{
  "id": 9405997,
  "title": "From Audio Glasses to Earbuds With Cameras, Headphones Are Getting a Major AI Rebrand",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/from-audio-glasses-to-earbuds-with-cameras-headphones-are-getting-a",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-09-23T19:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CNET",
    "slug": "cnet",
    "url": "https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/qualcomm-snapdragon-sound-elite-gen-2-chip-headphones-ai-rebrand/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "In the age of agentic AI, headphones are no longer the straightforward audio devices they once were.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}