Qualcomm has announced a new augmented reality processor, the Snapdragon AR1+ Gen 1, that enables AI without a smartphone or cloud connection, paving the way for autonomous smart glasses with powerful local processing.
Qualcomm has announced a new augmented reality processor, the Snapdragon AR1+ Gen 1, that enables AI without a smartphone or cloud connection, paving the way for autonomous smart glasses with powerful local processing.
As Engadget reports, the new product is an improved version of the previous AR1 Gen 1, but its main difference is support for AI products directly on the device. Thanks to the 3rd generation Hexagon neuroprocessor, the chip can process up to 1 billion parameters of small language models (SLMs), such as Llama 1B, without the need for the Internet.
The developers are focusing on miniaturization: the new chip is 28% smaller than its predecessor, which allows for a 20% reduction in the height of the glasses' temples. This is critical for creating more elegant and lightweight form factors.
The AR1+ is also more power-efficient, drawing less power in scenarios such as computer vision, voice activation, Bluetooth playback, and video streaming. Qualcomm claims «premium» image quality, achieved through binocular display support, image stabilization, and a powerful multi-frame processing engine.
During the demonstration, Qualcomm’s Vice President of XR, Ziad Asghar, simulated a real-life situation:
«I was standing in a supermarket and asked the glasses to help me with a fettuccine alfredo recipe for my daughter’s birthday.» He said this was the first time a generative AI model of this type had been run entirely on smart glasses, without any external processing.
The company cited the Ray-Ban Meta and the experimental Orion AR as examples of future applications for the chip. From now on, developers will be able to create standalone AR glasses with built-in AI features without sacrificing design or usability.
As the augmented reality market moves from experimental solutions to full-fledged consumer products, built-in AI and smaller sizes could be key to mass adoption. Qualcomm is aiming to be a major player in setting the standard for the next generation of smart glasses.
As a reminder, a US court recently ruled that Qualcomm did not violate its agreement with Arm by acquiring Nuvia, a startup founded by three former Apple engineers, for $1.4 billion in 2021. This will ensure Qualcomm’s presence in the PC market, at least for a while.
