Windows 10 PC go ‘Always Connected’ as PC partners look to build Qualcomm Snapdragon powered devices

A lot was dished out at Microsoft’s WinHEC conference in Shenzen, China this evening. Several Microsoft executives took the stage to lay out the foundation of the company’s partnering strategies for next year as well as delight the audience with a few teasers of technology coming to devices via software additions.

Terry Myerson, the executive vice president of the Windows and Devices Group, was joined on stage by executives from both Intel and Qualcomm to make the announcement of a new wave of modern devices planned for 2017.

“I feel energized to be among this community of hardware engineering creators at WinHEC, who are building the next generation of modern, secure PCs that support innovative mixed-reality, gaming and mobile experiences,” Myerson said. “With the Windows 10 Creators Update and our partnerships with Qualcomm and Intel, we can build technology that serves all of us by ensuring there are devices for the creator in each of us.”

Perhaps one of the biggest announcements coming out of WinHEC 2016 is the long awaited news of full Windows 10 working on an ARM processor.

As we’ve learned via various Twitter responses from those in attendance, Microsoft and Qualcomm provided a rather impressive demonstration of Windows 10 running (smoothly) on a Snapdragon processor. The addition of ARM to Microsoft’s arsenal will help the company as well as its partners provide a new wave of ‘Always Connected’ cellular-enabled devices.

Furthermore,

“In future Windows 10 updates, Microsoft will enable connectivity that is always within reach. Customers will be able to easily buy data directly from the Windows Store and be in control of how they use Wi-Fi and cellular networks, consume data, and manage costs. Partners will be able to build always-connected devices without hindering form-factor design.  Specifically, partners can take advantage of eSIM technology to build devices without an exposed SIM slot, making it easier for people to activate a data plan right on their device.”

It seems Microsoft is developing Windows 10 into a one-stop-shop for its customers. In addition to the promise of buying data straight from the Microsoft Store, these new Snapdragon-powered devices could lead the way for the company’s planned return to mobile now. With Windows 10 running on ARM, it shouldn’t be too much time before the famed Surface Phone makes its great awaited appearance.

Further reading: ARM, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Snapdragon, Windows 10, WinHEC 2016