EXCLUSIVE: 'On-Device AI Revolution Is Fundamental,' Says Qualcomm CFO

At Benzinga's “AI Unleashed: Exploring the Possibilities” virtual event on Thursday, Akash Palkhiwala, Qualcomm Inc‘s QCOM chief financial officer and chief operations officer, announced the company's new emphasis on on-device artificial intelligence (AI).

This marks a considerable shift for Qualcomm, traditionally known for its wireless technology, as it expands its reach into advanced AI for everyday devices.

Bringing AI To The Device

Palkhiwala explained how AI, which often runs on cloud servers, is now being moved directly onto devices like smartphones and computers. This shift, known as on-device AI, offers several benefits. "AI started off in the cloud, but increasingly, we're going to see a lot of use cases where AI happens on the edge, in the device," he said. Qualcomm aims to reduce costs, speed up performance, and improve data privacy by processing AI tasks directly on the device.

New AI Technology

A crucial part of Qualcomm's strategy is the neural processing unit (NPU). This specialized chip is designed to handle AI tasks efficiently on the device itself. "The NPU is dedicated to running AI on the device in a very power-efficient manner," Palkhiwala noted. This means devices can perform complex AI functions without draining the battery quickly.

The Snapdragon X Elite Platform

During the event, Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon X elite platform, bringing powerful AI capabilities to personal computers. "We're at an inflection point with a new generation of PC devices," Palkhiwala said. This new platform promises longer battery life, faster processing speeds, and support for a wide range of AI applications. The platform includes a 45-top NPU, making advanced AI features accessible across different types of devices.

Impact on the Automotive Industry

Qualcomm is also applying its AI technology to the automotive sector. Palkhiwala discussed how AI transforms cars, enhances digital displays, and supports features like autonomous driving.

“The automotive industry is going through digitization and electrification,” he said. Qualcomm’s technology plays a crucial role in this transformation, helping to modernize vehicles with advanced digital systems.

What’s Next?

Palkhiwala shared his vision for the future of on-device AI, highlighting applications such as photographic memory, creative content generation, and improved device efficiency. "The on-device AI revolution is fundamental," he said. Qualcomm's advancements are expected to enhance various devices, from smartphones to industrial machines.

Qualcomm's move to integrate AI directly into devices marks a major development in technology. As Palkhiwala said, "We're uniquely positioned to drive the next generation of AI use cases in edge devices."

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