The first Windows 8 PC running on ARM-based processors should arrive by late 2012, says Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM). The company is one of the initial chip partners selected by Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and will be competing with Texas Instruments (TI) and Nvidia. Qualcomm says that it is already working with Microsoft to ensure that its upcoming Windows 8 operating system will run on its ARM-based chips.

The company on Wednesday unveiled a new quad-core processor from its Snapdragon S4 product line, which will operate at clock speeds of between 1.5GHz and 2.5GHz. Also available in single-core and dual-core variants, Qualcomm says that the S4 processors will support DirectX 9.3 and will run Windows 8. Manufactured using a 28-nanometer process, the S4 will include an integrated 3G and 4G modem--a key capability that sets it apart from rivals TI and Nvidia.

One often voiced concern about the ARM-version of Windows 8 would be how x86-based software will not be able to run on the new platform. Qualcomm COO Steve Mollenkopf doesn't appear worried however. As reported on Tom's Hardware, Mollenkopf said: "For the apps that you really care about, I don't see it as a significant growth inhibitor in terms of ARM vs. Windows. I don't think the impact is as significant as what others believe."

For more:
- check out this article at Tom's Hardware
- check out this article at Computerworld

Related Articles:
HP's webOS may have future with Qualcomm
Qualcomm restructures chipset offerings
Nvidia demos quad-core Tegra chip at Computex