Nandini Roy Choudhury, writer
Brief news
- Qualcomm is collaborating with Samsung and Google to develop mixed-reality smart spectacles that are connected to a smartphone, in contrast to Apple’s larger headset strategy.
- The partnership aims to create new experiences and expects users to purchase companion glasses to complement their smartphones.
- Qualcomm has identified mixed reality as a key focus area and has already developed the Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 processor specifically for smart eyewear.
Detailed news
Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon disclosed to CNBC that the semiconductor manufacturer is collaborating with Samsung and Google to investigate a mixed-reality set of spectacles that are connected to a smartphone. This differs from Apple’s strategy, which involved the introduction of a larger headset.
Last year, a partnership was established between Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm to develop mixed-reality technology. This is a term that denotes the integration of augmented and virtual reality, frequently involving digital images that are superimposed over the real world in front of the user.
Amon’s remarks are among the initial to illuminate the endeavor.
“It will be a new product, and it will be new experiences,” Amon stated when discussing the mixed reality partnership.
“However, what I truly anticipate from this partnership is that all individuals who possess a phone will purchase companion glasses to complement it,” Amon stated.
The CEO cited Meta’s Ray-Ban smart spectacles, which resemble conventional sunglasses but are wirelessly connected to a smartphone and equipped with an in-built camera, which is owned by Facebook. Additionally, Meta’s Llama artificial intelligence model powers their voice assistant.
Qualcomm has also identified mixed reality as a critical focus area in its efforts to expand its business beyond smartphones. The Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 processor, which is specifically designed for smart eyewear, is a product of the company.
Qualcomm has been emphasizing the fact that its diverse processors, which are used in smartphones and PCs, enable AI applications to be executed on the device rather than in the cloud via the internet.
“The device will be equipped with artificial intelligence.” It will operate on the cloud. Amon stated, “It will be distributed in both the glass and the phone, but ultimately, there will be entirely new experiences.”
Reduced market size
The market for virtual and augmented reality headsets is still significantly smaller than that of smartphones. The International Data Corporation anticipates that 9.7 million VR and AR headsets will be shipped this year, which is significantly lower than the previous forecast of 1.23 billion smartphones.
Until now, AR and VR devices have been characterized by their large headgear, which have been the subject of frequent complaints regarding their inconvenience and occasional discomfort. This could be resolved by incorporating a pair of smart spectacles, which would introduce a fashionable device to the mixed reality market.
“I believe it is imperative that we reach a point where the glasses are no different from conventional sunglasses or eyeglasses.” And from there, we can achieve scale,” Amon stated.
Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm’s smart spectacles would represent an alternative approach to Apple’s Vision Pro, a mixed-reality headset that was introduced this year and is worn on the user’s head and operable through hand gestures.
Source : CNBC News
