The launch of Always Connected PCs powered by Windows 10 and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon ARM processors was a serious threat to Intel’s chip business. Not too long ago, the company launched its own Always Connected PCs powered by its classic Core processors and XMM modems.
At Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this week, Intel is taking things a step further with the announcement of new 5G-connected Windows 10 PCs. The chip maker is partnering with Microsoft, Dell, Lenovo, and HP to bring 5G connectivity to Windows 10 PCs. The mention of Microsoft here is particularly interesting, as it could be hinting at a potential new Surface Pro with 5G connectivity capabilities. Either way, these “high performing 5G-connected” PCs powered by the company’s XMM 8000 series of commercial 5G modems will be available in the second half of next year.
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Intel is showing off a prototype 2-in-1 detachable device powered by an early version of its 5G modem and its 8th gen Core i5 processors at MWC. The company is betting big on these 5G-connected PCs, though details are arguably scarce at the moment. “5G is not just another generation of wireless connectivity. It promises new opportunities for technology innovation across the computing and connectivity landscape from the cloud, to the network and the client,” the company said in a press release.
Battery life will be a crucial factor for these new 5G-connected Windows 10 PCs. Most Always Connected PCs are capable of providing up to 20 hours of battery life thanks to Qualcomm’s ARM processors and Windows 10 S, and it will be interesting to see how these upcoming 5G-connected PCs stack up against them. By the time these new PCs launch, though, Qualcomm and its partners could introduce next-gen Always Connected PCs powered by the new Snapdragon 845 processor with improved performance and battery life. The fight for the next-gen of PCs has started, and it’s about to get a lot more interesting.
shameermulji
<blockquote><a href="#247773"><em>In reply to ghostrider:</em></a></blockquote><p>"but this does mean people are going to have to buy extra 'mobile' data contracts for these devices,"</p><p><br></p><p>Of course.</p>
Stooks
<blockquote><a href="#247909"><em>In reply to MutualCore:</em></a></blockquote><p>At my company 300 or so sales people all use LTE iPad's. In fact we just started a refresh for them this week. Replacing 4 year old models with the new 10.5 Pro version with LTE. They have iPhones as well. </p><p><br></p><p>They got rid of their Windows laptops when they got the first round of iPad's 4 years ago.</p>
skane2600
<p>"Most Always Connected PCs are capable of providing up to 20 hours of battery life"</p><p><br></p><p>Why don't we wait until these PCs are actually in production and available before repeating the marketing claims? </p><p><br></p><p>I don't know if there's really a big market for these kind of devices but I suspect that real Windows might be more of a selling point than a few extra hours of battery life (if in fact the ARM devices actually deliver).</p>
Stooks
<blockquote><a href="#247785"><em>In reply to PeteB:</em></a></blockquote><p>This. I honestly think it was NEVER going anywhere but with a non-emulated Intel option it definitely won't.</p>
Stooks
<blockquote><a href="#247906"><em>In reply to MutualCore:</em></a></blockquote><p>Hmmmm. </p><p><br></p><p>My 15inch MacBook Pro goes all work day and then some. Let's call it 8-10 hours. I was at a remote site today in a computer for 8 hours, used my MacBook the entire time. I never plugged it in. I got home and plugged it in and it said 42%. It is i7 with 4 real cores plus hyper threading. Hardly the battery sipping U versions that are dual core. Plus is has dual graphics, Intel and AMD. I doubt what I was doing today ever kicked the faster GPU into play.</p><p><br></p><p>Throw in a the lower power dual core type U type CPU's with Intel graphics and this new modem and push out battery life to 15+ hours.</p><p><br></p><p>I would gladly use a 12-15 hour battery life always on Intel computer that NEVER has to use emulation and can run any Windows software vs a 20 hour (let see some tests) ARM based computer that has NO native software and can run only some 32bit Windows software in emulation mode….aka slow mode.</p>
skane2600
<blockquote><a href="#247906"><em>In reply to MutualCore:</em></a></blockquote><p>Certainly the high-end Qualcomm CPUs that will be used in Windows "always on" PCs aren't going to be low power as much as the average ARM device.</p>