GoKawiilQualcomm unveils Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 chip for AI audio wearables
Qualcomm has introduced the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2, a chip aimed at powering next-generation earbuds, headphones and audio glasses with on-device AI. The company says it doubles the AI processing capability of its predecessor, the Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 Sound Platform, and supports features like real-time translation and sound amplification for hearing-impaired users. The chip also includes aptX Lossless audio support, Qualcomm's XPAN wireless technology, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.
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The launch suggests Qualcomm is positioning itself to supply chips for a wave of upcoming AI-enabled audio devices, including camera-equipped earbuds reportedly in development at Apple and smart glasses like Ray-Ban Meta Audio. By emphasizing voice-based, screen-free AI interaction, Qualcomm's framing points to a broader industry shift toward ambient computing built into wearables rather than phones.
- Qualcomm's new chip doubles on-device AI power compared to its predecessor.
- It supports real-time translation and sound amplification features for wearables.
- The chip includes aptX Lossless, XPAN wireless tech, and Wi-Fi 6E for efficient always-on AI.
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses — These AI-powered smart glasses represent exactly the kind of audio wearable Qualcomm's new Snapdragon Sound Elite chip is designed to power up. With built-in speakers, microphones, and a voice assistant, they let you experience hands-free AI interaction and audio streaming in a sleek, wearable form factor.
See Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Mariella Moon, 2026-09-24
Published there as: “Qualcomm's Snapdragon Sound Elite is a new AI chip for audio wearables”
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