From Audio Glasses to Earbuds With Cameras, Headphones Are Getting a Major AI Rebrand
In the age of agentic AI, headphones are no longer the straightforward audio devices they once were.
AI technologies are rapidly permeating various new devices, and headphones are set to undergo a significant transformation with the launch of Qualcomm's Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 chip. Expected to debut at Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii, this new chip is poised to revolutionize audio wearables, or "hearables," by introducing an array of AI-driven features and capabilities.
These advancements may enhance sound quality, enable real-time translation, and allow for multimodal interactions that combine audio with vision. The chip's smaller footprint, double AI capability, and 40% lower power consumption will position it as the ultimate upgrade trifecta, propelling the vision of a personalized AI future.
Its direct-to-cloud connectivity, facilitated by micro-power Wi-Fi 6E, and Qualcomm's aptX Lossless audio quality enhancements and XPAN technology will ensure always-on availability and superior connectivity. As Qualcomm's chips target a range of audio devices, from earbuds and headphones to audio glasses and future multimodal wearables, consumers can anticipate increasingly natural and intuitive interactions with their AI assistants.
Written by urgent.news from CNET's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
