Qualcomm Focusing on Windows Mobile?

This certainly seems interesting. Qualcomm, the big time chipset manufacturer, is looking to expand it’s staff and is specifically looking for some experienced Windows Mobile application developers.

Over at computerjobs.com, there are several positions posted by QCT, and it appears as though the head hunting has begun. Here is a sampling of some of the opportunities available at Qualcomm:

Multimedia Embedded Software Engineer-WindowsMo

QCT is looking for experienced Windows multimedia application developers with embedded (ARM) software development background. Specifically, the position involves developing embedded software supporting the camera, imaging, audio and video functions on a Windows platform using DirectShow architecture. Positions exist for motivated individuals interested in joining a dynamic organization providing the chipsets and software for the next generation of mobile phone devices.

Additional exposure to any of the following areas of Multimedia would be beneficial
Imaging: Familiarity with camera technologies and camera applications. Interest and prior experience with image compression algorithms and color and image processing.
Audio: Experience parsing of audio multimedia file formats like MIDI, MP3, AAC, PCM, etc.
Video: Familiarity with video compression standards (MPEG4, H264, H263, Windows Media Video etc) is required. Experience with embedded, real-time video codec implementation and commercialization.

Desired Skills:
Experience in WinCE/WinMobile drivers and DirectX is a definite plus
Knowledge of multimedia frameworks like DirectShow or OpenMax is a plus
Low-level device driver experience a plus

Start Date: ASAP 

Windows Mobile SW Embedded OS-Application Engine

This position is responsible for 3rd Party OS – Windows Mobile covering wide variety of areas from Boot loader (BLDR), Update Loader (ULDR) and the Operating System that goes on the Application processor of the QCTs integrated solutions. This role not only enables you to develop strong expertise in the QCT integrated solutions, but also exposes you to the latest and greatest OS developments by being part of the early engagements. The role requires interfacing with Microsoft, Windows Mobile OEMs and the CE team back in San Diego while working on cutting edge technology.

Start Date: ASAP

Windows Mobile Intern

The candidate will be assigned to work with Qualcomm’s Microsoft Windows Mobile device driver and kernel team. This team is chartered with porting and extracting maximum performance of the Windows Mobile operating system out of Qualcomm ASIC’s. Projects may include, but are not limited to, writing or debugging windows mobile device drivers on target; performing system analyses on things such as the memory footprint of the device or CPU utilization; or developing tools that analyze performance.

Audio Software Engineer

In this position, you will be developing embedded software supporting the audio, voice, and multimedia functions of CDMA, and UMTS handsets. Positions exist for motivated individuals interested in joining a dynamic organization building the next generation of mobile phone devices.

Required Skills:
4+ years of experience developing commercial software in areas such as Audio Decoders, Encoders, Multimedia Drivers
Proficient in C/C++ programming language with some industry embedded programming experience
Low-level device driver experience a plus
Knowledge and experience in parsing of audio multimedia file formats like MIDI, MP3, AAC, PCM, etc is a plus
Knowledge of Microsoft Direct Show and COM architecture a plus
Knowledge of audio codec, Windows Media Audio a plus

Start Date: ASAP

Now we know that many of you have expressed your vehement dislike for the folks over at QCT, but like it or not, their technology can be found in a large majority of the 3G handsets on the market today. We here at mspoweruser.com are just wondering, why such a sharp focus on our beloved Windows Mobile?

I mean, don’t get me wrong. If the boys at Qualcomm are looking to add some high end talent to their outfit to give WinMo a boost, we are all for it. It kinda makes a guy wonder though. What is really going on behind the scenes of our favorite platform? Several questions seem to race through our minds.

We know they develop the chips in a lot of our WinMo devices, but why such strong interest in the multimedia functions of Windows Mobile phones?

Is the next generation of Windows Mobile and the hardware that supports it in the not so distant future? We can always have hope.

This may be going out on a limb but here goes. Is it possible that this has something to do with Zune Mobile and the so called Project Pink?

The questions are many but the answers are few. I want to be clear when I say, this is all merely speculation.

The fact remains however, that QCT is looking to delve even deeper into our favorite OS, and hopefully improve the experience of using Windows Mobile for us all. Time will tell what ultimately becomes of all this.

Let us know your thoughts on this in the comments.