Q5 Interview - Enrico Salvatori, Qualcomm Europe

Enrico Salvatori, Senior VP Qualcomm Europe. talks to Electronics Weekly about the impact of open source on mobile phone design, whether Europe is still seen as an important design centre, and the most important software technologies for the next generation of mobile phone design.

1. What will be the most important semiconductor technologies for the next generation of mobile phone design?

What we are seeing is a two-pronged evolution in mobile technologies. On one hand, wireless technology is diversifying, going into an increasing range of consumer devices to deliver transparent, yet reliable and ubiquitous connectivity for mobile Internet access and real-time information.

On the other hand, devices are becoming sleeker and slimmer, which means that the underlying technology must support the ever-growing functionality while enabling the form-factors that consumers demand.

To that end, the integration of a broad range of connectivity capabilities is key for the next generation of mobile devices. Consumers care less about what they are connected to and more about being connected so they can get what they want and need.

2. What will be the most important software technologies for the next generation of mobile phone design?

Software becomes an increasingly crucial part of the mobile experience. The openness of software is the most critical factor in spurring innovation and creativity in applications that bring real value to mobile users.
The Android platform is one example of this. The T-Mobile G1 handset can take advantage of the immense talent that exists within the developer community thanks to its Android software.

Open software platforms ultimately translate to greater choice for consumers. To support that goal it is important to enable support for all mobile operating systems - Brew Mobile Platform, Linux, Windows Mobile and S60 included - on smartphone chipsets.

3. How will open source Linux change the design of mobile phones?

I see the growing trend toward open software platforms as a positive evolution for the wireless industry. Open platforms keep software development costs down, spur greater innovation within the industry and provide a standardised foundation that allow companies to develop and deliver applications to market in a more timely fashion, which ultimately provides the consumer with a greater depth of features and a more seamless user experience.

4. How will these technologies change the look, feel and capabilities of mobile phones?

Mobile phones will increasingly do more, providing a new level of mobile performance and functionality to users. Evolutions in technology will also enable more creative form-factors that address the trend toward mobile devices becoming personal accessories.

The leaps in mobile multimedia performance may signal a trend toward larger and clearer displays, while the emergence of a multiplicity of devices - all featuring mobile Internet connectivity as a key function - will very probably mean that each of these new devices has its own look and feel.

Users will increasingly demand devices that are tailored specifically for their needs and lifestyle, and personalisation will grow in availability as an option for these mobile consumers.

5. Is Europe still seen as an important design centre for mobile phones?

Europe remains undoubtedly an important design centre for mobile handsets and telecommunications, but this is a global business and significant contributions are made worldwide: from Europe, to the US, as well as in far Eastern countries such Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, China and Japan.

In particular, consider a mobile device such as the Toshiba TG01 with our Snapdragon chipset, which has been targeted for the European market.

See also: Q5 - Interviews with electronics industry leaders
Read all the Electronics Weekly Q5 interviews. From ARM's chairman, Sir Robin Saxby, to touchscreen technology firm Zytronic's MD, Mark Cambridge, the business leaders share their particular insights on the UK electronics industry.