Qualcomm Launches AR Dev Kit & Acquires Clay Air - Latest News

Qualcomm Launches Snapdragon Spaces XR Developer Platform

Qualcomm has unveiled a new platform designed to facilitate the creation of augmented reality (AR) experiences for head-worn devices: the Snapdragon Spaces XR Developer Platform.

Currently, the platform’s hardware support is limited to Lenovo’s ThinkReality A3 smart glasses, which require pairing with a Motorola phone. However, Qualcomm intends to broaden compatibility to include devices from Oppo and Xiaomi during the first six months of 2022.

Expanding the Software Ecosystem

To foster a robust software environment, Qualcomm has collaborated with a diverse group of partners. These include prominent companies such as Epic Games’ Unreal Engine, Niantic’s Lightship platform, and Unity.

Further partnerships have been established with Viacom CBS and telecommunications providers Deutsche Telekom and T-Mobile U.S. The latter two will support startups utilizing Snapdragon Spaces through the hubraum program.

Initial Developer Access and Future Availability

Access to the platform is initially restricted to a select group of developers. This group comprises studios like Felix & Paul Studios, holo|one, Overlay, Scope AR, TRIPP, Tiny Rebel Games, NZXR, forwARdgame, Resolution Games, and TriggerGlobal.

General availability of the Snapdragon Spaces XR Developer Platform is planned for the spring of the following year.

Strategic Acquisitions to Enhance AR Capabilities

Qualcomm has also announced the acquisition of assets from HINS SAS and its subsidiary, Clay AIR, Inc. This acquisition focuses on their hand tracking and gesture recognition technologies.

This move complements Qualcomm’s earlier acquisition of Wikitude in 2019, demonstrating a continued commitment to advancing its AR initiatives.

A Long-Term Vision for Augmented Reality

“We had research and development programs exploring augmented reality as early as 2007, utilizing algorithms like VIO [visual-inertial odometry] on smartphones,” stated Hugo Swart, Qualcomm’s vice president and GM of XR, during a pre-announcement briefing.

“Throughout the past decade, we’ve enabled devices like those from ODG. In 2014, we introduced dedicated chips for virtual and augmented reality – and we are committed to this field for the long term. Achieving AR glasses capable of delivering both fully immersive and augmented experiences will require ongoing investment.”

Platform Features and Capabilities

The platform currently supports a range of features essential for AR development. These include local anchors and persistence, hand tracking, object recognition and tracking, plane detection, occlusion, spatial mapping, and meshing.

Lowering Barriers to AR Development

Qualcomm aims to simplify the process of building AR experiences for developers. They will be provided with access to comprehensive documentation, sample code, tutorials, and additional development tools.

To further assist companies building within this ecosystem, Qualcomm is launching the Pathfinder program. This program offers early access to software tools and hardware development kits, project funding, and co-marketing opportunities.