Samsung and Google have kept details under wraps about their upcoming mixed reality headset, designed to challenge Apple’s Vision Pro. However, a recent announcement shows that the tech giants will be incorporating a newer version of Qualcomm’s XR chips into their new headsets.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 unveiled
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 Platform, a major upgrade in their single-chip architecture designed for Extended Reality (XR). This advanced platform uses advanced spatial computing technology. It delivers images at an impressive 4.3K resolution and a smooth frame rate of 90 frames per second, giving users clear and immersive experiences.
Overall, this technology aims to ensure sharp mixed reality (MR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences and enhance the depth and realism of these immersive environments.
Hugo Swart, Vice President and General Manager of XR at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., highlighted the platform’s impact on XR productivity and entertainment. “Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 unlocks 4.3K resolution, taking XR productivity and entertainment to the next level,” he said. The platform is expected to revolutionize room-scale displays, life-size overlays and virtual desktops.
Collaboration between Samsung and Google
Samsung and Google are ready to use the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 to deliver advanced XR experiences. While Google and Samsung have not detailed the specific products that the new Qualcomm chip will be incorporated into, the collaboration highlights the growing importance of high-performance XR solutions in the technology industry.
Building on the foundation laid by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, the upgraded ‘+’ model amplifies realistic details in MR and VR experiences. This is achieved by increasing the GPU frequency by 15% and increasing the CPU frequency by 20%. The integration of powerful AI on the device enables tracking of user movements and the surrounding environment, merging physical and digital domains.
Inkang Song, vice president and head of the technology strategy team at Samsung Electronics, expressed his excitement about the collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies and Google. “With Samsung’s mobile expertise and our collective commitment, we aim to create the best-in-class XR experience for Galaxy users,” he said.
In addition, Shahram Izadi, vice president of AR at Google, also expressed his excitement about the continued collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies and Samsung. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies and Samsung on the future of immersive and spatial XR.” He also added, “We are excited that the Android ecosystem can take advantage of the capabilities of Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 and enable new experiences.”
Aimed at rival top players like Apple’s Vision Pro, this venture shows a commitment to advancing immersive experiences with Qualcomm’s advanced XR chip in their new mixed-reality headset. This partnership underscores the evolving landscape of XR technology, potentially impacting consumer, professional, and Metaverse domains.