Qualcomm introduces a new naming structure for its Snapdragon brand
Snapdragon 835, 820, and 808—all three are mobile processors, right? If your answer is "Yes, of course!" Qualcomm might have something to say about it. In its latest blog entry, the company says that the term "processor" doesn't do the Snapdragon brand justice. To rectify this matter, it has introduced a new naming structure that specifically refers to Snapdragon as a mobile "platform."
While the name change may not elicit a reaction from most people, it makes a difference to Qualcomm. "Snapdragon is more than a single component ..." it argues. "It's an anthology of ... hardware, software and services that are not fully captured in a word like 'processor'". Qualcomm further argues that although a Snapdragon chipset indeed houses a CPU, GPU, DSP, and internal modem, there is more happening under the hood—or "around" it, in this case—such as Quick Charge, Wi-Fi, touch controllers, fingerprint technology, and a hi-res DAC which all work together to provide a smooth user experience. The company concludes that using the term "platform" will articulate to device manufacturers the full value its brand provides.
Qualcomm has further modified its naming structure to distinguish its low-end and high-end platforms. Flagship and high-end platforms will stay under the Snapdragon brand, while lower-end platforms and "high volume solutions" (such as the Snapdragon 200 line) now belong to the Qualcomm Mobile brand. Qualcomm believes this will make its products easier for consumers to understand.