Qualcomm announces Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 for AI 'hearables,' even ones with cameras
The chip adds up to 2x on-device AI, Wi‑Fi 6E and improved noise cancellation for earbuds, headphones and audio glasses.
- At the Snapdragon Summit 2026 in Maui, Hawaii, Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2, a platform designed to turn wireless earbuds and smart glasses into standalone, AI-powered devices.
- The platform delivers up to twice the on-device AI capability, uses 40% lower power consumption, and features a 30% smaller footprint compared to its predecessor, while adding micro-power Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.
- Described as the "first premium audio platform purpose-built for personal AI," the system aims to transform wearables into "intelligent companions that can understand, assist, and adapt throughout the day."
- Audio brand Cleer showcased camera-equipped earbuds at the event, which function as sensors mapping surroundings for contextual AI assistance rather than tools for photography or video recording.
- Qualcomm partnered with Global Health Connector to launch the Personal AI Health Alliance, seeking to shift healthcare from occasional check-ins to continuous, personalized support using intelligent wearables.
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Snapdragon Summit 2026: Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 for AI Audio Wearables
Qualcomm has launched the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 platform at Snapdragon Summit 2026. It is designed to power the next generation of AI-enabled audio wearables. Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 at Snapdragon Summit 2026. The new platform is aimed at bringing AI-powered features to future audio wearables.
Qualcomm has unveiled a next-generation audio platform that enables the direct operation of artificial intelligence (AI) assistants in audio wearables, such as earphones and headphones, and supports multimodal AI features combining camera and voice. Qualcomm Technologies unveiled the "Snapdragon Sound Elite 2nd Generation" at the "Snapdragon Summit 2026" held in Hawaii, USA, on the 23rd (local time). The new product features on-device audio and …
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