From PCMAG · Florence Ion · · 1m 20s
Qualcomm Sound Chip Enables AI-Only Gadgets
Qualcomm's new sound chip lets earbuds and smart glasses run AI without phones.
In brief
Qualcomm's new sound chip lets earbuds and smart glasses run AI without phones. Qualcomm's Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 chip enables wireless earbuds and smart glasses to interact with AI without needing a smartphone. Originally reported by PCMAG.
Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2
Qualcomm announced a new sound chip at its Hawaii summit that turns wireless earbuds and smart glasses into standalone ai devices without smartphones.
Twice the AI Power
The chip offers up to twice the on-device ai capability of its predecessor, uses 40% less power, and supports micro-power wi-fi 6e for computer-less audio transmissions.
AI-Focused Design
Unlike the standard version of its predecessor, this generation focuses specifically on ai interactions, is about 30% smaller, and includes a dedicated ultra-low-power ai accelerator.
XPAN Technology
The chip includes xpans, a feature that combines low-power bluetooth and micro-power wi-fi to keep you connected as you move between rooms and farther from the host device.
AI-Driven Audio Curation
Other features include fifth-generation adaptive anc, aptx lossless support for bit-for-bit music streaming, and ai-driven audio curation that adjusts sound levels based on the environment.
2027 Launch Timeline
Qualcomm expects the first batch of devices using the sound platform to launch in 2027, targeting smart glasses, earbuds, and camera buds.
Here's the gist
Qualcomm's Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 chip enables wireless earbuds and smart glasses to interact with AI without needing a smartphone.
