Qualcomm reveals next-gen AR glasses with Wi-Fi 6 streaming
Qualcomm's new AR reference glasses are equipped with an XR2 chip and work wirelessly thanks to Wi-Fi streaming.
Qualcomm's new reference design eliminates the cable that sends content from the smartphone to the glasses for AR glasses like Nreal Light. Qualcomm's "Fast Connect 6900" solution, consisting of hardware and software, can stream data from the smartphone and other input devices such as a PC with a latency of less than three milliseconds, according to Qualcomm. The software connects the glasses and the input devices via Wi-Fi 6 / 6E and Bluetooth.
Bild: Qualcomm
Slimmer AR glasses with more processing power and wireless split processing
The new reference design uses Qualcomm's current flagship XR chip XR2, which is also installed in standalone VR headsets like Vive Focus 3, Quest 2 or Pico Neo 3 Pro. The glasses and the player share the processing duties: The player runs the XR app and sends compressed images to the glasses. The glasses perform the tracking, decode the data and display it.
Qualcomm's new AR reference design relies on split processing between the glasses and the player. | Image: Qualcomm
According to Qualcomm, this so-called "split processing" was first used in Lenovo's ThinkReality AR3 glasses, but there still via cable - now it works wirelessly. The better-known Nreal AR glasses still calculate all data on the player and then send it to the glasses.
Qualcomm has also made progress with the form factor: The new reference design "has a 40% thinner profile and a more ergonomically balanced weight distribution for increased comfort."
The frame of the XR2 model is significantly slimmer than that of the XR1 model. | Image: Qualcomm
The weight is 115 grams, the battery offers 650 mAh - and is empty within 30 minutes in the worst case for demanding XR applications. Simple applications should offer a longer runtime.
1080p resolution and hand tracking
Qualcomm relies on two OLED screens (one per eye) with 1080p resolution at 90 Hz for the displays. The diagonal field of view is 40 degrees. In addition, there are two black-and-white cameras and a color camera for spatial and hand tracking inside the frame. The reference glasses are manufactured by Goertek.
Through its own FastConnect XR software suite, Qualcomm promises a 99-percent smooth tracking and content experience and special features like a battery-saving mode. The reference design also supports Qualcomm's own AR development platform Snapdragon Spaces.
The reference design is available now to select partners and is expected to be rolled out more broadly in the coming months. Qualcomm says it is working with" a few OEMs" that will use the new reference design, but doesn't want to give any names yet. It is known that Qualcomm is working with Niantic and Microsoft on AR technology.
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