Qualcomm is expanding its efforts in the smart glasses market with new, low-power components designed to run artificial intelligence software directly on the glasses.
The company showcased smart glasses at the Augmented World Expo, powered by its new Snapdragon AR1+ Gen 1 processor. This allows the glasses to operate AI features without needing an internet connection or a smartphone. Qualcomm aims to make smart glasses more independent and mainstream.
Qualcomm's Senior Vice President Ziad Asghar demonstrated an AI assistant, based on the Llama 1B model, running on the glasses. He emphasized the glasses' ability to function without a phone or cloud connection. The company is focusing on smaller, energy-efficient components to overcome the limitations of current smart glasses technology.
Qualcomm already supplies chips for devices like Meta's Ray-Ban glasses and Quest headsets. They are targeting a wide range of headsets, including virtual reality goggles and smart glasses. The company is also working with Lenovo, Sony, Microsoft, and HTC.
Apple is also exploring the smart glasses market, currently offering the Vision Pro headset. Qualcomm is looking to strengthen its position in the market before Apple potentially introduces its own advancements.