Qualcomm announces Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 for AI ‘hearables,’ even ones with cameras

Qualcomm has unveiled its latest chipset, Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2, designed specifically for audio wearables, or "hearables" as the company describes them in their press release. This new SoC focuses on enhancing AI capabilities for audio devices, promising up to 2x greater on-device AI performance with improved energy efficiency, consuming up to 40% less power. Consequently, wearables equipped with this chipset are expected to require less frequent charging.

Moreover, Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 supports Wi-Fi 6E, enabling OEMs to equip devices for on-board AI processing or cloud-based AI access. Audio quality and range also receive a boost, thanks to aptX and XPAN connectivity. However, what truly sets this chipset apart is its AI-driven noise cancellation, leveraging Qualcomm's 5th-generation protocol for improved performance in headsets and earbuds.

Potential applications range from conventional earbuds and headphones to advanced designs like open-ear hybrids, camera-integrated devices, audio glasses, and future multimodal wearables. While Qualcomm hasn't specified any particular devices the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 will power, with the rise of Android XR devices and other products from major tech companies, it's probable that this new silicon will see real-world use soon.