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Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 and AR1 Gen 1 launch to deliver thinner next-gen headsets and smart glasses

The XR2 Gen 2 and AR1 Gen 1 are here. (Source: Qualcomm)
The XR2 Gen 2 and AR1 Gen 1 are here. (Source: Qualcomm)
Qualcomm has introduced a first-gen Snapdragon AR1 Platform alongside its Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, the former of which is specifically intended for the smart glasses and other augmented reality (AR) hardware of the near future. The latter, on the other hand, will power more virtual reality (VR) -focused headsets such as the Meta Quest 3.

Qualcomm has debuted a dedicated chipset for AR use-cases that is a spin-off from its series developed for  "premium mixed reality (MR) and VR technology" for the first time in 2023. Accordingly, the 2 platforms are called the Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 and XR2 Gen 2 respectively.

The OEM asserts that the XR2 Gen 2 can be used to make slimmer and more ergonomic headsets by gathering all the features such hardware would need onto a "single chip architecture". They include a GPU rated for up to 2.5 times the performance of its predecessor; Wi-Fi 6E to 7; a "next-gen" Spectra ISP and support for Snapdragon Sound.

The XR2 Gen 2 can also support the design of a headset with up to 10 different sensors and dual 3K displays. The AR1 Gen 1, by comparison, is rated for a resolution of up to 1,280x1,280 per eye and 3 degrees of freedom (DoF) as opposed to the VR standard of 6.

However, the first-gen chipset also boasts dedicated "AI-assisted Noise & Echo Cancellation", a "premium" 14-bit ISP for glasses-mounted cameras of up to 12MP (for photo) or 6MP (video), and a 3rd-gen Hexagon NPU for onboard AI for features such as real-time translation and visual search.

Accordingly, Qualcomm hints that its new AR/VR/MR platforms will make for the most powerful, yet easily wearable, smart goggles and glasses yet. On that note, we already know that the AR1 Gen 1 is coming in the form of more Ray-Ban x Meta glasses, which will proliferate into a whole series this time, whereas the XR2 Plus Gen 2's first outing will be in the form of the Quest 3.

In that case, maybe the Quest 2 will be even cheaper soon.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2023 09 > Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 and AR1 Gen 1 launch to deliver thinner next-gen headsets and smart glasses
Deirdre O'Donnell, 2023-09-28 (Update: 2023-10-15)