EXCLUSIVE: ‘The on-device AI revolution is fundamental,’ says Qualcomm CFO – Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM)

At Benzinga “AI Unleashed: Exploring the Possibilities” virtual event on Thursday, Akash Palkhiwala, Qualcomm Inc‘S QCOM CFO and COO announced that the company will place greater emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) in devices.

This marks a significant shift for Qualcomm, traditionally known for wireless technology, as it expands its reach into advanced artificial intelligence for everyday devices.

Bringing artificial intelligence to your device

Palkhiwala explained how artificial intelligence, which often runs on cloud servers, is now being pushed directly to devices such as smartphones and computers. This change, known as on-device artificial intelligence, offers several benefits. “AI started in the cloud, but increasingly we will see many use cases where AI runs at the edge, on the device,” he said. Qualcomm aims to reduce costs, accelerate performance and improve data privacy by processing AI tasks directly on the device.

New artificial intelligence technology

A key part of Qualcomm’s strategy is its neural processing unit (NPU). This specialized chip is designed to efficiently handle AI tasks on the device itself. “The NPU is designed to run AI on the device in a very energy-efficient way,” Palkhiwala noted. This means devices can perform complex AI functions without quickly draining the battery.

Snapdragon X Elite Platform

During the event, Qualcomm introduced the elite Snapdragon X platform, bringing powerful AI capabilities to personal computers. “We are at a turning point in terms of the next generation of personal computers,” Palkhiwala said. This new platform delivers longer battery life, faster processing speeds, and support for a wide range of AI applications. The platform includes a 45-top NPU, making advanced AI features available on various types of devices.

Impact on the automotive industry

Qualcomm is also applying its AI technology to the automotive sector. Palkhiwala discussed how artificial intelligence is transforming cars, improving digital displays and supporting features such as autonomous driving.

“The automotive industry is undergoing digitalization and electrification,” he said. Qualcomm technology plays a key role in this transformation, helping to modernize vehicles with advanced digital systems.

What’s next?

Palkhiwala shared his vision for the future of artificial intelligence on devices, highlighting applications such as photographic memory, creative content generation and improved device performance. “The AI ​​revolution on devices is fundamental,” he said. Qualcomm’s advances are expected to improve devices ranging from smartphones to industrial machines.

Qualcomm’s decision to integrate artificial intelligence directly into devices marks a significant advancement in technology. As Palkhiwala said, “We are uniquely positioned to enable the next generation of AI use cases at the edge.”

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