Qualcomm has announced two new platforms specifically designed for smart glasses and augmented reality (XR) headsets. Both platforms will be the basis for more than 40 wearable artificial intelligence (AI) devices to be launched this year, according to CEO Cristiano Amon.
The two platforms are Snapdragon Reality Elite for next-generation XR glasses and START (Scalable Turnkey AI-Ready Toolkit) for smart glasses with AI capabilities. Snapdragon Reality Elite is an improvement over the previous Snapdragon XR platform with the chip delivering over 60% GPU, 30% CPU and 160% NPU improvements. Devices with Reality Elite can run 3B parameter AI models directly from the device.
It also supports 4.4K resolution for each eye at a frame rate of 90 FPS. Also included is improved head and hand tracking capabilities. Snapdragon Reality Elite is targeted for use in VST see-through video headsets and glasses with built-in OST screens. The first device to use this chip is the XREAL Project Aura.
START is a platform that combines AR chips, software platforms, applications, and programs to accelerate the development of wearable AI devices. It is used in smart glasses with audio only, with a screen in one eye or with a screen in both eyes. Two companies that have confirmed that they will use SMART are Inspecs and O’Neill (TitanFlex).
Smart glasses are seen as devices that will replace smartphones in the near future. Therefore, offering these two platforms will give Qualcomm an advantage over its competitors. Google Intelligent Eyewear glasses with AndroidXR have already been confirmed to use Qualcomm chips.
