Qualcomm S3 Gen 2 Sound Platform announced


Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd. has introduced a new addition to its Qualcomm S3 Gen 2 Sound platform portfolio, specifically designed for gaming.

This optimized solution combines Snapdragon Sound and LE Audio to deliver wireless audio with ultra-low latency of less than 20ms, ensuring a lag-free gaming experience. The solution also incorporates a voice back-channel for in-game chat.

Enhanced Features for Gaming and Music

In addition to its gaming capabilities, the solution supports LE Audio Auracast broadcast capabilities, allowing dongles and adapters to transform various devices into premium broadcast platforms.

Using Snapdragon Sound and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive audio technology, it allows for high-resolution Bluetooth streaming of music at 24-bit 96kHz. With Snapdragon Sound, users can enjoy premium music playback and experience the intricate details of their favorite tracks.

Optimized Connectivity and Flexibility

This solution is specifically optimized for adapters used in audio sources, providing robust connectivity and dynamic latency adaption based on the external RF environment.

When paired with Qualcomm S5 and S3 Gen 2 based earbuds and headsets, users can move freely away from their gaming consoles or PCs without interruptions to the audio, allowing them to stay connected and fully immersed in the gaming action.

Highlights of the Qualcomm S3 Gen 2 Sound platform

1. Delivering new user experiences with Bluetooth LE Audio: The Qualcomm S3 Gen 2 Sound Platform supports a range of LE Audio-enabled use cases for earbuds and stereo headphones, including audio sharing, broadcast, and gaming mode. It integrates the best of LE Audio and classic Bluetooth, enabling seamless feature adoption for various listening scenarios.

2. Exceptional sound across devices with Snapdragon Sound: The Qualcomm S3 Gen 2 Sound Platform offers improved lossless audio quality, enhanced robustness, and lower latency with voice back-channel for in-game chat. It also supports crystal clear voice calls with 32kHz super wideband voice calls and advanced noise cancellation technology.

3. Immersive sound experiences with Dynamic Spatial Audio: The solution ensures extremely low latency for a natural and immersive spatial audio experience between the phone and earbuds. It optimizes spatialization, stereo rotation, and head orientation for a seamless and power-efficient performance.

4. Integrated, hybrid adaptive noise cancellation: The Qualcomm S3 Gen 2 Sound Platform incorporates 3rd generation Qualcomm Hybrid Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which adapts to the in-ear fit and external environment of the user. It also features an Adaptive Transparency mode, allowing smooth transitions between noise-cancelling and ambient sound for situational awareness.

Speaking at the launch, Mike Canevaro, Director, Marketing, and Head of Snapdragon Sound, Qualcomm Technologies, said:

With our latest addition to the Qualcomm S3 Gen 2 Sound portfolio, we are delivering our best wireless gaming experience yet. This optimized platform offers ultra-low latency gaming over Bluetooth with Snapdragon Sound, while also supporting calls and premium music listening.

The platform’s Auracast Broadcast capabilities enable audio sharing, allowing users to easily share audio with friends and family or enjoy wirelessly streamed Auracast audio in public spaces. Moreover, the platform can be utilized to design dongles and adaptors for enabling Auracast Broadcast audio sharing from any source device.


Author: Varun Krish

Varun Krish is a Mobile Technology Enthusiast and has been blogging about mobile phones since 2005. His current phones include the Apple iPhone 13 Pro and Google Pixel 6. You can follow him on Twitter @varunkrish and on Google+ You can also mail Varun Krish