Qualcomm Launches Platform for Low-cost 3G Internet Devices

• Posted: Thursday, November 13, 2008
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• Author: pradhana
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• Filed under: 3G dan 4G, Qualcomm

By Lynnette Luna

Qualcomm introduced a low-cost computing platform called Kayak designed to bring Internet-enabled devices to developing countries.

Based on Qualcomm's dual-core MSM7 series chipsets, Kayak aims to take advantage of the 3G networks that are deployed throughout much of the world to offer devices that have the computing power to browse the Internet but are cheaper than PCs or laptops. Eventually, the design could also include Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipsets, which offer both GSM-based and CDMA-based 3G technologies.

Qualcomm will offer the platform and recommended software applications to device manufacturers. Taiwan's Inventec is making products based on the design and they will be tested early next year over CDMA networks in Southeast Asia. Qualcomm said devices that use the Kayak could plug into televisions, computer monitors or include their own built-in displays. Qualcomm expects devices based on the Kayak to sell for less than $400 when bundled with 3G service.

Qualcomm also announced its Snapdragon chipset, which is optimized for mobile computing and mobile Internet devices, is currently being used in some 30 devices that are in development. The first devices should be released in the first half of 2009.

Qualcomm said some of the companies it is currently working with to develop Snapdragon devices include handset makers HTC, LG and Samsung. The chipset will allow handsets to run on Windows Mobile, Google's Android platform and some Linux-based operating systems.

"Many of the customers we are now working with are new to Qualcomm and are looking to Snapdragon to help them succeed in the mobile space," said senior vice president of marketing and product management for Qualcomm CDMA Technologies. [FierceBroadbandWireless]

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