Qualcomm reveals first 64-bit mobile processor

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Qualcomm has revealed its first 64-bit mobile processor, and it won’t be coming to a smartphone near you in the immediate future.

The so-called Snapdragon 410 is being targeted, not at high-end smartphones here in the west, but at affordable handsets in the rapidly emerging eastern market. Yep, China’s going to get this 64-bit chip first.

It seems as if the biggest feature of the Snapdragon 410 will be its integrated '4G LTE World Mode,' which will enable it to operate on China’s new 4G network, as well as any other 4G network around the globe.

The Snapdragon 410 is built using a 28nm process, and incorporates the new Adreno 306 GPU. The latter will enable 1080p video playback and up to 13-megapixel cameras in low-end devices.

Widespread 4G connectivity appears to be the thrust of Qualcomm’s message, and it’s notable that the new chip is being described merely as "64-bit capable." With all but one mobile OS (Apple’s iOS 7) operating on a 32-bit architecture, the new Qualcomm chip can’t fulfil its potential just yet.

As Qualcomm’s senior vice president and chief operating officer Jeff Lorbeck says, "the Snapdragon 410 chipset will also be the first of many 64-bit capable processors as Qualcomm Technologies helps lead the transition of the mobile ecosystem to 64-bit processing."

Qualcomm is evidently launching its 64-bit chip architecture ahead of the release of a 64-bit Android OS in a bid to become the default choice for a whole new generation of smart devices.

Back in October, one Qualcomm executive made the mistake of dismissing Apple’s pioneering jump into 64-bit mobile computing as a "marketing gimmick." He was promptly removed from his position, and it’s now easy to see why.

The Snapdragon 410 CPU will make its way to consumer devices in the second half of 2014.

Next, read: What is 64-bit? iPhone 5S A7 chip explained

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Apple patent reveals fingerprint scanner with advanced NFC for iPhone 5S

The iPhone 5 will not include only one fingerprint scanner but NFC technology inside the home button.

According to a patent Apple recently paved, the home button of the iPhone 5 will be the next featured feature Apple flagship.

The patent, discovered by PatentlyApple says that the next iPhone will feature a fingerprint scanner inside the home key, format using a 2D array of electrodues to capture fingerprints.

If the patent is correct, the home button of the iPhone 5 will have a metal ring around it, which will help to differentiate it from the iPhone 5, but will also contain the electrodes to scan fingerprints.

Last week, an image of the button 5S iPhone leaked that points to an inclusion of fingerprint reader, and had the same outer metal ring mentioned in the patent. The report said that "flex cable sensors withstand a significantly different design than the iPhone home button 5."

Previous reports supports the voices of a fingerprint scanner as well. Earlier this month, it has been suggested that the iPhone 5 will feature a home button convex tempered with fingerprint scanner, made from Sapphire Crystal. The material is beaten only in Diamond's hardness scale, and is already used in iPhone 5 camera back then would be a sensible choice and material for the iPhone 5 seconds.

However, the most recent patent claims that fingerprint scanner will be accompanied by the advance NFC technology. The button would have a double function of fingerprint scanning and NFC connectivity through a combination of optical structures and the electrodes.

The home key to improved fingerprint scanner/NFC may also be used in docking system outlined by another part of the patent, which pairs using NFC when the iPhone 5S is splined inside of it.

The 5S iPhone should launch the Apple event tomorrow, 10 September, which starts at 18 UK time.

Next, read our roundup of iPhone 5 c ahead of tomorrow's event.

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