By Godson Umejiego, Correspondent USA

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has announced the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ Developer Kit, which is designed to enable extended support for independent software vendors and application developers to test and optimize their applications for the growing ecosystem of devices powered by Snapdragon compute platforms. Built in collaboration with Microsoft, this Windows 10 on Arm-based developer kit is a cost-effective resource for developers to verify and validate their solutions to help ensure great user experiences for working, learning, and collaborating on Snapdragon-enabled Windows 10 PCs.

“We have a proud history of creating helpful developer tools in coordination with Microsoft, and the Snapdragon Developer Kit is the latest outcome of that collaboration,” said Senior Director, Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc, Miguel Nunes. “This developer kit provides an affordable alternative to other consumer and commercial devices. With the smaller desktop configuration, this kit gives developers more flexibility than notebook options, and at a lower price point. We remain committed to helping developers address requests from customers, while reducing the overall cost of deployment.”

Snapdragon Developer Kit

This is the latest collaboration between Qualcomm Technologies and Microsoft to strengthen resources for developers who are recompiling, optimizing, and testing applications for Windows 10 devices powered by Snapdragon compute platforms. In September 2020, Microsoft announced the expansion of its App Assure Program to Windows 10 on Arm PCs powered by Snapdragon compute platforms, as well as the optimization of Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Teams, and Visual Studio Code. The latest advancement in the coordinated support of independent software vendors and application developers was the December 2020 introduction of x64 emulation preview for Windows 10 PCs, to the Windows Insider Programme.

“We understand the importance of having a reliable development vehicle for developers to test their applications, which is why we have collaborated with Qualcomm Technologies for the Snapdragon Developer Kit. We look forward to seeing how developers take full advantage of the Snapdragon Developer Kit for their Windows 10 on Arm development needs.” said Windows Partner Group Programme Manager, Microsoft, Hari Pulapaka.

During the Qualcomm Snapdragon Compute: Scaling the Mobile Compute Ecosystem Virtual Announcement, Chief Product Officer of Zoom Video Communications, Inc. , Oded Gal stated the company’s commitment to releasing a new version of the video conferencing application, optimized for devices powered by Snapdragon compute platforms. Gal reinforced Zoom and Qualcomm Technologies’ belief that wireless technology and connectivity play a valuable role in connecting and collaborating.

“This summer, we’ll release a new version of Zoom that will enable the optimization for Snapdragon, delivering significantly longer battery life allowing Zoom to run longer than ever and allow users to connect from virtually anywhere,” said Gal. “Zoom is proud to work with Qualcomm Technologies to help businesses and students connect, communicate, and express their ideas so they can get more done together.”

Optimization of solutions like Zoom, paired with the leading efficiency of Snapdragon compute platforms, will enable customers to maintain productivity for longer than ever, and enrich the lives of users who rely on Snapdragon-enabled PCs and Chromebooks for learning, working, and entertainment.

The Snapdragon Developer Kit will be commercially available at The Microsoft Store this summer.

More information will be shared during Microsoft’s Build 2021 session, “What’s new for Windows desktop application developers”.