Qualcomm and Microsoft believe Windows on ARM through the Always on PC feature is the future of computing and mobile. The two companies announced the feature late last year and the first laptop with ARM chips are already announced. Today, Qualcomm and Microsoft announced which mobile carriers support Windows 10 Always on PC products.
At the moment the number of networks is limited to some of the biggest carriers in key markets. We expect more to be added in the future, but for now early support is provided by China Telecom in China, the only Asian offering so far.
In the United States, Sprint and the nation’s largest carrier, Verizon, are introducing Windows 10 Always on PC on their LTE networks. The largest network in the United Kingdom, EE, is also on board. Finally, Italy TIM will be providing its LTE network in Italy.
“The collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies has resulted in a new category for the PC – the Always Connected PC. It combines the connectivity and the simplicity of the smartphone with the power and creative capability of the Windows 10 PC, transforming how we work and play,” said Matt Barlow, corporate vice president, Windows and devices, Microsoft. “With the support of our mobile operator partners, consumers now have the opportunity to enjoy superfast connectivity over LTE networks at an affordable price, anytime and anywhere.”
The devices already available have come from Lenovo, Acer, and Asus. Xiaomi and Samsung are also expected to join the party soon. However, currently all announced products are laptops and/or convertibles.
Windows 10 for ARM on Smartphones
Microsoft particularly is banking on Windows 10 Always on PC ARM products to be released in the smartphone market. The company believes this is a way to entice users to have Windows on a mobile device.
Qualcomm is in less need of such a scenario considering it dominance in mobile. However, the chipmaker sees the collaboration with Microsoft as a way to get more of a presence in the PC market.
“We continually look for ways to redefine the mobile experience for customers, which is why we developed the Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile PC platform,” said Don McGuire, vice president, global product marketing, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “With the commitment of leading mobile operators worldwide, the Always Connected PC will offer consumers one of the most comprehensive mobile computing experiences, with always on connectivity of up-to Gigabit LTE speeds* and ‘beyond all-day’ battery life packaged into innovative, thin and light PC designs.”
