Qualcomm has a Snapdragon development kit for testing Windows apps

Qualcomm today announced its Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 chipset. Specifically, it is aimed at entry-level laptops just like its predecessor. However, the company is introducing the Snapdragon Developer Kit for Windows, which includes the new SoC.

The idea is to give app developers an inexpensive way to test their native ARM64 apps. Although the number of applications to be emulated with Windows on ARM has decreased, there is still a barrier to entry. Qualcomm tries to make it as easy as possible.

Powered by the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 chipset, it will also include things like .NET 5.0, Visual Studio Code, FFMPEG, LLVM, Chromium, Wix, and more. With the x64 emulation currently in preview, developers can also test this to see the benefits with a native ARM64 application.

“We are proud to have created useful development tools in coordination with Microsoft, and the Snapdragon SDK is the latest result of this collaboration,” said Miguel Nunes, senior director, product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “This development kit provides an affordable alternative to other consumer and commercial devices. With a smaller desktop setup, this kit gives developers more flexibility than laptop options, and at a lower price. We remain committed to helping developers meet customer demands, while reducing the overall cost of deployment. “

One company that is committed to Windows on ARM is Zoom. Indeed, in Qualcomm’s announcement, Oded Gal of Zoom Video Communications promised that the firm would release a native ARM64 application this summer.

The Snapdragon development kit is also expected to arrive this summer. You will be able to purchase one through the Microsoft Store. The price was not made available, but it should only be a few hundred dollars. Qualcomm also said that more will be shared during the “What’s New for Windows Desktop App Developers” session at Microsoft Build 2021 this week.