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AGHITS SEPTIAN ALFARIZI

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QUALCOMM: EVERY ANDROID OEM WILL

DEBUT A 5G DEVICE IN 2019

Chipset giant Qualcomm has made the bold prediction that every Android
manufacturer will debut a 5G handset by the end of 2019. Qualcomm’s chipsets
power a large portion of smartphones from a range of manufacturers, so it’s likely the
company has some insight into their plans. A slide presented during a keynote at
Qualcomm's Snapdragon Technology Summit in Hawaii listed the firms partnered
with Qualcomm on their 5G rollout. The list included ASUS, Fujitsu, Google, HMD,
HTC, InSeeGo, LG, Motorola, Netgear, NetComm Wireless, OnePlus, Oppo,
Samsung, Sharp, Sierra Wireless, Sony, Telit, Vivo, WingTech, WNC, Mi and ZTE.

If true, Android devices will once again be getting the jump on Apple who is not
expected to launch a 5G-capable iPhone until at least 2020. Apple is still in a legal
battle with Qualcomm and has since pivoted to Intel for its cellular modems. The
benefit of launching a 5G device in 2020 is questionable due to limited network
availability. In areas with access, however, gigabit speeds and reliability of 5G opens
up more options for developers. Increased speed and reduced latency enable things
such as near real-time VR and improved multiplayer gaming on mobile. Health
monitoring is another often cited area where 5G’s benefits can shine – enabling
applications deemed too risky for LTE.

The rollout of 5G is just beginning, though it’s worth considering now how to make
the best use of it to get the jump on competitors.