Qualcomm has thrown down the gauntlet in the augmented reality arena with the unveiling of its latest chip, the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2. This new processor promises to fuel immersive mixed reality (MR) experiences from Samsung and Google, potentially providing serious competition to Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro. (via CNBC)
The Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 represents a significant leap forward from its predecessor, boasting support for stunning 4.3K per-eye resolution and the ability to handle 12 or more concurrent cameras. Building on the foundation of the XR2 Gen 2 used in Meta Quest 3, it packs a hefty performance punch with a 15% GPU and 20% CPU clock speed boost. This translates to even sharper visuals, smoother interactions, and a more seamless blending of the digital and physical realms.
While Apple’s Vision Pro boasts its own powerful M2 and R1 chip duo, Qualcomm’s offering hints at a potentially more accessible price point for those eager to dip their toes into the world of MR. This could be a game-changer, particularly considering the hefty $3,499 price tag attached to the Vision Pro.
The chip’s capabilities extend beyond mere entertainment. Hugo Swart, Vice President and General Manager of Extended Reality at Qualcomm, highlights the potential for enhanced productivity and collaboration, envisioning room-scale screens, life-size overlays, and virtual desktops powered by the XR2+ Gen 2.
Samsung is thrilled to collaborate with Qualcomm Technologies and Google in revolutionizing the mobile industry once more. With Samsung’s mobile expertise and our joint commitment, we aim to create the best-in-class XR experience for Galaxy users.
Inkang Song, Samsung Electronics VP
Google’s Vice President of AR Shahram Izadi shared his enthusiasm saying “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies and Samsung on the future of immersive and spatial XR. We’re excited for the Android ecosystem to take advantage of Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2’s capabilities and enable new experiences.”
While Samsung and Google remain tight-lipped about their respective headset release dates among other details, the partnership with Qualcomm suggests a strategic move to offer a compelling alternative to Apple’s high-end offering. The competitive landscape is heating up, and consumers stand to benefit from a wider range of choices and potentially more affordable access to the fascinating world of mixed-reality.
