MWC 2019: Qualcomm announces 5G chip for PCs, Wi-Fi chip for automobiles

Highlights: Qualcomm announces a 5G chip for PCs at MWC 2019 Lenovo to introduce a device with this chip by 2020 The San Diego-based company also announces a Wi-Fi chip for automobiles   As news pours in at a steady pace from the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, we get news of Qualcomm’s announcements on the first day. Qualcomm Technologies, a Qualcomm subsidiary, has launched the Snapdragon 8cx 5G compute platform, a 5G-enabled networking chip for PCs. According to the company, it will help PC manufacturers take advantage of of the global rollout of the much-awaited 5G network. It’s expected to be seen in  various types of laptops, including Thin and Light laptops. Qualcomm has also announced the Automotive Wi-Fi 6 chip, the QCA6696, for in-vehicle entertainment systems. “In collaboration with Qualcomm, we’re excited to be the first to deliver a 5G connected PC with the Snapdragon 8cx 5G compute platform in early 2020,” commented Johnson Jia, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Lenovo Intelligent Devices Group’s Consumer PCs and Smart Devices. What this means is that the very first of the computers to feature Qualcomm’s new 5G chip could well be a Lenovo laptop. Though there’s no exact model name mentioned in Qualcomm’s PR, we expect Lenovo’s first 5G computer to be a ThinkPad or IdeaPad laptop. Qualcomm’s Wi-Fi platform for automobiles, on the other hand, features dual Wi-Fi 6 multiple-input multiple output (MIMO) access points designed to support Gigabit in-car hotspot and to deliver Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the vehicle, supporting ultra-high definition (ultra-HD) video streaming on multiple displays, screen mirroring from compatible devices and wireless reverse cameras, as well as support for Bluetooth 5.1 and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive audio. Additionally, this setup can help the vehicle with functions like vehicle diagnostics and software updates. “As vehicle connectivity continues to advance from 4G to 5G, Wi-Fi 6 is an integral part of the connectivity evolution, as it enables seamless connections, across multiple devices, and in congested environments. The QCA6696 builds on our leadership in the automotive industry, proving yet again how we are in an unparalleled position to meet the demands of the industry,” said Nakul Duggal, the Senior Vice President of Product Management at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.   Related Read: All the foldable smartphones announced so far at MWC 2019

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