The Snapdragon Dev Kit launch from Qualcomm was similar to Apple’s strategy of introducing a developer kit, making it easier to transition apps between platforms. Unfortunately, the San Diego chipset maker has decided to cancel its mini PC, with the company confirming the update in an email sent to those who pre-ordered it. Fortunately, Qualcomm will offer full compensation for those who went through the effort of acquiring it, but the firm has not mentioned if it will proceed with a future launch.
Those who received the Snapdragon Dev Kit will get a complete refund and will not have to send it back to Qualcomm either
Despite being armed with a Snapdragon X Elite that could cross 100W of power when running intensive loads, XDA Developers reports that Qualcomm has decided not to sell the kit any longer. The following was sent in an email to those who have received their Snapdragon Dev Kit units, or those who had pre-ordered.
“At Qualcomm, we are dedicated to pioneering leading technology and delivering premium experiences to our valued customers. The launch of 30+ Snapdragon X-series powered PC's is a testament to our ability to deliver leading technology and the PC industry's desire to move to our next-generation technology. However, the Developer Kit product comprehensively has not met our usual standards of excellence and so we are reaching out to let you know that unfortunately we have made the decision to pause this product and the support of it, indefinitely.
Working with the developer community is a priority for Qualcomm. If you want to learn more about Windows on Snapdragon, please engage with us on Discord or head to our developer portal on Qualcomm.com. If you are ready to build your next gen AI PC application, visit the Qualcomm Device Cloud (QDC) today.”
A striking difference between the Snapdragon X Elite found in portable Windows machines and the Snapdragon Dev Kit was that Qualcomm developed a unique SKU with the designation X1E-00-1DE. This variant allowed the chipset’s clock speed to ramp up to 4.30GHz instead of the 4.20GHz limitation placed on other SKUs. Qualcomm may not have gone through with the launch of the Snapdragon Dev Kit, but its existence likely means that the company’s partners will unveil their mini PCs in the near future, and that is something we look forward to.
