'Keyboard will now become AI keyboard, pen an AI pen'
Mint Mumbai|February 13, 2024
Qualcomm Technologies is successfully transitioning from a communications-based to a connected-computing firm, said Alex Katouzian, senior vice-president and general manager of the US company's mobile, personal computing, voice, music, wearables, and extended reality (XR) business units.
Leslie DMonte
'Keyboard will now become AI keyboard, pen an AI pen'

In an interview last week, when visiting the company's India offices where Qualcomm has around 17,000 engineers, Katouzian shared his thoughts on the 5G ecosystem, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled personal computers (PCs), generative AI (GenAI) smartphones, XR devices, and the company's overall smart device strategy in India. Edited excerpts:

Has the 5G ecosystem matured sufficiently for users and enterprises?

The G transitions traditionally are about 10 years apart. We (Qualcomm) tried to push the market and the technology to speed up the G(s). We launched 5G towards the end of 2019.

A year later, it started to take off with data cards, following which phones helped it pick up momentum. Later, what helped was the embedded 5G capability in multiple devices and networks around the world-both private and public cellular networks; the movement m towards VRAN (virtualized radio access network); and competition between multiple vendors to provide the best solution. While 4G is still in existence, the numbers are larger than the 3G volumes. But if you have IoT (internet of things) devices at home or in the field, you would not want a generation minus one (older) technology if you're making sure it's going to last for 10 years. We have a roadmap to help transition 4G into 5G with even more aggressive type of capabilities. I anticipate 6G to start rolling out somewhere towards 2029.

How are 5G networks and devices now leveraging AI, GenAI and XR?

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MINT MUMBAIView all
Unregulated and volatile: Is crypto worth the gamble?
Mint Mumbai

Unregulated and volatile: Is crypto worth the gamble?

India’s crypto landscape is a complex mix of volatility, cybersecurity risks and regulatory gaps

time-read
3 mins  |
November 29, 2024
A 'dark' tour of Ukraine's war-ravaged cities
Mint Mumbai

A 'dark' tour of Ukraine's war-ravaged cities

Tour companies are offering thrill-seeking tourists packages to visit sights of tragic events, hoping to make money and raise awareness

time-read
2 mins  |
November 29, 2024
Shades of art and coffee
Mint Mumbai

Shades of art and coffee

A Mint guide to what's happening in and around your city

time-read
1 min  |
November 29, 2024
Mint Mumbai

AI effect: Business efficiency but puffed-out workers?

Upskill. Upgrade. Retrain. Reskill. Words that are sprinkled liberally in the business updates of many listed firms of India Inc. While companies have begun to boast of their fast-increasing count of workers skilled in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, for us employees, the quickened pace of upskilling seems to be a race. A race that many did not volunteer to participate in, but cannot afford to watch from the sidelines. It is ironical that AI, which is expected to ease business complexities, may end up exhausting employees being pushed to Upskill, Upgrade and Retrain.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 29, 2024
Here's how India can address the emerging scarcity of fresh water
Mint Mumbai

Here's how India can address the emerging scarcity of fresh water

It's time for the country to invest in future supplies through desalination plants that could be set up along our vast coastline

time-read
3 mins  |
November 29, 2024
It won't be easy for Bessent to fix US finances but he should
Mint Mumbai

It won't be easy for Bessent to fix US finances but he should

Trump's chosen Treasury secretary will face a daunting challenge

time-read
3 mins  |
November 29, 2024
India should consider a jobs-linked incentive scheme
Mint Mumbai

India should consider a jobs-linked incentive scheme

Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) data shows that around 12-13 million formal jobs are added every year. This is good news. On the other hand, data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy reveals an unemployment rate that has ranged from 7.2% to 9% this year.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 29, 2024
Small government: Back with a bang or whimper?
Mint Mumbai

Small government: Back with a bang or whimper?

Trump's push for a drastic scale-back of the American state could be a test case for others. Get it right, the economy booms. Get too radical, and big-bang reforms could backfire badly

time-read
2 mins  |
November 29, 2024
How to keep your FIRE alive: Smart financial planning tips
Mint Mumbai

How to keep your FIRE alive: Smart financial planning tips

Financial experts came together at the Mint Money Festival 2024 to discuss FIRE (financial independence, retire early), how to execute it, and things to look out for along the way.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 29, 2024
Mint Mumbai

Who doesn't love cash transfers but are these really the answer?

These schemes are easy to run and popular but do little to reduce the disadvantages women face

time-read
3 mins  |
November 29, 2024