Snapdragon Auto Connectivity platform brings Wi-Fi 7 to cars

Qualcomm, the chip giant that powers many of our smartphones, is determined to be a big player in the automotive world. The company unveiled a new super-fast connectivity platform designed specifically for vehicles.

This new platform, dubbed Snapdragon Auto Connectivity QCA6797AQ and supports the latest connectivity standards. You get cellular support up all the way to 5G, Wi-Fi 7 and the latest Bluetooth are part of the parcel, and the C-V2X and the precise positioning tech round up the tech.

In plain English, it all translates to much faster and much more reliable connections. Faster map downloads and more accurate traffic predictions – all the niceties we take for granted on our smartphones are finally making their way to cars.

Wi-Fi standards over the years

Qualcomm also touts how Wi-Fi 7 will usher in an era of connected car services – allowing carmakers to deliver software updates, offload data for diagnostics, and even offer temporary features or upgrades (those will undoubtedly have a price tag attached). While there’s potential there, let’s just hope it doesn’t turn our cars into rolling billboards with constant pop-ups and annoying advertisements.

Wi-Fi comparison

Qualcomm’s move highlights a significant trend in the auto industry: it’s increasingly driven by software and tech, much like our smartphones. Automakers are scrambling to establish themselves as tech companies of the future. What remains to be seen is whether drivers will actually buy into it. Do we really want our cars to feel more like smartphones on wheels? Let’s not forget that cars are first and foremost meant for, well, driving.

This new tech will most likely roll out sometime next year, and in a very limited number of vehicles to start. We could finally have a blast streaming the latest episodes of our favorite show, while the kids in the back enjoy their stuff – all while our car navigates autonomously through the picturesque countryside. We’ve heard that before, haven’t we?