- One of the chip’s most compelling features is its ability to perform robust AI functions directly on the device, circumventing the need for internet access.
- Users will be able to erase unwanted objects in videos, an enhancement that extends beyond previous capabilities limited to still photography.
Qualcomm has announced that its latest flagship GenAI processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite, will soon be integrated into smartphones from leading manufacturers including Samsung, Xiaomi, ASUS, OnePlus, Honor, and Oppo.
The initiative is part of Qualcomm’s strategy to rejuvenate smartphone sales, which have seen stagnation in recent years, by enhancing the capabilities of mobile devices primarily through the integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI).
The Snapdragon 8 Elite is positioned as a game-changing processor, equipped with advanced features that promise to enhance user experience and operational efficiency.
Notably, Qualcomm has introduced what it refers to as Prime Cores, designed for high-performance applications, alongside Performance Cores intended for lighter tasks.
Energy efficient
These developments are expected to yield significant improvements in energy efficiency, with promises of up to a 44 per cent reduction in energy consumption for the central processing unit (CPU) and a 40 per cent reduction for the graphics processing unit (GPU) compared to its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen. 3.
One of the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s most compelling features is its ability to perform robust AI functions directly on the device, circumventing the need for internet access. For instance, users will be able to erase unwanted objects in videos, an enhancement that extends beyond previous capabilities limited to still photography.
Additionally, the inclusion of a neural processing unit (NPU) enables users to engage with their environment more interactively, allowing for real-time queries about objects captured by the smartphone’s camera.
These innovations not only enhance the utility of mobile devices but also highlight Qualcomm’s commitment to making AI more accessible and practical for everyday use.
Challenges remain
However, despite these technological strides, the challenge remains for Qualcomm and other stakeholders in the mobile industry to stimulate consumer interest and drive sales.
While the integration of AI features is indeed impressive, there is a prevailing scepticism regarding the emergence of a “killer app” that would entice the masses to upgrade their devices. \
Many potential consumers remain hesitant, showing interest primarily in innovative marketing rather than in the actual necessity of AI functionalities.
“All of us are going to have an AI smartphones in the next five years. The problem will be waiting for use cases to emerge, something that also happened with the transition to smartphones,” Amon said.
The true test for Qualcomm will be whether it can facilitate the development of applications that fundamentally change the way users interact with their devices, thereby motivating them to invest in new technology.