Qualcomm Technologies Inc. announced this Tuesday that Snapdragon 210 processors will support Android Things later this year. Google’s IoT operating system debuted late last year and it will be previewed at the Mobile World Congress next week.
The news comes ahead of the Barcelona-based event, where tech giants from all over the world will meet and share their latest products and solutions. Nokia, Motorola, Sony and others will showcase new smartphones at the Congress.
Both Qualcomm and Intel have announced new LTE modems for smartphones, which will significantly enhance download speeds in future devices. The rivals are getting ready for 5G networks to become an industry standard.
Qualcomm and Google bet the IoT will be the next big thing
While already fairly popular in the developed world, the Internet of Things is set to become even more widespread in the next couple of years. Qualcomm and Google want to be ready when that happens.
For that reason, Alphabet’s main subsidiary unveiled Android Things late last year. The new operating system was designed with connected devices in mind, and it will provide a dedicated infrastructure for smart homes and environments.
Qualcomm pledged support to the platform almost immediately, saying back in December it would collaborate with Google to make the OS a new industry breakthrough. Android Things is focused primarily on functionality, security, and open access to developers.
A new IoT platform that tackles these issues is not only important to developers looking to diversify, but also to unknowing users who might be vulnerable to threats. Not to mention the privacy and security implications of having unprotected devices laying around.
Malware like Mirai harnesses the power of connected devices to create botnets and launch powerful DDoS attacks capable of taking down even the most robust sites on the web.
Snapdragon 210 will bring Android Things to the mainstream soon
Jeffrey Torrance, VP of Business Development at Qualcomm, said the next-generation of Snapdragon 210 processors will bring about an exciting opportunity for manufacturers and coders alike.
“DEVELOPERS ARE NOW ABLE TO CREATE COST-EFFECTIVE, INNOVATIVE CONNECTED DEVICES AND APPLICATIONS FOR BOTH CONSUMER AND INDUSTRIAL IOT SEGMENTS,” said the executive.
The chip will be paired with the company’s X5 LTE modems, capable of supporting 4G LTE networks on devices carrying it. Such Android Things will also be able to play full HD video and pack cameras of up to 8 MP.
Qualcomm will demonstrate Android Things running on Snapdragon 210 at the Mobile World Congress from February 27 to March 2 in Barcelona, Spain.
Source: Qualcomm