ARM-powered Windows 10 PCs coming from Asus, Lenovo and HP

PCs based on Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Mobile PC Platform to launch in time for Christmas

Asus, Lenovo and HP will be the first three PC makers to launch Windows 10 PCs based not on Intel x86, but the upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Mobile PC Platform.

During Microsoft's Computex keynote on Wednesday, the two companies announced that the first ARM-powered Windows 10 devices, which were teased last month, will launch in the fourth quarter of 2017.

With the devices set to run on Qualcomm's 10nm Snapdragon 835 SoC, they will offer integrated gigabit LTE connectivity, capable of reaching download speeds of 1Gbps.

Qualcomm is also keen to point out that the compact size of its microprocessor will let device makers create much slimmer devices and experiment with different form factors, but also leaves more room for parts like larger batteries. It claims that PCs built using the new chips will offer up to 50 per cent more battery life than x86 systems

So-called Windows 10 "Always Connected" machines will also come with a new Connected Standby mode, which will enable PCs to wake up from sleep faster than before, and remain connected to a WiFi or cellular network to keep syncing your data in the background.

Cristiano Amon, executive vice president at Qualcomm, said: "Today's consumers experience mobility in nearly every aspect of their lives and they've come to expect more from their PCs than legacy computing models are able to provide.

"With compatibility for the Windows 10 ecosystem, the Snapdragon Mobile PC Platform will enable Windows 10 hardware makers to develop next-generation modern device form factors and deliver unparalleled anything, anywhere creation experiences with up to Gigabit-Class LTE connectivity."

Microsoft chipped in and affirmed that the upcoming devices will run the full desktop version of Windows 10. That means you'll get x86 app compatibility, Cortana, Windows Ink and Windows Hello support baked-in.

Alongside the ARM-powered PCs, Microsoft also announced that it will also support LTE on other Windows 10 devices. HP, Asus, VAIO, Dell, Xiaomi, Lenovo, and Huawei will all create Windows 10 devices that support LTE.

Microsoft is also working with a range of operators to support eSIM, including AT&T, T-Mobile, Vodafone, EE, Three, and BT.