Google Releases New Chrome For Windows Laptop With Qualcomm Snapdragon Processor

JAKARTA - Google has released a new version of Chrome for Windows laptops running the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. Both companies state that Chrome's version of Snapdragon shows a "Dramatic performance increase." This new Chrome variant is available for download starting March 26.

While there is already a Windows laptop running the Snapdragon that you can buy, this announcement has paved the way for upcoming devices running with the Snapdragon X Elite. Qualcomm says that the chip will far exceed the speed of the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3. But if you have a currently available computer running Snapdragon, the new Chrome for Snapdragon will work there too.

Google looks at the long history of the two companies working on Android, which lasts 16 years, as an advantage when Qualcomm tries to take the PC market share from Intel. "Our close cooperation with Qualcomm Technologies will help ensure that Chrome users get the best experience while browsing the Web on PCs compatible with current ARMs," said Google Senior Vice President, Hiroshi Lockheimer.

The Snapdragon X Elite PC was first scheduled to launch in the middle of this year. The chip is powered by 12 Oryon cores and has a CPU performance that Qualcomm claims twice that of Intel Core i7-1360P and the 13th generation i7-1355U while using 68 percent less power. The chip is based on a 4nm design fabricated by TSMC. The typical clock speed ranges from 3.8GHz to a dual-core peak of up to 4.3GHz.

Qualcomm even said most Windows games would run at nearly full speeds without the need to adjust the code or change assets.

Although Intel is a direct competitor to Qualcomm in Windows, Intel is also trying to match or go beyond what Apple has done with its M-silicon series. Qualcomm's challenge is to do that on different hardware from various companies something Apple doesn't need to worry about with its integrated model.