Qualcomm Unveils New Cheaper Version of X2 Laptop Processor

Qualcomm Inc., the biggest maker of mobile phone chips, said it’s extending a push into the market for processors that are the heart of personal computers.

Its new X2 Plus processor is a scaled-back version of existing offerings designed to be the main component of more affordable notebook computers. Qualcomm is offering two versions, one with 10 computer cores and one with six, the chipmaker said Monday in a statement. Those cores are the newer Oryon third-generation design. Among their biggest selling points, according to Qualcomm, is the inclusion of a powerful neural processing unit, or NPU, that’ll speed up the responsiveness of AI software without rapidly depleting the battery.