reinforced edges and a scratch resistant finish.
Carry-On Closet Case with Shelves (Image credit: Solgaard).
Alaska Airlines baggage handlers abused the bag on this trip and it broke. It was the first time we used the bag and the extent of damage was shocking. Even the metal parts looked as if they had been through a shredder. Alaska Airlines apologized, said they would make it right and provided us with an emergency bag until we could obtain a replacement.
Solgaard asked me for an invoice number when I sent them the picture of the damaged bag. They then sent us a replacement bag and apologized for the mistake.
It’s rare to receive this level of customer service for a product that didn’t even come from the manufacturer. Solgaard’s suitcases have been my Product of the week.