It was obvious that metaverse-related announcements would be made at CES 2022, which is currently being held in Las Vegas. Thus, Qualcomm and Microsoft have announced a partnership to develop a chip for a new generation augmented reality device.
The Spaces XR and Mesh platforms integrated into the device
” We announce that we are developing a custom Snapdragon chip for augmented reality, for next-generation, low-power, super-lightweight augmented reality glasses for the Microsoft ecosystem. And we’re integrating software from both companies into this chip: Microsoft’s Mesh platform and the recently announced Qualcomm Snapdragon Spaces XR development platform. Snapdragon Spaces will be fully integrated with Microsoft Mesh, and this platform will be available for the next generation of lightweight eyewear Said Cristiano Amon, CEO of Qualcomm.
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Little room is left for doubt: if the term metaverse was not specifically mentioned in the ad, it is certain that this partnership is entirely linked to it. As a reminder, the two companies want to have a role to play in the deployment of the metaverse, and the integration of their respective platforms into this new project is not surprising.
Mesh is a collaborative mixed reality platform launched by Microsoft that allows distant people to find each other virtually via avatars and holograms. Unveiled by Qualcomm not long ago, Snapdragon Spaces XR is a developer kit specifically aimed at using smartphones equipped with Qualcomm chips as a second screen for mixed reality experiences.
The HoloLens 2 headset is powered by a chip from Qualcomm. Image: Microsoft
The metaverse is getting closer
The collaboration between the two tech giants is far from a first. Microsoft’s mixed reality headset, HoloLens 2, is indeed powered by a Snapdragon chip. The Surface Pro X processors were also produced by the Redmond firm in partnership with Qualcomm.
” This collaboration is the next step in the two companies’ joint commitment to XR (Editor’s note: Qualcomm’s mixed reality developer kit) and the metaverse. Qualcomm Technologies’ XR strategy has always been to deliver the most advanced technology, the right XR chipsets, and to keep the ecosystem running through our software platforms and benchmark hardware designs. We are excited to work with Microsoft to help expand and develop the adoption of augmented reality hardware and software across the industry. “, Explains Hugo Swart, vice president and general manager of XR at Qualcomm, in a press release.
Qualcomm and Microsoft are therefore preparing for the metaverse, and Redmond thus admits, half-heartedly, to be working on augmented reality glasses that are lighter than HoloLens headsets (if the device that will be powered by this chip will be beautiful and well developed by Microsoft, which seems very likely).
There is no doubt that similar partnerships, between large technology companies, will emerge in the months and years to come to better prepare for the emergence of the Internet of the future and to face the behemoths already far in this race, to like Meta.