Qualcomm is expanding its already formidable lineup of next-gen S4 mobile chips.
According to Qualcomm exec Cristiano Amon, the new processors will facilitate the rapid introduction of S4-based smartphones and tablets by helping to lower costs associated with design, engineering and inventory.
To be sure, the enhanced S4 processors are optimized (on both a software and hardware level) for multimedia, connectivity, camera, display, security, power management, browsing and natural user interface designs.
Snapdragon MSM S4 chips also include Qualcomm’s wireless modem technologies – supporting EV-DO, HSPA+, TD-SCDMA, LTE FDD, LTE TDD and Wi-Fi standards.
“The Krait CPU is an essential part of the Snapdragon S4 class of processors,” said Amon.
“[It] is the next generation of Qualcomm’s micro architecture and is purpose-built from the ground up for significant mobile performance and power management advantages leading to enhanced user experience and better battery life.”
Devices based on S4 processors are expected to appear in early 2012, alongside a slew of console-quality games for Snapdragon-powered mobile devices, including “The Ball” from Tripwire Interactive, “Fight Game Heroes” from Khaeon Gamestudio and “Galaga Special Edition,” from Namco Bandai Games.
Qualcomm Snapdragon processors are classified by the S1, S2, S3 and S4 generations of products. The S1 class is designated for entry-level smartphones; the S2 class for high-performance smartphones and tablets; the S3 class for multi-tasking and advanced gaming; and the S4 class for next-gen devices.
