CES 2025: Qualcomm unveils new Aware cloud-based services platform, Snapdragon X AI PC SoCs

At CES 2025, Qualcomm has set the tech world abuzz with two ground-breaking innovations aimed at transforming how we compute and connect. The Snapdragon X Platform is designed to bring high-performance, AI-driven capabilities to more affordable laptops, while the upgraded Qualcomm Aware platform seeks to revolutionise industrial IoT with smarter, more efficient connected solutions. These announcements underscore Qualcomm’s commitment to making advanced technology accessible across a variety of industries.

The company’s focus on AI and connectivity highlights its forward-looking strategy, addressing both consumer and enterprise needs. With promises of enhanced efficiency, seamless functionality, and cost-effectiveness, Qualcomm’s latest offerings seem poised to make a significant impact in their respective domains.

Snapdragon X: AI for everyone

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Platform is a fresh addition to its X Series, aiming to make advanced computing accessible to budget-conscious users. Targeted at laptops in the £500–£600 range, the platform powers what Qualcomm calls “Copilot+ PCs.” These devices promise multi-day battery life, seamless performance, and a suite of AI-driven features tailored for tasks like web browsing, streaming, and light content creation.

At the heart of this innovation is Qualcomm’s 8-core Oryon CPU, supported by a 45 TOPS NPU designed to handle demanding AI tasks. According to Qualcomm, this combination delivers up to 163% better performance than comparable processors while consuming significantly less power. A power-efficient GPU complements the setup, ensuring these laptops are well-suited for everyday use without compromising on battery life.

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Qualcomm is also breaking new ground with mini desktop PCs powered by Snapdragon X, marking a first for the series. These compact devices are built to meet the needs of developers, businesses, and consumers looking for portable yet powerful computing solutions. With brands like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo already on board, these Copilot+ laptops and mini PCs are expected to hit the market in early 2025, offering a versatile mix of form factors for a wide range of users.

Qualcomm Aware: Revolutionising IoT

The Qualcomm Aware platform takes a giant leap forward in addressing the growing demands of the industrial Internet of Things (IoT). Originally designed for logistics, the platform now extends its reach across industries such as retail, energy, smart homes, and robotics. Qualcomm Aware provides businesses with tools to monitor, manage, and optimise connected devices, offering actionable insights that drive efficiency and innovation.

This horizontal IoT platform brings a variety of capabilities, including geolocation, fine indoor positioning, firmware updates, and device management. Qualcomm has enhanced its platform with better connectivity algorithms and a 65% reduction in power consumption compared to previous LTE modems. This makes it possible for businesses to efficiently manage fleets, track high-value inventory, and even prevent theft with smart alerts.

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Qualcomm Aware is already a robust system, supporting approximately 30 million active devices monthly and processing billions of transactions per day. With over 20 commercial customers and more than 100 successful trials, the platform is rapidly gaining traction. By integrating these capabilities directly into Qualcomm chipsets and third-party hardware, the company is simplifying the process for businesses to deploy intelligent, connected solutions.

AI Ecosystem for a connected future

Qualcomm’s innovations extend beyond individual devices, aiming to build a comprehensive AI ecosystem. On the consumer side, the Snapdragon X Platform is transforming laptops into AI-powered companions. These devices are expected to be particularly appealing to students, freelancers, and professionals who need reliable, cost-effective computing.

On the enterprise side, Qualcomm Aware is unlocking new possibilities for businesses. For example, retailers can track how often high-value inventory turns over, receive alerts for potential theft, and optimise stock management. Logistics companies can improve delivery efficiency and accuracy, while device manufacturers gain tools to troubleshoot and update their products remotely. These capabilities not only enhance productivity but also extend the lifespan of connected devices, reducing costs and waste.

Qualcomm’s Vision: Bridging innovation and affordability

Qualcomm’s dual focus on affordable AI-powered PCs and advanced IoT solutions reflects a broader ambition to lead the way in both consumer and industrial tech. By introducing the Snapdragon X Platform, the company is bringing high-performance computing to a wider audience, breaking down barriers that previously limited AI capabilities to premium devices. Meanwhile, the Aware platform is empowering industries to embrace smart technology with solutions tailored to their specific needs.

As CES 2025 unfolds, the real-world impact of these innovations will become clearer. However, Qualcomm’s commitment to accessible technology, efficient design, and user-centric solutions is evident. Whether it’s enabling students to access powerful laptops or helping businesses optimise their operations, Qualcomm is paving the way for a smarter, more connected future.