Samsung and Google have kept secret details about their upcoming mixed reality headset designed to challenge Apple’s Vision Pro. However, according to a recent announcement, the tech giants will be incorporating the latest version of the Qualcomm XR chip in their new headsets.
Qualcomm unveils Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has launched the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 platform, a significant upgrade to its single-chip architecture designed for extended reality (XR). This cutting-edge platform leverages advanced spatial computing technologies. It delivers video at an impressive resolution of 4.3K and a smooth frame rate of 90 frames per second, ensuring a clear and immersive experience for users.
Overall, the technology aims to ensure vivid 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 will take XR productivity and entertainment to the next level with 4.3K resolution,” he said. The platform is expected to revolutionize room-scale screens, life-size overlays, and virtual desktops.
Collaboration between Samsung and Google
Samsung and Google are ready to deliver cutting-edge XR experiences leveraging Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2. Google and Samsung did not elaborate on the specific products that will integrate the new Qualcomm chips, but the collaboration highlights the growing importance of high-quality XR solutions in the technology industry.
Building on the foundation established by Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, the upgraded ‘+’ model amplifies the realistic details of MR and VR experiences. It achieves this with a 15% increase in GPU frequency and a 20% increase in CPU frequency. Integrating powerful on-device AI can track user movements and surroundings, merging the physical and digital realms.
Samsung Electronics Vice President Song In-kang, head of the technology strategy team, expressed his enthusiasm for cooperation with Qualcomm and Google. “Through Samsung’s mobile expertise and our joint efforts, we aim to deliver a best-in-class XR experience to Galaxy users,” he said.
Shahram Izadi, Google’s Vice President of AR, also expressed his excitement about the continued partnership with Qualcomm Technologies and Samsung. “We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Qualcomm Technologies and Samsung on the future of immersive and spatial XR.” He also added, “We’re excited for the Android ecosystem to leverage the capabilities of Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 and enable new experiences.”
The venture, aimed at competing with top players like Apple’s Vision Pro, demonstrates its commitment to enhancing immersive experiences by using Qualcomm’s advanced XR chips in its new mixed reality headset. This partnership highlights the evolving landscape of XR technologies that can potentially impact consumer, professional and metaverse domains alike.