Technology
Thursday, January 4th, 2024 4:41 pm EDT
Key Points
- Qualcomm’s New Chip for Mixed Reality Devices: Qualcomm has introduced a new chip, the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, designed for use in mixed reality devices developed in collaboration with Samsung and Google. The chip is expected to power headsets that will likely compete with Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
- Partnership for Affordable Headsets: Qualcomm, Samsung, and Google had previously announced a partnership to collaborate on mixed-reality devices. The use of the latest chip, capable of running Android applications, suggests that the companies are aiming to release more affordable mixed-reality headsets compared to Apple’s Vision Pro, which is priced at $3,499 and is scheduled for an early launch in the current year. Apple’s headset is powered by the M2 processor.
- Advancements in Chip Technology: The new Qualcomm chip, Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, represents an improvement over the older Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 used in the Meta Quest 3, priced at $499.99. The new chip offers support for sharper screens and improved graphics, with a notable feature being the unlocking of 4.3K resolution. Hugo Swart, Qualcomm’s Vice President and General Manager of Extended Reality, highlighted the chip’s capabilities to enhance XR productivity and entertainment, bringing clear visuals to applications such as room-scale screens, life-size overlays, and virtual desktops. The article does not provide a specific launch timeline for new mixed reality products from Samsung and Google.
Qualcomm has unveiled its latest chip, the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, in collaboration with Samsung and Google for the development of mixed reality devices, presenting potential competition to Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro headset. The partnership, announced last year, focuses on creating mixed-reality devices that overlay digital content onto the real world using a headset. Notably, the new chip can run Android applications, indicating a strategic move towards offering a more affordable mixed-reality headset compared to Apple’s $3,499 Vision Pro, scheduled for an early launch in the current year. Apple’s headset is powered by the M2 processor, also found in some Macs. The Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 represents an advancement from the previous Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, featured in the $499.99 Meta Quest 3, providing support for sharper screens and enhanced graphics. Hugo Swart, Qualcomm’s Vice President and General Manager of Extended Reality, highlighted that the new chip unlocks a 4.3K resolution, elevating XR (extended reality) productivity and entertainment by delivering remarkably clear visuals for applications like room-scale screens, life-size overlays, and virtual desktops. The announcement did not specify the launch timeline for new mixed reality products from Samsung and Google.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/04/qualcomm-announces-snapdragon-xr2-gen-2-chip-for-ar-headsets.html
