Qualcomm introduces Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 chip for AI hearables

The short version

• Qualcomm announced its Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 processor at the Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii.[CNET]
• The component doubles artificial intelligence capabilities and reduces power usage by up to 40% compared to its predecessor.[CNET · 9to5Google]
• The chip supports devices like earbuds, audio glasses, and camera-equipped wearables with features such as contextual image recognition and low-power Wi-Fi 6E.[CNET · 9to5Google]
• Qualcomm has not yet named specific commercial products that will ship with the new silicon.[CNET · 9to5Google]

Key facts

• Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 chip at its Snapdragon Summit event in Hawaii.[CNET]
• The new silicon features double the AI processing capacity, up to 40% lower power consumption, and a physical size 30% smaller than the previous generation.[CNET · 9to5Google]
• The platform supports low-power Wi-Fi 6E for direct cloud connections along with aptX Lossless and XPAN wireless technologies.[CNET · 9to5Google]
• Target device designs include standard headphones, open-ear hybrids, smart glasses, and earbuds equipped with cameras.[CNET · 9to5Google]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Qualcomm announces Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 for AI ‘hearables,’ even ones with cameras9to5Google
• From Audio Glasses to Earbuds With Cameras, Headphones Are Getting a Major AI RebrandCNET