Qualcomm Gunning for Intel: Snapdragon 1000

It’s been a rough month for Intel. AMD unveiled the unprecedented power of their 32-core Threadripper processor, and Intel struggled to show anything comparable. In fact, they misrepresented prototype CPUs in a pitiful attempt to match AMD’s behemoth. Then, their CEO stepped down last week amidst a scandal involving a relationship with an employee. Now, to add to the dogpile. Qualcomm prepares to release the Snapdragon 1000.  

Snapdragon: Not Just for Phone Anymore 

Windows has partnered with Qualcomm to release a series of “Always-Connected PCs”, laptops that function as huge smartphones. The Always-Connected line is set to be LTE-equipped, have long battery lives and run with Snapdragon 835 processors. 835’s have already been seen in smartphones, and the first wave of Always-Connected PCs are expected later this year. However, it’s the successor to the 835 that has people talking. 

Snapdragon 1000: Made for PC 

The Snapdragon 1000 has some impressive specs being leaked. For one, it’s set to have 16 GB of RAM, which is impressive for a laptop chip. For another, it’ll be equipped with two 128 GB UFS Flash drives, and will support LTE on the chip. It seems Qualcomm is looking to beef up their processors considerably for Microsoft’s initiative. If the collaboration between the companies proves successful, this will be another blow to Intel.  

Intel famously missed the boat on smartphone processors. Whether through arrogance or short-sightedness is unclear, but the company certainly missed an opportunity. In their absence, Qualcomm made a name for themselves, packing their Snapdragon chips into Android phones. Now, the very company they allowed to prosper in the smartphone market is poised to muscle in to their territory. This news is all good for consumers, who stand to reap the benefits as competition heats up. Intel’s been dominant in the world of processors for far too long. A chance to see them up their game and drop their prices is certainly exciting.