A Few Windows 10 on Snapdragon Questions, Answered (Premium)

Everyone is understandably excited about the first Windows 10 on ARM PCs. But we have questions. Today, I got a few answers.

Here we go.

I heard that the Snapdragon 835 is different from the one we see today in mobile phones. Is that true?

Yes. It's a different revision of the chipset that has been optimized for PCs. This means a higher clock speed, different integrated Wi-Fi capabilities, and a few other small differences.

Qualcomm just announced the Snapdragon 845. Why are PCs getting the old 835?

It's a combination of factors, including timing---Microsoft and Qualcomm arranged for this partnership before the 845 was fully baked---and the slower development life cycles we see in the PC space.

Will we get the 845 on PCs?

Yes. Wave 2 PCs will feature the Snapdragon 845.

When? 2019?

No, this will happen in 2018. And Qualcomm is working to synchronize the development timelines for mobile and PC chips moving forward. So eventually, they will announce both chips at once.

Do Always Connected PCs have to include Windows 10 S?'

No. The reason we're seeing Windows 10 S on the first wave devices is that this OS is less expensive than Windows 10 Home, Pro, or Enterprise. And Microsoft is obviously pressuring PC makers to use it. But it's not a requirement. Other Always Connected PCs will use Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise too.

Can you upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for free?

Yes, if you buy a Snapdragon-powered Windows 10 PC in the next year, you can upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for free. Everyone's expectation is that this free offer will just continue until and unless Windows 10 S actually becomes viable.

Can Windows 10 S on ARM run x86 apps?

No, unless they're built into Windows. Otherwise, you have to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro. When you do, you can install and run apps like Chrome, iTunes, Photoshop, and the like.

Will we see desktop PCs based on ARM?

That's not on the roadmap. Today, these PCs are all Always Connected PCs that share many attributes with other mobile devices.

What about other form factors? Are these things going to be just laptops?

Qualcomm says we can expect a diverse lineup of form factors, but they are cagey about the timing. I'd say CES is the obvious time for announcements, but maybe Mobile World Congress (February) too. Expect some truly weird and interesting stuff, over time.