- Intel and Qualcomm are shifting AI capabilities from data centres to the edge and smartphones, aiming to democratise AI access beyond major cloud platforms.
- Qualcomm introduced the “AI Hub” for developers, emphasizing AI capabilities on its Snapdragon platform, while Intel highlighted its edge platform’s widespread adoption for various AI technologies.
- Both companies seek to expand AI’s reach, seeing a future where on-device intelligence works alongside the cloud for enhanced personalisation, privacy, reliability, and efficiency.
Most AI investments have focused on running the technology within large data centres. Intel and Qualcomm aim to change this, promoting AI capabilities at the edge and on smartphones. Both companies unveiled new products in Barcelona, signalling a shift towards running AI outside data centres.
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AI should not be limited to cloud platforms
Their message is clear: AI should not be limited to cloud platforms like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google but should be accessible to network operators and everyday consumers directly. Intel’s Dan Rodriguez emphasised AI’s ubiquity, benefiting both Intel and Qualcomm as they push AI capabilities in their products.
Qualcomm highlighted its Snapdragon platform’s AI capabilities with the introduction of the “AI Hub” for developers, focusing on text, speech, and image-based AI applications. Qualcomm’s CEO Cristiano Amon sees the future of AI as a hybrid, with on-device intelligence working in tandem with the cloud for improved personalisation, privacy, reliability, and efficiency.
Additionally, Intel announced extensive use of its edge platform, enabling various AI technologies on its general-purpose servers without the need for expensive GPUs from vendors like Nvidia.
