Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound: New technologies want to provide high-end sound via Bluetooth
Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound: New technologies want to provide high-end sound via Bluetooth
By editor 1 day ago
Qualcomm announces “Snapdragon Sound”, an audio system that is supposed to offer high-quality audio transmission of up to 384 kHz and 32 bits based on the current Snapdragon 888 SoC (System-on-a-Chip).
This should finally make it possible to provide high-end sound completely wirelessly and comprehensively via Bluetooth.
However, as Qualcomm points out, it is not a single chip, but rather an optimized combination of technologies that is also intended to provide seamless, immersive sound in and between devices such as smartphones, wireless earbuds and headsets.
Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound (QSS) is said to not only provide a more robust and seamless wireless listening experience, but high-resolution 24-bit 96 kHz audio is now possible, and the manufacturer also talks about ultra-low latency, improved pairing, and crystal clear voice quality.
To solve end-to-end latency challenges, Snapdragon Sound is said to support Bluetooth latencies as low as 89 milliseconds (45% less than a leading competitor) for a more immersive gaming and video experience. For those who prefer to listen directly from the mobile device, Snapdragon Sound includes Qualcomm Aqstic DAC, which supports formats up to 384 kHz/32-bit PCM and DSD with ultra-low THD+N.
“The human ear is very sensitive to interference, latency […] that is common when streaming music, video conferencing or gaming over wireless connections. By focusing on end-to-end, we aim to deliver innovations that solve common consumer problems across virtually all audio interaction points,” said James Chapman, vice president and general manager, Voice, Music and Wearables, Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd
The smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi and Audio-Technica are the first to “venture” into the new technology:
“Xiaomi is excited to be the first manufacturer to bring Snapdragon Sound to its devices. Snapdragon Sound will bring a new, high-quality, seamless and low-latency audio experience to our customers everywhere, delivering better sound for voice calls, video conferencing, gaming and/or music listening. Snapdragon Sound has industry-leading capabilities to fully optimize the smartphone and earphones to deliver great sound,” said Lei Zhang, vice president of Mi Smartphone and general manager of hardware R&D, Xiaomi.
“For decades, Audio-Technica has been at the forefront of the premium sound movement. We are proud to be working with Qualcomm Technologies to solve some of the connectivity and latency challenges for next-generation wireless audio, and they are uniquely positioned to help us do so. We believe Snapdragon Sound brings us closer to our shared vision of delivering quality wired audio wirelessly, and we are excited to be one of the first manufacturers to bring our products to consumers,” said Kotaro Narihara, Director, General Manager of Marketing Headquarters, Audio-Technica.
The Snapdragon Sound playlist.
In addition, the company unveiled a cross-genre Amazon Music HD playlist designed to demonstrate the superior sound quality of Snapdragon Sound. This playlist includes the brand new Amazon Original song “Real Love Takes Time” from producer/musician St. Panther, Amazon Original tracks from Allie X and You Me At Six, recently remastered recordings from The Clash, and new tracks from Celeste, Arlo Parks and others.
“We believe that listening to high-quality audio helps consumers fall back in love with their favorite music and artists. That’s why we’re always excited about new developments that make it easier to experience HD and Ultra HD audio. We’re thrilled to partner with Qualcomm Technologies to present the Snapdragon Sound playlist, which includes a beautiful new Amazon Original by St. Panther that can be heard in Ultra HD on Snapdragon Sound-optimized devices.”
Devices that support Snapdragon Sound are expected to be available later this year. Once available, consumers can look for the Snapdragon Sound badge on optimized devices to identify phones, earbuds and headphones, and over time, other devices such as PCs, watches and XR glasses that are designed to provide the full benefit of these advanced audio features.
More info at: www.qualcomm.com
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