Qualcomm will optimize its XR2 5G chip for hand tracking with Ultraleap

Summary

• Qualcomm needs hand tracking on the XR2 to stay in the race

Qualcomm announces that it is working on optimizing hand tracking on its Snapdragon XR2 5G chip, with the help of the specialist in the field, the startup Ultraleap.

Unveiled last December, the processor dedicated to virtual reality headsets can already count on a range of XR Viewers glasses planned for this year. In February, a benchmark AR / VR headset was unveiled for the platform.

In fact, the multi-year agreement between Ultraleap and Qualcomm will concern the integration of the hand tracking of the first to the benchmark autonomous headset of the second. More specifically, it will be the 5th generation of Ultraleap's Gemini system which, among other things, can offer an “always-on” experience.

Qualcomm needs hand tracking on the XR2 to stay in the race

Qualcomm betting a lot in its future in virtual reality with the XR2 5G, the giant had to ensure the hand tracking on the platform. Indeed, this feature is more and more common on VR headsets. For example, Facebook rolled it out on the Oculus Quest this year.

For its part, Ultraleap receives more and more solicitation from manufacturers. We therefore find its technology on the CR Deck Mk.1, VRgineers XTAL and even the general public helmets from Pimax.

In a press release announcing the agreement with Ultraleap, Qualcomm's director of product management, Hiren Bhinde, underscores the prevalence of hand tracking. So he considers this feature to be of the utmost importance for next-gen XR devices. He also emphasizes the ability of Ultraleap hand tracking to ensure a fluid interaction between the user and the technology for an immersive experience.

However, we still have no date for the arrival of this hand tracking on the reference headset for the XR2 from Qualcomm. As a note, some of the platform's XR glasses and helmets are already on the market, for example the Nreal Light available in South Korea.