At the Augmented World Expo, Qualcomm unveiled its latest innovation: the Snapdragon AR1+ Gen 1 processor, designed to power AI-driven augmented reality (AR) smart glasses. This new chip marks a significant step forward for Qualcomm as it adapts to the growing interest in wearable tech, potentially replacing smartphones in the future.
While the shift to AR smart glasses could reduce demand for smartphone processors, Qualcomm is already positioning itself to capitalize on this change by creating chips specifically for AR wearables.
The Snapdragon AR1+ Gen 1 chip, 26% smaller than its predecessor, enhances performance by improving image quality, energy efficiency, and enabling AI functionalities directly on the glasses without relying on a phone or cloud connection. Qualcomm demonstrated the processor’s capabilities at the event, where Senior VP Ziad Asghar interacted with an AI-powered digital assistant through the smart glasses, showcasing the power of on-device AI.
Unlike previous AR devices that depended on cloud connectivity or phone pairing, the AR1+ Gen 1 processes data entirely on the glasses, making them more autonomous and practical for everyday use. This leap in technology is a significant milestone for Qualcomm, helping to shift smart glasses from a mere accessory to a full-fledged alternative to smartphones. By improving power efficiency and reducing size, the company hopes to make these glasses more comfortable and longer-lasting, addressing the key challenge of creating wearable tech that’s both powerful and light enough for extended use.
Qualcomm has already established a foothold in the AR space, with its chips powering popular devices like Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses, Lenovo’s A3 headset, HTC’s Vive Flow, and Microsoft’s HoloLens 2. As demand for AR glasses grows, Qualcomm is positioning itself to be a dominant player in the market, just as it has in the smartphone industry. The future of AR-powered smart glasses looks brighter than ever, and Qualcomm’s new processor may be the key to unlocking their full potential.