Qualcomm Unveils Next-Generation Chips Optimized for Extended Reality and Augmented Reality Platforms
Right in time for the launch of Meta’s Quest 3 VR goggles, Qualcomm today announced its newest chips for XR (Extended Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) platforms: the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 for VR and mixed-reality devices and the AR1 Gen 1, specifically designed for smart glasses.
A New Era in XR and AR Technology
It’s been a while since Qualcomm released a new XR platform. The XR2 Gen 1 is now over three years old, and while there was speculation about an XR3 launch today, the company decided to go with the XR2 branding. Apparently, the way Qualcomm thinks about the XR[x] branding is that the XR1 is the ‘high quality’ tier and the XR2 the ‘premium quality’ tier, with room for more tiers in the future.
Enhanced Performance and Efficiency
The company promises a 2.5x improvement in GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) performance and an 8x improvement in AI (Artificial Intelligence) performance, all while being significantly more energy efficient. Qualcomm also notes that the XR2 Gen 2 was optimized to power two 3K displays and take in inputs from up to 10 cameras and sensors, with a 12 ms latency for pass-through video for mixed reality applications.
A Look at the Future of XR and AR
When asked about the release cycle during a press briefing ahead of today’s announcement, Hugo Swart, Qualcomm’s VP and GM of XR, noted that the company’s pace of development is driven by both technology and business factors. "The key challenges are on power, latency, size, and then performance — and performance, of course, is very much tied to display resolution," he said.
"The higher the display resolution, though, the more power it takes to run the headset. I cannot put 100 watts on your head. At best, maybe 20. Ideally, closer to 10 and 15. So that’s the magic that we have to work: how to put it all in one piece of silicone, that is affordable."
Swart also used this opportunity to take a swipe at Apple and its expensive Vision Pro and custom-designed hardware. "I think selling a device for more than $3,000 — how many people can really afford that? You really need to have it at a point where everyone can afford to experience it. And that’s what we aim for."
A Growing Ecosystem
The company has been working with various partners to create an ecosystem of XR and AR devices and applications. "We’re excited to see the innovation happening in this space, from entertainment to education to enterprise," said Swart.
"We believe that XR will be a transformative technology that changes the way we live, work, and play. We’re committed to making it accessible and affordable for everyone."
AR1 Gen 1: A New Era in Smart Glasses
The AR1 Gen 1 is specifically designed for smart glasses, with a focus on enhanced performance, efficiency, and power management. "We’ve optimized the chip to provide a seamless experience, even in low-light conditions," said Swart.
"We believe that AR will revolutionize the way we interact with information, and we’re committed to making it a reality."
Meta Connect 2023
The announcement comes ahead of Meta’s Connect 2023 conference, where the company is expected to showcase its latest advancements in XR and AR technology. "We’re excited to see what Meta has in store for us," said Swart.
"We believe that together, we can create a future where XR and AR are an integral part of our daily lives."
Conclusion
Qualcomm’s new chips for XR and AR platforms mark an exciting new era in the development of these technologies. With enhanced performance, efficiency, and power management, the company is poised to lead the charge in creating a more immersive and interactive future.
As the industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: XR and AR will play a significant role in shaping our world. And with Qualcomm at the forefront, we can’t wait to see what’s next.
