Counterpoint Conversations: Spatial AI, The Next Frontier in Extended Reality (XR) Experiences

Dec 22, 2023

At the Snapdragon Summit 2023, our Research Director, Neil Shah, had a quick chat with Hugo Stewart, the XR guru at Qualcomm, about the advancements in Extended Reality (XR) technology. Hugo discussed recent chipsets, including the XR2 Gen 2 that powers the Meta Quest 3, while highlighting its improved graphics, AI capabilities, and video pass-through for Mixed Reality (MR). Additionally, Qualcomm also introduced the AR1 Gen 1 SoC for smart glasses, emphasizing its role as an AI device with cameras serving as eyes for immersive experiences. Hugo also spoke about distinctions between smart glasses and AR glasses, highlighting the potential applications such as translation, navigation, and fitness. The conversation extends to the development side, covering Qualcomm's Spaces developer platform, supporting over 5,000 developers in creating content and applications for XR. Lastly, Neil and Hugo also explore the concept of Spatial AI, envisioning immersive experiences like watching sports from different angles, and virtual meetings as key applications for the future of XR technology.

The Interview:

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Team Counterpoint

Counterpoint Research is a global industry and market research firm providing market data, intelligence, thought leadership and consulting across the technology ecosystem. We advise a diverse range of global clients spanning the supply chain – from chipmakers, component suppliers, manufacturers and software and application developers to service providers, channel players and investors. Our veteran team of analysts serve these clients through our offices located across the key innovation hubs, manufacturing clusters and commercial centers globally. Our analysts consistently engage with C-suite through to strategy, market intelligence, supply chain, R&D, product management, marketing, sales and others across the organization. Counterpoint’s key coverage areas: AI, Automotive, Cloud, Connectivity, Consumer Electronics, Displays, eSIM, IoT, Location Platforms, Macroeconomics, Manufacturing, Networks & Infra, Semiconductors, Smartphones and Wearables.