Qualcomm S5 Gen 2 is aimed at premium devices, whereas the S3 Gen 2 is catering towards mainstream audio accessories.
Both platforms feature Qualcomm Adaptive Noise Cancellation.
Qualcomm is working with leading audio brands like Bose to offer immersive audio experiences to users.
After unveiling its flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform at Snapdragon Summit, Qualcomm focused on its offerings beyond phones. It has now introduced second-gen Bluetooth audio platforms in the form of Qualcomm S5 Gen 2 and Qualcomm S3 Gen 2. Both of these come with support for Snapdragon Sound, which is available on the newly announced Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC.
The Qualcomm S5 Gen 2 enables premium experiences, whereas the Qualcomm S3 Gen 2 is aimed at mainstream audio accessories. The chipmaker has been conducting a State of Sound survey for the past 6 years to understand the customer shift. And the insights from the 2022 State of Sound survey with over 6,000 respondents helped Qualcomm focus on things that consumers are looking for – spatial audio, Bluetooth LE, and more.
Related read: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2: top 8 reasons why you should be excited for upcoming Android flagships
Both the Qualcomm S5 Gen 2 and S3 Gen 2 feature third-gen Qualcomm Adaptive Noise Cancellation. Unlike the usual noise-canceling mechanisms which completely tune out the outside environment, Qualcomm offers adaptive transparency mode with automatic speed detection to ensure that one can get an immersive experience while being able to listen to what’s important around them. The ANC technology does reduce common issues like wind noise and howling.
The new audio platforms also boast a variety of connectivity standards, including Bluetooth LE Audio. There’s also support for AuraCast Broadcast Audio, which allows one to share music with friends and family in a public setting or personal environment.
Qualcomm is also working closely with the leading audio brand Bose, which is supporting Snapdragon Sound with its latest products. Along with the earphones and speakers, the chipmaker also envisions AR and VR headsets to utilise Snapdragon Sound technology. That’s why it’s focusing on spatial audio, which will be able to track the users’ head movements to optimise the sound to provide a life-like experience.
The Qualcomm S5 and S3 Gen 2 Sound Platforms are expected to make their way into commercial devices by the second half of 2023.
Disclosure: this writer is attending Snapdragon Tech Summit in Maui, Hawaii on Qualcomm India’s invitation
