The Microsoft and Qualcomm Always Connected PC Connects At MWC

Microsoft and Qualcomm advance on the Always Connected PC platform with a series of new announcements at the Mobile World Congress (MWC). Before and during CES, Microsoft and Qualcomm announced a series of mobile PCs running Windows processors on Snapdragon 835 (SD835). Disappeared from those ads were the distribution channel and a complete list of cellular operators (mobile operators).

Microsoft and Qualcomm announced three OEM partners, each with an initial PC model always connected: the ASUS NovaGo (convertible 2 in 1), the detachable HP ENVY x2 and the Lenovo Miix 630 (removable 2 in 1).

All three models will be available online at Amazon and at Microsoft Stores in the US. UU Next month. In the United Kingdom, the models will be seen in Asus stores, BT Shop, John Lewis, Microsoft Stores and PC World. In China, JD.com is the announced etailer. Unieuro will offer PCs in Italy; Boulanger and Fnac in France.

A requirement for the always connected PC will be the affordable data plans of mobile operators around the world.

While we now know the key operators that support the Always Connected PC, although a good model could be Apple iPads with modems, we do not have a history of the data usage habits of PC users Always Connected.

Why use a Qualcomm chip?

The SD835 is the system on chip (SoC) used in the main Android smartphones. Running Windows on Arm-based SoCs can reduce power and reduce system costs, allowing thinner laptops to have longer battery life. In addition, the SD835 has a built-in cellular modem that allows these laptops to connect to cellular services in addition to WiFi and Bluetooth. As seen in the artist's rendering of a PC always connected, the SD835 mounts behind the screen (like a smartphone) to keep the chip close to the antenna. The highly integrated chip leaves more space for the battery and reduces the power requirements. This level of integration is not possible with AMD or Intel chips. They also do not have integrated wireless modems.

Microsoft also used Qualcomm chips for Windows Mobile phones. Microsoft previously used Arm processors in an earlier version of Surface tablets (SurfaceRT and Surface 2 used NVIDIA Tegra processors), but these tablets lacked compatibility with legacy desktop applications; it only supported Microsoft Office applications and portable UWP applications from the universal Windows platform. . I owned and used both SurfaceRT and Surface 2 and found the performance acceptable for an ultraportable tablet with excellent battery life. The problem for me, and many others, was the inability to install the normal desktop applications I use, such as iTunes, Audacity, Chrome browser, etc.

With the Always Connected PC, Microsoft and Qualcomm found a way to run traditional Windows desktop applications by using software that emulates x86 processors (AMD and Intel) in the Arm instruction set used by the SoC mobile phone. Intel was worried enough to make threatening comments in a blog post about emulating x86 instructions.

Who will be the PC buyer always connected?

Prospective prospective buyers will be people who value battery life throughout the day, ubiquitous connectivity and light weight. These are the best types of road warriors. Most of these people will be experienced PC buyers who will value a PC that has the connectivity features of a smartphone. These people will also appreciate the ability to access the Windows ecosystem, including desktop programs. While this first wave of designs will not yet attract everyone, all three models have a moderate price of less than $ 1,000, but they are not Netbook replacements. They are more competition for the Apple iPad Pro line.

For people who want to get a "one-on-one" time with a unit, before committing, all three models will be in Microsoft stores in the US. UU., The United Kingdom and Australia. It is likely that Amazon has it in the company's "Treasure Truck". The other place to watch the Always Connected PC models before purchase will be at PC World in the UK.

TIRIAS Research is eager to see how well the Always Connected PC performs and is adopted. Microsoft and Qualcomm are committed to bringing new levels of connectivity to the PC and creating an even better platform for productivity wherever people want to go. In the long term, this new category will offer a new opportunity in emerging markets, where computers are being replaced by smartphones at a faster rate than in the rest of the world. Emerging markets do not have a robust WiFi ecosystem and cellular connectivity can solve many problems. However, Microsoft, Qualcomm and its OEM partners must find the right price point and service plans to address the emerging market opportunity.

The author and staff members of TIRIAS Research do not have equity positions in any of the companies mentioned. TIRIAS Research tracks and advises companies throughout the electronic ecosystem, from semiconductors to systems and sensors to the cloud.