Qualcomm Unveils New 'Elite' Sound Chip with Integrated Wi-Fi 6E
Qualcomm has introduced its Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 chip, which integrates micro-power Wi-Fi 6E directly into the audio hardware. This advancement allows wireless earbuds and other hearables to connect directly to home Wi-Fi networks for high-quality lossless audio streaming without relying on Bluetooth alone. The new chip addresses a limitation of Qualcomm's previous S7 Pro platform from 2023, which required an additional separate Wi-Fi chip — making it less attractive for manufacturers. The Elite Gen 2 is smaller by 30%, consumes up to 40% less power, and offers twice the AI processing capabilities compared to its predecessor. Qualcomm has already begun collaborating with companies like HP on a specific product and is working closely with Bose and Cleer to develop new categories of intelligent hearables. The integration of Wi-Fi into one chip could make it easier for manufacturers to adopt this technology, potentially leading to broader market adoption.
Topics: AI integration Qualcomm Snapdragon Wi-Fi connectivity wireless earbuds