Qualcomm Adds Windows 8 Support To Dual/quad-Core Chips

Qualcomm has announced that it is collaborating with Microsoft on the next version of Windows. The coming line of Snapdragon MSM8960 processors with integrated 3G/LTE modems will be designed from the ground up to run Windows 8. Qualcomm will offer processors in dual-core and quad-core versions for mobile devices that have Windows under the hood. The processor will be optimized for performance, battery life, connectivity, and graphics prowess.

Qualcomm notes that the MSM8960 dual-core will start sampling this month and the quad-core APQ8064 is expected to start sampling in early 2012. The new family of Qualcomm processors was designed from the start to work with Windows 8. The MSM8960 is also the first dual-core solution that has an integrated 3G/LTE modem. The design will allow the processor to meet the multi-tasking needs of Windows 8 when it lands.

"Windows 8 will enable customers to have the flexibility, connectivity and power that they expect from Windows today with new, touch-only devices like tablets. This will require high-performing, low-power processors like those from Qualcomm, with features like 3G and 4G wireless wide area network (WWAN) connectivity," said Mike Angiulo, corporate vice president of Windows planning, hardware and PC ecosystem. "We collaborate with Qualcomm because Snapdragon-powered devices will help Windows 8 consumers experience more out of their Windows device and enable hardware manufacturers to try exciting new PC designs."