Samsung is set to release a new mixed reality headset that will rival Apple’s Vision Pro, thanks to Qualcomm’s next-generation chip. The Snapdragon XR2 Plus Gen 2 chip, announced by Qualcomm, will be featured in Samsung’s upcoming hardware, as well as other headsets from various manufacturers. Qualcomm’s latest chip promises enhanced graphics, improved camera quality, and the potential for onboard AI features.
The Meta Quest 3, the first headset to use Qualcomm’s XR2 Gen 2 chip, already demonstrated the capabilities of the chip by offering superior graphics and camera support. However, the XR2 Plus Gen 2 chip takes it to another level, aiming for a line of premium headsets that can directly compete with Apple’s Vision Pro in terms of features and price.
Besides Samsung, Qualcomm has confirmed other partners who will be incorporating the new chip into their upcoming devices. These include well-known companies like HTC Vive and an as-yet-unannounced hardware partner that will be revealed at the CES show in Las Vegas. The introduction of the XR2 Plus Gen 2 chip allows for higher resolution displays, more simultaneous cameras and trackers, and additional features like eye tracking and full-body tracking.
The improved resolution offered by the chip will also result in better passthrough camera quality, providing users with more detailed and realistic augmented reality experiences. While Apple’s Vision Pro already boasts superior cameras and displays compared to the Meta Quest 3, headsets such as Samsung’s can potentially reach similar mixed-reality standards by utilizing Qualcomm’s new chips.
As for the sensors, headsets powered by the upgraded Qualcomm chip will likely feature more advanced tracking capabilities. The XR2 Plus Gen 2 chip supports up to 12 cameras and sensors, giving manufacturers more options to incorporate external video capture, motion tracking, depth sensors, and internal features like eye and face tracking.
The new chips will also support Wi-Fi 7, enabling faster connectivity to laptops, tablets, and phones. Qualcomm’s cross-device relationship technology would allow for seamless collaboration between headsets, phones, and other devices, sharing processing power, AI functions, and sensor data. This opens up possibilities for various applications, including fitness training that combines virtual reality workouts with camera-based body tracking.
While Samsung and Google have remained secretive about their mixed reality headset plans, it is expected that their devices will focus on better connectivity with computers and phones, potentially utilizing Google’s Android operating system. Shahram Izadi, the Vice President of AR at Google, expressed excitement about the new chip’s capabilities and its potential to enhance experiences within the Android ecosystem.
Overall, the upcoming mixed reality headsets powered by Qualcomm’s XR2 Plus Gen 2 chip promise to deliver a wave of more advanced, pro-focused devices that can rival Apple’s Vision Pro in terms of features and pricing. With improved graphics, enhanced camera quality, and advanced tracking capabilities, these headsets have the potential to provide users with immersive mixed reality experiences.
