The latest chip, dubbed Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, can run Android apps, making it more likely that the company will release a more affordable wearable than Apple's Vision Pro.

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Apple is expected to launch its Vision Pro mixed reality device powered by the M2 chip early this year.

The new-generation chip is a step up from the older Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, which is used in the $499.99 Meta Quest 3, supporting sharper displays and improved graphics.

Apple is accelerating preparations for the launch of a super product priced up to $3,499/unit, expected in the first quarter of 2024. The "Apple House" wearable device runs on the M2 processor, which is currently used for some Macs.

“Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 unlocks 4.3K resolution, taking augmented reality performance and entertainment to the next level, such as delivering vivid clarity on room-scale displays, life-size overlays, and virtual desktops,” said Hugo Swart, vice president of augmented reality at Qualcomm.

Mixed reality is the next buzzword in computing, following the smartphone boom. Tech giants like Microsoft and Meta are investing heavily in this technology. Augmented reality is one aspect of mixed reality, where virtual images or videos are overlaid on the real world .

Qualcomm, Samsung, and Google announced a partnership last year to develop mixed reality devices. Patrick Chomet, vice president of Samsung Electronics, said at the time that the company was developing a roadmap for mixed reality products, but declined to provide details.

(According to CNBC)

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