(Credit: Qualcomm)
Qualcomm says its latest processor, the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, will make future XR headsets better for work and play. The primary improvement introduced in the XR2+ Gen 2 is a leap forward in supported resolution. XR headsets that rely on the XR2+ Gen 2 will be able to run two 4.3K displays at up to 90 frames per second. In comparison, the predecessor chip, the XR2 Gen 2, supports display up to 3K. Sharper displays will lead to more life-like experiences when using MR and VR apps and games.
Specific upgrades to the chip include higher clock speeds for the GPU and CPU. Qualcomm says the GPU runs at a 15% higher frequency than the previous-generation chip and the CPU runs at a 20% higher frequency. This has generated a 2.5x jump in GPU performance, 8x better AI performance, and a 50% jump in GPU efficiency. Together with a next-generation Spectra ISP, which packs in more cores than before, the XR2+ Gen 2 can handle more than 12 concurrent on-device cameras at a time for features such as object tracking, depth sensing, and eye tracking. The older XR2 Gen 2 supported up to 10 cameras.
Other features include 12ms full-color video see-through, support for warp speed, foveated rendering, and game super resolution, and Wi-Fi 7 for next-generation wireless connections.
The advanced features help ensure that devices built with the XR2+ Gen 2 can compete with the Apple Vision Pro, which, though it hasn't yet been released, has set a high bar for what mixed reality headsets can do.
(Credit: Qualcomm)Qualcomm says more than five OEM partners are working on devices with the XR2+ Gen 2, and called out Google and Samsung as two of those partners. Without providing any specific details, Google and Samsung representatives expressed enthusiasm for the chip launch.
"We’re excited for the Android ecosystem to take advantage of Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2’s capabilities and enable new experiences," said Shahram Izadi, vice president of AR at Google. Google's participation in XR is key for the technology's success, given Android's dominant position in the mobile OS market.
Last, Qualcomm and its ODM partners Goertek and Tobii revealed a new MR and VR reference design to help developers create apps and experiences for future headsets. The reference design is available in two variants, one with the XR2 Gen 2 (3K) and one with the XR2+ Gen 2 (4K).
Qualcomm says Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2-based products may reach the market before the end of 2024.