Qualcomm is expanding its AI-driven wearable technology with the launch of Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2. The new chipset with artificial intelligence and higher audio performance to the next generation of earbuds, headphones, open-ear devices and audio glasses is being unveiled at the Snapdragon Summit in Maui.
The Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 has been developed for a new category of intelligent audio wearables that can do more than just perform music playback and phone calls. Qualcomm says the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 is the first of its kind to offer premium Snapdragon Sound technologies with on-device AI, security-focused cloud-connected intelligence and micro-power Wi-Fi 6E. This intelligent audio device will be available in the market and will be better for the world of smart audio wearables.
One of the main focuses of the new platform is on-device artificial intelligence. Qualcomm claims that Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 can provide up to twice the AI capabilities of its previous Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 Sound Platform. On the other hand, it states that its new platform can deliver up to 40 per cent lower power consumption and a 30 per cent smaller footprint compared to the previous one.
Such improvements would allow manufacturers to create smaller AI-based earbuds and related wearable products that can incorporate the latest technology at lower cost and with less battery life. Instead of relying exclusively on a connected smartphone for intelligent features, compatible devices could process more AI workloads locally. This might make voice recognition, AI assistance and contextually relevant audio interaction more responsive.
Qualcomm also sees the platform playing a role in the evolution of AI assistants. Future audio wearables with Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 will be able to understand spoken commands, respond to users, translate, and interact with AI services. In camera-enabled products, AI may be able to combine audio and visual information to better understand what’s happening around the wearer.
Another important addition is integrated micro-power Wi-Fi 6E. In the case of the audio wearables that can be connected to cloud-based AI services, the technology is intended to connect them at a relatively low power level. This would also allow for less reliance on a smartphone for some connected features and new possibilities for standalone or semi-independent AI wearables.
The new platform is not only about artificial intelligence. Qualcomm is also focused on improving everyday listening and communication. Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 is equipped with aptX Lossless, XPAN, fifth-generation Qualcomm Active Noise Cancellation and cVc technologies. These technologies are all aimed at improving audio quality, noise reduction, voice capture and call clarity.
Qualcomm is also launching its Snapdragon Audio Sense Solution to bring together microphones with AI-based algorithms to help more compatible wearables recognize voices and surrounding sounds. This will be especially useful for products that are trying to differentiate speech from background noise, or to respond to that noise.
The range of devices that can use Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 is also broad. Qualcomm says the platform can power conventional earbuds and headphones as well as open-ear products, hybrid audio devices, camera-equipped earbuds and audio glasses. It is in line with the company’s wider view that wearable audio products are evolving into computing devices rather than just gadgets for smartphones.
Audio glasses are one area where microphones, AI, connectivity and maybe cameras might become very important. Such products could provide hands-free access to digital assistants, translation tools and contextual information while keeping interactions primarily focused on audio.
For customers, the success of Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 will ultimately depend on how the device manufacturers use it. Qualcomm's hardware gives us processing, connectivity and audio capabilities, but the brands will decide which AI features and user experiences are reflected in their products.
With AI evolving rapidly in smartphones, PCs and other consumer electronics, Qualcomm’s new audio platform signals a similar progression in the wearable audio industry. Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 is aimed at making manufacturers capable of making smaller, more power-efficient and increasingly intelligent audio devices that interact with users and their surroundings in a new way and that will be more efficient and do so in a more connected and user-friendly way.
The launch also demonstrates how the next generation of earbuds and audio glasses could look more like more than merely devices for listening to music. With local AI processing, cloud connectivity, advanced microphones and audio technologies, these products are increasingly being positioned as everyday intelligent companions that can communicate, interpret and assist users while being lightweight and wearable.
