Written by Andrew Wooden
Chip maker Qualcomm has announced two new ‘spatial computing platforms’ – the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 and the Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 which are designed to serve various VR, MR, AR functions.
The Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 Platform has an emphasis on power efficiency since it’s designed for VR helmets and glasses, features 2.5x better GPU performance than the previous version, and is apparently optimised for up to 3K resolution per eye.
It comes loaded with higher fidelity positional tracking thanks to 8x better on-device AI (again compared to the previous version) accelerated computer vision, and support for up to ten concurrent cameras – which is supposed to make the experience of mooching around in virtual worlds feel more natural and intuitive.
It also promises ‘lag-free XR experiences’ and split rendering optimisations thanks to the Qualcomm FastConnect Wi-Fi 6E/7 Platform and the Qualcomm FastConnect Software Suite for XR. Meanwhile the Snapdragon Sound Technology Suite serves up spatial audio and low-latency audio for wireless headphones or earbuds, we’re told.
The Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 Platform meanwhile is designed for smart glasses. It supports a dual ISP for taking photos and shooting video from a first-person perspective, binocular displays, eight microphones, and comes loaded with on-device AI.
“Qualcomm Technologies has a relentless commitment to building pioneering XR technology and solutions that will transform the future of spatial computing,” said Hugo Swart, vice president and GM of XR, Qualcomm Technologies. “The Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 and Snapdragon AR1 Platforms are the latest purpose-built processors that are designed to power the next generation of MR and VR devices and sleek smart glasses for all. The commercial debut of these two platforms with our partners at Meta is a further step forward in realising our joint vision – unlocking premium, all-in-one XR devices and smart glasses that are affordable to users around the globe.”
