As the competition to challenge Apple’s Vision Pro heats up, Samsung and Google are making strategic moves with Qualcomm’s latest XR chip, the Snapdragon XR2 Plus Gen 2. The chip’s unveiling marks a significant step in the development of their advanced mixed reality headset, signaling a formidable rival to Apple’s flagship product.
Following the successful integration of Qualcomm’s XR2 Gen 2 chip in Meta’s Quest 3, the XR2 Plus Gen 2 aims to push the boundaries further. Boasting enhanced graphics, superior color passthrough camera quality, external camera support, and onboard AI features, the chip positions itself as a contender in the premium headset market. Samsung and other key partners, including HTC Vive, Immersed, and Play for Dream, are set to leverage the capabilities of the XR2 Plus Gen 2 in their upcoming offerings.
Key features of the chip include support for up to 4.3K pixel resolution per eye at a 90Hz refresh rate, paving the way for higher-resolution displays and more advanced camera and tracker configurations. The increased number of sensors, cameras, and trackers, accommodating up to 12 simultaneously, suggests a shift towards a more sophisticated mixed-reality experience. This includes potential features like eye and face tracking cameras, putting these headsets in closer competition with Apple’s Vision Pro.
Qualcomm’s inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 support highlights the chip’s commitment to seamless connectivity, enabling interactions with laptops, tablets, and phones. Beyond traditional connectivity, the XR2 Plus Gen 2 chip opens the door to collaborative functions between devices, potentially reshaping the landscape of cross-device relationships. Discussions with partners are ongoing to explore the potential infrastructure and functionalities, emphasizing the role of phones in rendering, AI functions, and sensor sharing.