Qualcomm CEO: We're moving beyond post-PC era to post-phone era

SAN FRANCISCO — The evolution from traditional computers to mobile, tablet-like form factors is probably more dramatic than you think, according to Qualcomm CEO Dr. Paul E. Jacobs.

“The trend towards smartphones all around the world is something that everyone has watched,” said Jacobs. “When you think about things like emerging markets and could people afford a higher end phone, that’s been the biggest surprise.”

See also: Apple’s Cook discusses supply chain, will publish monthly updates

Speaking at the Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference on Tuesday afternoon, Jacobs posited that we’re moving from beyond a post-PC era to almost a post-phone era.

He pointed towards the tablet form factor in particular, but that computing environments are going to follow the pattern of smartphones, such as always on and always connected interfaces.

“I’m also a pretty firm believer that’s where the world is going,” Jacobs asserted. “I travel now only with a tablet and a smartphone. The kind of form factors and experiences people have will be another interesting change.”

Jacobs covered one mobile partnership in particular: Nokia.

Predicting bigger things ahead with the benefits of the pending release of Windows 8 and the Metro user interface, Jacobs said one of the good things here is that Nokia will be able to bring these developments to emerging markets, where it’s still strong.

However, with those advancements, the challenge for Nokia will be bringing these Windows Phone devices down to the right price points.

<http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/qualcomm-ceo-were-moving-beyond-post-pc-era-to-post-phone-era/69408?tag=mantle_skin;content>