Qualcomm cancels Snapdragon X Elite Windows development kit for failing to meet standards
In May 2024, major semiconductor manufacturer Qualcomm
Qualcomm cancels Snapdragon Dev Kit, refunds all orders | Jeff Geerling
https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2024/qualcomm-cancels-snapdragon-dev-kit-refunds-all-orders
Qualcomm is canceling its Snapdragon X Elite mini PC
https://www.xda-developers.com/qualcomm-canceling-snapdragon-x-elite-mini-pc/
Qualcomm abruptly cancels Snapdragon X Elite dev kit — refunds customers for mini PC, ends sales and support for the device immediately | Tom's Hardware
https://www.tomshardware.com/desktops/mini-pcs/qualcomm-abruptly-cancels-snapdragon-x-elite-dev-kit-refunds-customers-for-mini-pc-ends-sales-and-support-for-the-device-immediately
The 'Snapdragon Dev Kit' was announced at an event on May 21, 2024, and is a development kit for developing Arm-native Windows applications. Since it is equipped with the Snapdragon X Elite on its SoC, it was expected that it could also be used to develop applications for AI PCs equipped with NPUs. In addition, at the time of writing, it was the only Snapdragon X-equipped mini PC, and was also unique in that it had its own SKU (Stock Keeping Unit).
The Snapdragon Dev Kit was originally scheduled to ship on June 21, but the shipment was delayed without any specific explanation. Software developer and gadget YouTuber Jeff Gehring received the device in late September.
Snapdragon X Elite Dev Kit: The CoPilot-est PC, tested - YouTube
When Goering tested the Snapdragon Dev Kit with a benchmark measurement tool, it ran at about 80W in Geekbench 6 and about 100W in Cinebench 2024, significantly exceeding the Snapdragon X Elite's nominal thermal design power (TDP) of 23W. However, compared to a regular Snapdragon X Elite-equipped laptop, the performance improvement was only about 10% in Geekbench 6 and about 28% in Cinebench 2024.
Some users, including Goering, had already received the Snapdragon Dev Kit. However, in an email on October 17, Qualcomm notified customers that it was canceling the Snapdragon Dev Kit.
In an email, Qualcomm said, 'Qualcomm is dedicated to pioneering cutting-edge technologies and delivering premium experiences to our valued customers. The launch of more than 30 Snapdragon X-series PCs is a testament to our ability to deliver cutting-edge technology and the PC industry's desire to transition to next-generation technologies. However, we regret to inform you that we have made the decision to indefinitely discontinue the product and support for this Developer Kit product (Snapdragon Dev Kit) because it does not comprehensively meet our general standards of excellence.'
Qualcomm has also promised to fully refund customers who paid $899 for the Snapdragon Dev Kit. Some users who have already received the product, like Goering, do not need to return it.
It is said that mini PCs equipped with the Snapdragon X series are scheduled to be released in the future, but they are expected to appear as OEM devices rather than made by Qualcomm.
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