On the edge: Qualcomm prepares for next tech leap
5G

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Over the course of a recent two-day event, Qualcomm provided an update on everything wireless, from Wi-Fi to 5G and IoT to C-V2X, as well as the ecosystems that surround them. While the company principally focussed on technical content (specifically, wireless innovations aimed at improving coverage, capacity, connection quality and energy efficiency), there was also a more significant message about driving user experiences from the network edge. This signals a strategic shift for Qualcomm that comes with a number of implications. For mobile operators, for example, Qualcomm’s promise to provide 5G support for lower-tier processors could help operators increase the uptake of 5G devices beyond early adopters.
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