Qualcomm steals the spotlight from Intel and AMD in Microsoft’s AI PCs

Chipmaker Qualcomm is gaining ground in the AI PC sector, as highlighted by Microsoft’s recent introduction of Surface PCs and tablets featuring Snapdragon processors from Qualcomm. This move marks a departure from Microsoft’s usual chip partners, namely Intel and AMD. The new Copilot + PCs running on Windows 11 were touted as the most powerful Windows PCs ever built by Microsoft’s chief marketing officer Yusuf Mehdi.

Qualcomm’s efforts to advance AI PCs have been highlighted on its recent earnings call, where it discussed designing chips based on Arm Holdings’ processor designs. This strategy allows Qualcomm to offer chips with superior energy efficiency, a key attribute for AI workloads. In comparison, Intel is gearing up to release its next-generation PC AI chip, Lunar Lake, in the third quarter to compete in the AI PC market.

The involvement of major chip CEOs, including Qualcomm’s Cristiano Amon, Intel’s Pat Gelsinger, and AMD’s Lisa Su, in Microsoft’s PC briefing signifies the importance of AI in the PC ecosystem. Qualcomm’s Arm-based chips are praised for their thermal efficiency, longer battery life, and suitability for AI workloads, potentially shaking up the dominance of Intel and AMD in the PC market.

The push towards AI PCs signifies a shift in the industry, with Qualcomm strategically positioning itself to cater to the growing demand for energy-efficient chips capable of handling AI tasks. While it remains to be seen whether Qualcomm can challenge Intel’s market dominance, the competition between chipmakers is expected to inject new dynamics into the PC market.

In conclusion, Qualcomm’s foray into AI PCs with its Snapdragon processors signifies a significant development in the industry, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and addressing the evolving needs of PC users in the era of artificial intelligence. The competition between Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD in the AI PC space promises to drive further advancements and offer consumers a wider range of choices in the PC market.

Article Source
https://www.morningstar.com/news/marketwatch/20240525261/intel-and-amd-take-a-backseat-as-qualcomm-plays-starring-role-in-microsofts-ai-pcs