Get ready for the next stop: 5G!
Two years and more to go, but the world's first 5G phone chip is unveiled -- by Qualcomm.
Last week at a summit in Hong Kong, the world's largest maker of mobile phone processors, Qualcomm, demonstrated the first -ever 5G data connection made by a single chip - the Snapdragon X50 5G. The chip is capable of download speeds of up to 5 gigabits per second -- 5 times faster than the fastest 4G we enjoy today. Now, thanks to this 5G modem anyone looking to deploy a 5G wireless product has a ready-made solution.
The switch from 3G to 4G resulted in smart phones offering higher data speeds, higher call quality, fewer call drops, and enhanced multimedia. Having the ability to utilize the band of spectrum between 30 GHz and 300 GHz (popularly known as millimeter wave), the 5G spectrum is wedged between microwave and infrared frequencies, allowing even higher data speeds, better reliability and faster connectivity. This also means a smaller, low power multiple antenna system built into the device.
The stimulus for all this is Internet of Things (IoT) -- buzzword for a collection of devices or 'things' connecting to your smart phone wirelessly. From your air purifier to your home lighting to your car music, everything is 'connected' these days, and can be centrally controlled by your smart phone. With more and more devices expected to go wireless in the months to come, your smartphone has to gear up and ensure that these connections are fast, more efficient. Hence 5G.
Mobile applications increasingly use augmented reality and virtual reality to give users, a near real-life feel to things. These are power guzzlers-- so Qualcomm's 5G chip has been designed with power management as the focal point, so that lesser heating, lower power, maximum energy is available. Technologies like Quick Charge today will be further enhanced on 5G handsets.
The possibilities will 5G are endless, from local government tasks smart lighting, smart utility metering and general road safety enhancements; as well as a full slate of home automation tasks...while your car dashboard transforms into a personal and professional computing monitor. All aboard for 5G!
—IndiaTechOnline