Qualcomm CEO Mollenkopf: Office on all tablets could be productivity boon
Qualcomm CEO Steve Mollenkopf said Microsoft's move to offer Office on non-Windows based tablets could be a boon for mobile productivity and even the company's bottom line.
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On the company's earnings conference call, Mollenkopf repeatedly touched on tablets, Microsoft, and productivity. Why? If tablets become more than a consumption device it's likely that users will also consume mobile broadband as well as Wi-Fi. Qualcomm collects fees for LTE enabled tablets with its chips.
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He said:
Microsoft is now offering its office suite on non Windows-based tablets, further enhancing the utility of these devices by augmenting their productivity features. In addition, there are continued efforts from operators to encourage wireless data usage on connected tablets. Including T-Mobile, which recently announced an offer of up to 1.2 gigabyte of free data monthly for connected tablets. As well as an offer for LTE-enabled tablets at equivalent prices to the Wi-Fi only models.
Qualcomm hasn't been pleased about the LTE attach rates with tablets. Most customers stick with Wi-Fi.
The big question: Will Office on a broad range of tablets really lead to access beyond Wi-Fi?