Qualcomm Technologies has announced the launch of the Qualcomm Networking Pro A7 Elite, a wireless networking platform set to elevate user experiences with advanced edge AI integration.
Powered by an AI co-processor delivering 40 TOPS of NPU (Neural Processing Unit) performance, the innovative platform promises next-level Wi-Fi 7 connectivity while enabling connected devices to perform centralized AI processing.
Asia Pacific spending on edge computing is forecasted to reach $48.9 billion in 2024, an increase of 16.2 percent over 2023. IDC expects spending on Edge to grow at a five-year CAGR of 15 percent over the forecast period (2023-28) and reach USD 84 billion by 2028.
Qualcomm said this new platform is designed to optimize applications in security, energy management, health monitoring, virtual assistants, and more. By integrating AI computing directly into the network, it offers enhanced privacy, personalization, and real-time responses. The system is expected to unlock significant benefits even for legacy devices, offering a unified, smooth experience across a wide range of connected products.
IDC says China is projected to maintain its position as the dominant market for edge, with more than 60 percent in 2024, followed by ANZ (Australia & New Zealand), India, and South Korea. Countries with the fastest edge spending in 2024 are China and Indonesia. This rapid growth is primarily driven by strategic initiatives such as smart cities, Industry 4.0, deployment of commercial 5G, and ecommerce.
Ganesh Swaminathan, Vice President and General Manager of Wireless Infrastructure and Networking at Qualcomm Technologies, highlighted the platform’s integration of 10G Fiber, 5G, Ethernet, RF-Front End modules, and AI-powered services, which enable transformative network performance and AI-powered applications.
The Qualcomm Networking Pro A7 Elite aims to accelerate AI-driven innovation through the Qualcomm AI Hub, giving developers access to the tools needed to build next-generation experiences. With global industry support and interest from developers, the platform is already being hailed as a key player in the evolution of smart home devices and new business models for service providers.
Qualcomm will showcase Networking Pro A7 Elite at Network X in Paris from October 8-10, where the latest networking innovations, including Edge AI applications, will be on display.