Qualcomm Technologies has announced the introduction of two groundbreaking spatial computing platforms – Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 and Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1. These platforms are poised to drive the next wave of mixed reality (MR), virtual reality (VR) devices, and innovative smart glasses, setting new benchmarks in immersive experiences.
Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 Platform:
Designed to integrate premium MR and VR technology into a singular chip architecture, the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 Platform aims to elevate immersive experiences with thinner and more comfortable headsets, eliminating the need for external battery packs. This platform is engineered to provide a lag-free experience with stunning visuals and fully immersive sound. Users can seamlessly blend virtual content with their real-world surroundings and transition between MR and VR experiences effortlessly.
Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 Platform:
The Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 Platform stands out with its power optimizations tailored for a thermal budget, enabling the creation of sleek and lightweight smart glasses offering an unparalleled user experience. The platform empowers users to capture, share, or live-stream hands-free directly from the glasses. Additionally, on-device AI capabilities facilitate personal assistant experiences like audio quality enhancement, visual search, and real-time translation. The platform also supports a visual heads-up display, enabling seamless content consumption, including videos, blending seamlessly into the users’ field of view.
These next-generation platforms have been developed in close collaboration with Meta and are set to make their commercial debut on Meta devices in 2023. The Meta Quest 3, powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 Platform, and the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses collection, powered by the Snapdragon AR1 Platform, are anticipated to set new standards in XR devices and smart glasses. Other manufacturers are set to follow suit next year, reinforcing Snapdragon as the preferred platform for leading XR players.
Andrew “Boz” Bosworth, Meta’s CTO and Head of Reality Labs, emphasized their focus on developing cutting-edge technologies for mixed reality and smart glasses. He underscored the pivotal role of Qualcomm Technologies in this venture, stating that the collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies has been instrumental in defining next-generation technologies that deliver significant breakthroughs in power, performance, and AI. He expressed excitement about users globally experiencing the latest Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 and Snapdragon AR1 Platforms through Meta’s innovative devices.
Hugo Swart, Vice President and GM of XR at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., emphasized their commitment to developing transformative technologies, stating that the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 and Snapdragon AR1 Platforms are purpose-built to power the next wave of MR, VR devices, and sleek smart glasses. He hailed the collaboration with Meta, marking a significant step towards their shared vision of delivering premium, all-in-one XR devices and smart glasses that are accessible and affordable to users worldwide.
