Qualcomm, in collaboration with Meta, has unveiled two new Snapdragon chips that are specifically designed to power the upcoming generation of headsets and smart glasses. These chips, the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 and the Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1, offer enhanced performance and features to enable an immersive mixed reality experience.
The Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 is the more powerful chip of the two, boasting significant improvements in GPU performance and AI speeds compared to the previous generation. It offers 2.5 times better GPU performance and up to eight times faster AI speeds. This chip is optimized to support mixed reality devices with display resolutions of up to 3,000 x 3,000 per eye, providing users with more detailed textures and higher frame rates for a more realistic and immersive experience.
One of the notable features of the XR2 Gen 2 chip is its ability to facilitate seamless transition between virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Headsets equipped with this chip can switch to full-color passthrough vision in less than 12 milliseconds, allowing users to seamlessly interact with the real world without removing their headset. Additionally, the chip supports devices with up to 10 cameras, offering improved depth perception and tracking capabilities.
Furthermore, the XR2 Gen 2 chip provides enhanced wireless speeds, supporting up to Wi-Fi 7. This ensures faster and more reliable connectivity for streaming content and online multiplayer experiences. The chip also offers 50 percent increased GPU power efficiency, resulting in longer battery life for XR devices.
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On the other hand, the Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 chip is designed for lightweight devices like smart glasses. It offers improved on-device AI processing, better noise and echo cancellation, and dual ISPs for enhanced image quality. The chip supports devices with up to 12-megapixel cameras (6-megapixel for video) and up to eight microphones with spatial sound technology, enabling richer audio recording.
What sets these chips apart is their collaboration with Meta, resulting in their first implementation in the Meta Quest 3 and Ray-Ban Meta smartglasses. The Meta Quest 3, which will be the first retail device to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, is set to be released in October. The Ray-Ban Meta smartglasses, equipped with the Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 chip, will also be available in October. However, Qualcomm has confirmed that additional devices from other manufacturers will follow next year, indicating that Meta may enjoy limited exclusivity in using these new chips.
While Meta may have a head start in utilizing these chips, it will be interesting to see how other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will leverage the capabilities of these chips when their devices become more widely available in 2024. The XR2 Gen 2 and AR1 Gen 1 chips have the potential to revolutionize the XR industry by enabling more advanced and immersive experiences across a wider range of devices.
In conclusion, Qualcomm’s collaboration with Meta has resulted in the development of two powerful chips, the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 and Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1. These chips offer enhanced performance and features for next-gen headsets and smart glasses, providing users with more realistic and immersive mixed reality experiences. With the Meta Quest 3 and Ray-Ban Meta smartglasses being the first devices to feature these chips, there is anticipation for the future devices from other manufacturers that will leverage the capabilities of these advanced chips in the XR industry.
