Pixelworks’ Qualcomm deal could improve HDR video streaming on phones

Pixelworks, a maker of display quality chips for both AMOLEDs and LCDs, is partnering with Qualcomm to offer its visual display calibration solution as a software service for devices based on the Snapdragon 855 chipset.Among other things, the agreement will help streaming HDR video look better on mobile devices. Peter Carson, vice president of marketing for mobile at Pixelworks, said that HDR content from popular streaming providers effectively raises the bar on visual quality, meaning that users will notice a lot more details (both good and bad), particularly if their mobile display isn’t up to snuff in terms of color accuracy. Pixelworks will be porting over to the Snapdragon 855 mobile platform its Soft Iris calibration solution and some other software features. Pixelworks’ targeting of the Snapdragon 855 is connected to the timing around 5G, which the company believes will lead to video becoming the core focus of visual quality on mobile devices.