XR and AR platforms, including for AR glasses or smart glasses from Qualcomm with Snapdragon 'XR2 Gen 2' and 'AR1 Gen 1' platform

Qualcomm XR and AR platforms: Revolutionary technologies for AR glasses and smart glasses

Qualcomm, one of the world's leading manufacturers of semiconductors and communications solutions, has reached a milestone in spatial computing with the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 and Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 platforms. These technologies pave the way for immersive experiences, lighter devices, and seamless integration of virtual and physical worlds. With this innovative strength, Qualcomm demonstrates its leading role in the XR (Extended Reality) industry and is decisively driving the further development of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).

Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2: Powerful processor for XR applications

The Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 platform represents breakthrough improvements in performance and efficiency designed specifically for immersive XR experiences. This platform impresses with its impressive technical features and sets new standards in the industry:

Outstanding performance characteristics

• 2.5x GPU performance: Compared to the previous generation, this ensures significantly smoother and more realistic visualizations.
• 8x improvement in AI performance: The platform enables a personalized and adaptive user experience using state-of-the-art AI algorithms.
• Support for up to 3K resolution per eye: This creates crystal clear images with stunning detail.
• Seamless transitions between Mixed Reality (MR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Users can switch between virtual and real content without delays.

With the XR2 Gen 2 platform, Qualcomm is creating an ecosystem in which virtual content is precisely integrated into the physical environment. Especially in the gaming industry, industrial training and education, users can benefit from immersive experiences that appear even more realistic and tangible.

Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1: Lightweight and elegant smart glasses

The Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 platform is specifically designed for slim and stylish smart glasses. This platform is a breakthrough for AR glasses that stand out in equal measure for their functionality and design.

Key features of the platform:

• Lightweight design: The platform enables the development of glasses that are light and comfortable to wear - ideal for everyday use.
• On-Glass AI: With integrated artificial intelligence, users can benefit from real-time translations, visual search and image enhancements.
• High-quality cameras: Professional camera functions enable photo and video recordings from a first-person perspective, which is particularly of interest to content creators.
• Notifications and interactions: Users can receive notifications and interact with virtual content without having to use external devices.

Thanks to the Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 platform, AR glasses are not only smarter, but also more suitable for everyday use, as they combine technological innovation with minimalist design.

What the platforms have in common: Advanced AI and intuitive interaction

Both platforms – XR2 Gen 2 and AR1 Gen 1 – are equipped with state-of-the-art on-device AI, enabling complex tasks to be carried out in real time. This includes features such as:

• Hand and head movement detection: Precise interactions with virtual content are facilitated by intuitive gesture controls.
• Facial expression recognition: For an immersive experience, emotions and facial expressions are recognized in real time and transferred to virtual avatars.

The integration of these technologies opens up numerous opportunities for industries such as entertainment, education, industrial and medical. For example, surgeons could use AR glasses to see additional information during surgeries, or teachers could use immersive content to clearly explain complex topics to students.

Collaborating with Meta: The Future of Spatial Computing Devices

Qualcomm worked closely with Meta, one of the world's leading social technology companies, to develop the new platforms. This collaboration has led to the market launch of revolutionary devices:

• Meta Quest 3: The latest generation of VR headsets is based on the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 platform and offers unparalleled performance and impressive visualizations.
• Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: These elegant smart glasses use the Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 platform to integrate AR functions into everyday life.

The partnership between Qualcomm and Meta highlights the importance of collaboration in the technology industry to innovate faster and more efficiently.

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Potential applications and advantages of the new platforms

Qualcomm's new platforms open up a wide range of possible applications in a wide variety of areas:

1. Gaming and Entertainment

• Immersive games with realistic graphics and seamless interactivity.
• Virtual cinemas and concerts where users are right in the middle of the action.

2. Industry and production

• AR glasses for technicians who can see instructions and construction plans right in front of their eyes in real time.
• Training in virtual environments that simulate realistic scenarios.

3. Healthcare

• Surgical support with AR overlays that display important information during operations.
• Therapy and rehabilitation through VR-supported applications.

4. Education and Training

• Virtual classrooms in which students can experience complex topics interactively.
• Training professionals in safe, virtual environments.

5. Everyday life and communication

• Real-time translations and visual guidance that make travel and international communication easier.
• Integration of smart glasses into everyday life, e.g. B. for navigation or social media interactions.

A look into the future: Affordable XR devices for everyone

With the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 and AR1 Gen 1 platforms, Qualcomm is making XR technology more accessible and affordable to a broad user base. The advances in performance and efficiency create a foundation for future innovations that will have a lasting impact on the XR device market.

By combining advanced technology, close collaboration with industry leaders and a clear focus on user experience, Qualcomm is positioning itself as a pioneer in spatial computing. It is foreseeable that AR and VR devices will be increasingly integrated into our everyday lives in the next few years - from entertainment to work to education.

The vision is clear: a world where technology works seamlessly and invisibly in the background, taking our interactions, decisions and experiences to a whole new level. Qualcomm provides the building blocks for this future with its platforms.

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Qualcomm is a leading U.S. technology company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development and manufacture of semiconductors and telecommunications products. Founded in 1985 by Irwin Jacobs and Andrew Viterbi, the company has grown into one of the world's largest semiconductor manufacturers and was the world's fifth largest semiconductor manufacturer by revenue in 2021.

Core business

Qualcomm mainly focuses on the following areas:

• Cellular technology: The company is a leader in the development of CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) technology and other cellular standards such as 5G.
• Processors: Qualcomm develops the well-known Snapdragon series of system-on-chip (SoC) processors that are used in many smartphones and tablets.
• Wireless Communications: The company offers solutions for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and other wireless technologies.
• Automotive industry: Qualcomm is expanding into driver assistance systems and autonomous driving.

Business model

Qualcomm's business model is based on two main pillars:

• Sales of semiconductors and systems (QCT segment): This accounts for the majority of sales, with 83.8% in 2024.
• Licensing technologies (QTL segment): Qualcomm licenses its patented technologies to other manufacturers, which accounts for 16.2% of sales.

Market position and innovations

Qualcomm is known for its continuous innovation in mobile technologies. The company plays a key role in the development and implementation of 5G technology and is already working on future mobile communications standards. With over 51,000 employees as of 2022 and revenue of $38.9 billion in 2024, Qualcomm is a major player in the global technology industry.

Founding as a startup

Qualcomm was originally a startup, but is now an established major technology company.

Qualcomm was founded in 1985 by seven former Linkabit employees, led by Irwin Jacobs and Andrew Viterbi. The company started as a typical startup:

• It was founded by a small group of entrepreneurs
• Started with an innovative idea (CDMA technology for wireless communication)
• Initially only had a few employees (8 in 1986)
• Growed quickly (620 employees by 1991)

Development into a large company

Qualcomm quickly grew from a startup to a leading technology company:

• 1991: IPO to raise capital for CDMA research
• 1995: Second round of financing for mass production of CDMA products
• Late 1990s: Focus on the lucrative patent licensing business
• 2000: Already 6,300 employees and $3.2 billion in sales

Current position

Today Qualcomm is a multinational corporation and one of the world's largest semiconductor manufacturers:

• Over 51,000 employees (as of 2022)
• $38.9 billion in sales in 2024
• Leader in cellular technology, processors and wireless communications

Although Qualcomm began as a startup, it has long since developed into an established large company that invests in startups and promotes innovation.

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