In a bid to compete with Apple‘s forthcoming Vision Pro, Qualcomm, the leading mobile phone processor manufacturer, unveiled the Snapdragon XR2+ chip tailored for virtual and mixed-reality headsets on Thursday.
Samsung and Google are set to adopt the new chip for their mixed reality devices, positioning them as challengers to Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
The newly introduced component boasts compatibility with 12 or more high-definition cameras, reflecting Qualcomm’s commitment to advancing mixed-reality technologies.
Last year, Qualcomm, Samsung, and Google forged a partnership dedicated to the development of mixed-reality devices. This technology enables users to superimpose digital content onto the real world through specialized headsets. The introduction of the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, capable of running Android applications, hints at a strategic move by these companies to introduce a more cost-effective headset compared to Apple’s high-end Vision Pro, slated for an early launch this year. Apple’s headset relies on the M2 processor, the same chip driving certain Mac models.
The Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 by Qualcomm represents an improvement over the older Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, found in the $499.99 Meta Quest 3, offering support for sharper screens and enhanced graphics in the mixed-reality landscape.
The Meta Quest 2 is an affordable virtual reality headset set that is now available on Amazon for a 17% discount, priced at $249.
I am an experienced technical journalist and editor with a background in public relations, advertising, marketing automation, social media, and artificial intelligence. In early 2021, I joined a registered Salesforce consultancy as its CMO. Before this, I had worked as a technology journalist and editor for business and tech media for a long time. Later, I transitioned to a role as a manager and PR and marketing consultant. Since 2008, I have been employed in marketing, public relations, advertising, and social media, serving a diverse range of clients such as Epson, Cisco, Oracle, SAP, Discovery, and SDL.
I enjoy riding my bike outside of work, especially on gravel and MTB trails. In my free time, I occasionally play the electric guitar and am fascinated with vintage guitars and tube amplifiers.
Maria Malik is your guide to the immersive world of Virtual Reality (VR). With a passion for VR technology, she explores the latest VR headsets, applications, and experiences, providing readers with in-depth reviews, industry insights, and a glimpse into the future of virtual experiences.
