Qualcomm stepped foot into the extended reality (XR) segment in the market back in 2018 with the unveiling of its XR1 platform for AR and VR headsets. Earlier this year, we saw the company partner with Microsoft to develop a custom chip for future AR glasses. Now, at its recent Snapdragon launch event in China, Qualcomm has introduced a new “Wireless AR Smart Viewer” reference design powered by its XR2 platform. Check out the details below to find out more.
During its much-anticipated launch event, where the company announced the new Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 SoCs, Qualcomm unveiled its new Wireless AR Smart Viewer reference design for its OEM partners. The new Wireless AR Smart Viewer comes with a 40% thinner design and is powered by Qualcomm’s 5G-supported XR2 platform.
However, the highlight of the new Wireless AR Smart Viewer is its wireless functionalities and low latency of less than 3ms. To achieve these, Qualcomm integrated its powerful XR2 platform into the device, combining it with its FastConnect 6900 system. As a result, the new AR hardware reference device supports Wi-Fi 6/ 6E and the latest Bluetooth technologies to allow users to get the fastest commercially available speeds and increased range.
Furthermore, Qualcomm has added new FastConnect XR Software Suite system integrators and application drivers to the device to improve M2R2P (motion-to-render-to-photon) latency, avoid unwanted interferences, and reduce jitter when experiencing AR content. It also comes with purpose-built low power modes to deliver low-latency performance for low power operations and sustained XR experiences.
