Microsoft Partnership Aims for AR Glasses at 'Scale': Qualcomm CEO

Qualcomm is working with Microsoft to develop a “custom” augmented-reality Snapdragon chip for “next-generation, power-efficient, very lightweight AR glasses for the Microsoft ecosystem,” Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon told a CES 2022 news conference Tuesday. “We’re integrating into that chip platform software from both companies,” including Microsoft Mesh and the recently developed Snapdragon Spaces XR developer platform. he said. “We’ve been talking for years about the possibility of having wearable augmented-reality devices that will gain scale,” said Amon. “I’m very excited about this partnership as a step in making that a reality.” Qualcomm was one of the few CES 2022 Media Day companies to livestream its news conference from a Mandalay Bay ballroom with an in-person audience. “I have to tell you I’m super-excited,” said Amon as he opened the 11 a.m. PST conference. “I thought there’d be like five people here. I have 75 to 80% of a full room.”