Qualcomm today released the next generation Snapdragon XR platform - XR2+Gen2 on the eve of the US Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The new SoC promises 4.3K resolution to each eye at 90 frames per second (resolution is slightly reduced at 120 frames per second), 2.5x faster GPU performance, 8x better AI performance, and 12ms see-through latency for full-color video.
Over the past few years, Qualcomm has built its overall AR/VR/XR platform. These include the Snapdragon AR chip that powers Meta/Ray-Ban smart glasses. The chip lineup is a bit complicated, with AR1Gen1 for smart glasses without screens, AR2Gen1 chips for AR-enabled smart glasses, and XR1 and XR2 chips. The XR2+Gen2 is the new flagship of the series, surpassing the previously released non-plusXR2Gen2 that "only" offered 3K resolution. As before, Qualcomm will continue to produce existing chips.
Hugo Swart, vice president and general manager of XR at Qualcomm, said: "Snapdragon XR2+Gen2 unlocks 4.3K resolution and will take XR productivity and entertainment to the next level, bringing stunningly clear visuals to use cases such as room-scale screens, life-size overlays and virtual desktops. We are advancing our commitment to power the best XR devices and experiences that will fuel our immersive future."
Another interesting detail announced today is that Qualcomm is not only launching its own reference architecture, but also working with Google and Samsung to bring this platform into their respective ecosystems. Other launch partners include HTC Vive, Immersed and PlayforDream (formerly YVR - the VR headset maker).