Qualcomm has announced the launch of two new features that can be used by smartphones, tablets, and other devices with its new Snapdragon 800 processor inside. First, Qualcomm introduced QuickCharge 2.0, an improved version of its rapid charging technology that will allow devices to power up 75% faster than devices without QuickCharge.
The technology is built into its Snapdragon 800 processors and is available to handset makers as an integrated circuit or as a separate USB module. According to Qualcomm, it is also working with manufacturers of charging devices to add QuickCharge to wall chargers. These will be able to deliver the equivalent of 60 watts of charge, while only drawing 10 watts from the outlet. Qualcomm doesn’t expect Quick Charge 2.0 to reach smartphones and chargers until early 2014. Qualcomm also today shared information about Voice Activation for Android devices.
Qualcomm calls Voice Activation an “integrated always-on, low-power listening feature.” The feature will allow smartphone owners to say something like “Hey, Snapdragon!” to wake their devices from sleep and jump into a specific app or service.
Voice Activation was designed into Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 800 processors and should be available on devices by the middle of 2013.
