Microsoft and Qualcomm just announced at the WinHEC (Windows Hardware Engineering Community) event in Shenzhen, China that Windows 10 is coming to the next-generation of Snapdragon mobile processors, years after it failed to bring Windows to ARM chips in the form of Windows RT with Surface with Windows RT and Nokia Lumia 2520.
“Hardware partners will be able to build a range of new Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows 10 PCs that run x86 Win32 and universal Windows apps, including Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office and popular Windows games,” said Microsoft.
It also showed a preview of Windows 10 (Enterprise edition) running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon Processor at the event.
Microsoft said that it is looking forward to seeing these new devices with integrated cellular connectivity and experiences like touch, pen and Windows Hello.
The first PCs running Windows 10 based on Snapdragon processors are expected to be available as early as next year.
Commenting on the new partnership, Terry Myerson, executive vice president of the Windows and Devices Group at Microsoft, said:
We are excited to bring Windows 10 to the ARM ecosystem with Qualcomm Technologies.We continue to look for ways to empower our customers to create wherever they are. Bringing Windows 10 to life with a range of thin, light, power-efficient and always-connected devices, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon platform, is the next step in delivering the innovations our customers love – touch, pen, Windows Hello, and more – anytime, anywhere.
Cristiano Amon, executive vice president, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., and president, QCT, said:
Qualcomm Snapdragon processors offer one of the world’s most advanced mobile computing features, including Gigabit LTE connectivity, advanced multimedia support, machine learning and superior hardware security features, all while supporting thin, fan-less designs and long battery life. With compatibility with the Windows 10 ecosystem, the Qualcomm Snapdragon platform is expected to support mobility to cloud computing and redefine how people will use their compute devices.