Qualcomm Unveils Second-Generation Snapdragon XR2 and First-Generation Snapdragon AR1 Platforms to Power Future MR, VR and Smart Glasses Devices

QualcommTechnologies recently announced two new spatial computing platforms - the second-generation Snapdragon XR2 and the first-generation Snapdragon AR1 - designed to support the next generation of mixed reality (MR), virtual reality (VR), and smart glasses devices.

According to Qualcomm's official presentation, the second-generation Snapdragon XR2 platform achieves significant performance improvements in a number of areas, including a 2.5x increase in GPU performance, per-wattartificial intelligence (AI)In addition, the platform supports up to 10 parallel cameras and sensors, as well as advanced technologies such as 3K x 3K resolution displays, high-quality audio (Snapdragon Listen), Wi-Fi 7, and more.

The first-generation Snapdragon AR1 platform, on the other hand, has been specifically designed and optimized to cope with power consumption constraints for lightweight smart glasses. The platform supports photography, sharing and real-time live streaming on the glasses side, enabling users to free their hands. In addition, the AI on the terminal side provides personal assistant functions such as audio enhancement, visual search and real-time translation. In addition, the platform supports a visual flat display, enabling content consumption, including video, to seamlessly integrate with the user's field of view.

Qualcomm's official press release revealed that the two next-generation platforms were developed in close collaboration with Meta and are expected to make their commercial debut on Meta devices in 2023. The Meta Quest 3 will be powered by the second-generation Snapdragon XR2 platform, while the Ray-Ban Meta line of smart glasses will be powered by the first-generation Snapdragon AR1 platform. In addition, more devices from other manufacturers are expected to be launched in 2024, bringing more innovation to the MR, VR and smart glasses market.