Qualcomm today has introduced the Snapdragon XR1 Platform, it is the world’s first dedicated SoC for Extended Reality (XR) platform. The XR1 platform is also specially optimized for Augmented Reality (AR) experiences with Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities offering better interactivity, power consumption, and thermal efficiency.
The company has also announced that OEMs like Meta, VIVE, Vuzix, and Picoare are already developing on the first dedicated XR1 platform. The Snapdragon XR1 integrates Qualcomm Technologies’ heterogeneous compute architecture, including the ARM-based multi-core Central Processing Unit (CPU), a vector processor, Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and Qualcomm’s AI Engine. It also includes advanced XR software service layer, machine learning the Snapdragon XR Software Development Kit (SDK) and Qualcomm Technologies connectivity and security technologies.
Thanks to the AI engine, it provides on-device processing and brings the ability to process AI-use cases and run high performing, power-efficient machine learning based computer vision algorithms. It supports Ultra high-definition 4K video resolution at up to 60 frames per second for high-quality VR HMDs. The Qualcomm Spectra Image Signal Processor (ISP) reduces unwanted noise from snapshots.
It also supports dual-display support, 3D overlays including OpenGL, OpenCL, and Vulkan. The Snapdragon XR1 uses Qualcomm Technologies 3D Audio Suite, Qualcomm Aqstic Audio Technologies, and Qualcomm aptX Audio for high-fidelity audio experiences and “always-on, always-listening” voice assistance as well as Bluetooth playback. XR1’s head-related transfer functions (HRTF) enable users’ ears to synthesize binaural sound that feels like it comes from a specific point in space.
Alex Katouzian, senior vice president, and general manager, Mobile Business Unit, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc said:
As technology evolves and consumer demand grows, we envision XR devices playing a wider variety of roles in consumers’ and workers’ daily lives. By integrating powerful visuals, high-fidelity audio, and rich interactive experiences, XR1 will help create a new era of high-quality, mainstream XR devices for consumers.