Qualcomm "Joint Development of Ultra-Lightweight Augmented Reality Chip with MS"... Preparing for Metaverse Market Expansion

"Expansion into Automotive Semiconductors"
Partnerships with Renault, Honda, Volvo, and Others

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Qualcomm, the world's largest mobile communication chip company, announced that it will jointly develop AR chips to be embedded in augmented reality (AR) glasses with Microsoft (MS). This is interpreted as a strategic partnership ahead of the expansion of next-generation virtual reality media markets such as the metaverse.

According to foreign media including MarketWatch on the 4th (local time), Cristiano Amon, CEO of Qualcomm, held a press event at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, USA, and announced plans to develop customized Snapdragon chips for AR in collaboration with MS. Snapdragon is the brand name Qualcomm attaches to its chips. The chip will be embedded in MS's upcoming ultra-light AR glasses and other devices.

Qualcomm and MS's move to develop AR chips is seen as a strategic alliance to actively respond to the full-scale arrival of the three-dimensional virtual reality world called the "metaverse," known as the next-generation internet. IT media The Verge analyzed, "This collaboration, especially targeting a specific product called 'ultra-light augmented reality glasses,' shows the great ambitions of both companies regarding the metaverse."

CEO Amon also announced plans to further expand into the automotive semiconductor market. He plans to strengthen the "digital chassis," an integrated platform for smart vehicle hardware and software.

The digital chassis is detailed into four types, according to CEO Amon: 'Snapdragon Ride,' which supports driver assistance functions and autonomous driving; 'Snapdragon Auto Connectivity,' which provides communication services such as 5G, Wi-Fi, and GPS; 'Snapdragon Car-to-cloud,' which offers security features and wireless updates through the cloud; and 'Snapdragon Cockpit,' an entertainment service for video and music.

Qualcomm also announced on the same day that it will form partnerships with three automakers: Renault, Honda, and Volvo. Honda and Volvo are known to plan to embed Qualcomm's entertainment service 'Snapdragon Cockpit' in their upcoming vehicles. Renault, on the other hand, plans to equip all four types of the digital chassis in its new vehicles.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.