The term is not directly stated in the advertisement, but there is no doubt as to the link between the partnership between the two companies and the Metaverse. They want to play a role in its deployment, and the integration of their respective platforms into the project was expected.
So what are we talking about? At a press conference, Qualcomm chief executive Cristiano Amon said:
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.
As a reminder, Mesh is a collaborative mixed reality platform. Created by Microsoft, it allows distant people to find each other virtually via avatars and holograms. As for Snapdragon Spaces XR, it is” a development platform for mixed reality experiences.
In its press release, Qualcomm details this partnership: the two companies will work on augmented reality for the general public, but also professionals. A collaboration that is far from a first, since Microsoft’s mixed reality headset, HoloLens 2, is indeed powered by a Snapdragon chip. And that’s not all: the Surface Pro X processors were also made by Microsoft, in partnership with Qualcomm.
The two tech giants are therefore preparing for the metaverse. The Redmond firm appears to be working on augmented reality glasses that are lighter than HoloLens headsets. If the outcome of this partnership is not yet clearly defined, it can only result in something interesting. Microsoft has the technical and human resources to produce excellent products, while Qualcomm is one of the major players in virtual reality.
