Qualcomm on Tuesday introduced the second generation of its so-called modem chips, for connecting smartphones to 5G networks.
Μthus accelerating the race around fast mobile internet connections, which are expected to become more widely available later in the year.
The company, the world's largest maker of mobile chips, hopes its chip will help spread 5G smartphones later in the year and into 2020. According to Reuters, although Chinese companies like Xiaomi last year used the first generation its chip for small 5G phone numbers, the second generation chip announced on Tuesday is intended for mass production.
This move takes place shortly before Samsung announces its new Galaxy phone line. The two companies had publicly pledged in December to launch a 5G phone this year, and analysts believe Samsung will unveil a 5G version of its flagship phones this week.
However, as Reuters points out, chips are entering an area of intense competition: Huawei recently announced that it has made a 5G chip that it will use in its own mobile phones. Samsung also has a 5G modem called the Exynos 5100, which will be used in many of its devices sold outside the US. Taiwan's MediaTek also has a 5G chip, while Intel plans to release its own in the second half of the year. Providers in Korea and China are preparing to launch their networks in the spring, with companies in the US preparing for similar moves later in the year.
"This year, virtually every major Android phone maker will launch a 5G phone," said Ignacio Contreras, Qualcomm's head of 5G marketing.
Apple has not said when the iPhone will get 5G capabilities.
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