Microsoft and Qualcomm are working together to bring Windows 10 on ARM-based PCs. Recently, Qualcomm revealed that Lenovo, HP and Asus are their partners to sell the Windows 10 ARM PCs. Back in December, it was revealed that Redmond giant and chipmaker Qualcomm were working to launch a new range of Snapdragon-powered Windows 10 PCs that run Win32 applications. “Windows 10 powered by Snapdragon processors will offer the same apps and features as Windows 10 on tablets, notebooks, laptops, and PCs. Devices will run Universal Windows Platform (UWP) and Win32 apps through emulation,” Qualcomm said.
‘Always Connected Devices’ will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processor and it will run Windows 10. Microsoft recently revealed that the Always Connected Windows 10 devices from Lenovo, HP and Asus will be powered by Snapdragon 835 processor. “These new devices will feature Windows, always-on LTE connectivity and great battery life,” Microsoft said.
While the emulation is not a new technology, Intel may be planning to sue Qualcomm. Intel recently made it clear that if the companies (Microsoft and Qualcomm)Â try to emulate Intel’s proprietary x86 ISA without the permission would face legal problems. On the other hand, Microsoft and Qualcomm are still trying to get Windows 10 on ARM ready before the year ends.
Microsoft promised to launch the Windows 10 ARM PCs by end of this year. A spokesperson has now confirmed that Microsoft and Qualcomm are still on track with Windows 10 ARM-based devices. “We are on track to see Windows 10 on Snapdragon devices become available this year as previously shared. Microsoft and Qualcomm continue to work closely with our OEM partners ASUS, HP and Lenovo in bringing Always Connected devices featuring always-on LTE connectivity and great battery life to market,” a Microsoft spokesperson said.
As we noted above, Qualcomm recently revealed that Lenovo, HP and Asus are their partners but it seems Lenovo will launch the first range of ‘Always Connected Devices” in 2018. Although there’s no confirmation from HP and Asus side, however, we still expect a device from them as Microsoft has already confirmed that they are on track with Windows 10 ARM devices.
“Lenovo’s plans regarding ‘Always Connected PC’ devices remain on track with expected arrival early in 2018. There was some speculation after Qualcomm announced their OEM partners, including Lenovo, that Lenovo would be the first to market. We have never made this claim and we are on track for a scheduled announce early in 2018,” a Lenovo spokesperson said.
