Qualcomm confirmed off its all-in-one Flex SoC (System on a Chip) at CES on Monday and introduced plans to convey its environment friendly computing structure to automobiles in the U.S.
(Word: Qualcomm sponsored my journey to CES by offering journey, lodging, and meals. No different compensation was obtained and Qualcomm had no editorial enter or affect on my content material.)
The message Qualcomm is sending out at CES is easy: flexibility. The chipmaker is already a longtime companion for a lot of automakers behind the scenes, offering infotainment options, security options, and superior driving methods. The Flex SoC, nevertheless, can management each driver help and infotainment options, Qualcomm mentioned. It’s supposed to cut back complexity of software program and {hardware} methods for carmakers, and, in flip, cut back prices in order that primary superior driving options could be included as normal.
As Nilesh Parekh, a senior director for Snapdragon Experience Flex merchandise, defined throughout a demo trip exterior of the W Las Vegas lodge, the Flex SoC is distinctive as a result of it mixes completely different use circumstances on the identical chip.
Qualcomm executives mentioned they anticipate all future automobiles to have contact and show screens and a few primary security options, even in entry-level fashions. Already launched in China and on the street, Qualcomm is planning to convey its environment friendly computing structure to U.S. automobiles.
I went on a demo trip as a passenger in a Lincoln Aviator outfitted with Qualcomm tech powering the infotainment system and assisted driving options. Whereas on the freeway, I noticed how the automotive may concurrently play music, show 3D navigation, monitor the driver, and keep velocity and distance whereas staying centered in the lane.
Parekh mentioned Qualcomm calls having all these functions on one platform “blended criticality”—particularly since some options are security oriented, whereas others, like music choice, are clearly not.
Google’s AI assistant is constructed into Qualcomm’s system, which makes use of Gemini to reply questions like several AI chatbot however also can assist with “native” requests on the automotive reminiscent of pulling up (and taking part in) sure music or mapping a brand new route to lunch. Unreal Engine supplies display screen graphics, together with a real-time 3D rendering of the car that exhibits whether or not a door is open and which path the wheels are pointing.
The demo trip I took was solely outfitted with one digital camera, a radar unit, and a driver monitoring digital camera. Thought of a mid-tier package deal, with Degree 2 driving solely accessible on the freeway, the automotive required fixed consideration from the driver. A extra premium package deal has a bigger sensor suite to provide extra information to Qualcomm’s driver help system.
Whereas the demo was easy, showcasing options many people use day by day on the street, that was type of the level. An increasing number of automobiles are going to be anticipated to provide primary freeway help and touchscreen graphics with an in-cabin chat bot answering all our questions—and all at the identical time.
Gizmodo is on the floor in Las Vegas all week bringing you every part you want to learn about the tech unveiled at CES 2026. You’ll be able to observe our CES live blog here and find all our coverage here.
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