The cats are now out of the bag regarding HoloLens 2 and its expected developer release period, and early reports include scant information about an AI chip, machine learning capabilities, increased field of view (FOV) and refined hardware design. Today, a new report is adding a punch of clarity to the HoloLens 2 development leaks that include a new Qualcomm-developed chip called the XR1 platform.
According to Engadget, the XR1 is designed to offer a more specified high-quality AR and VR experience vs Qualcomm’s other, more mobile-oriented efforts such as the Snapdragon 845. The company’s XR1 chip is spec’d to deliver “directional audio, 3D overlays and 4K video at 60 frames per second,” which should go a long way in minimizing potential motion sickness when the screens are 3 inches from the human eye.
Hololens 2 won’t be the head-mounted VR and AR rig powered by an XR1 as Qualcomm noted back in May that it is working with Vive, Vuzix, and Meta for alternatives. The source that leaked the information about XR1 also believes that some time in January will be around the time audiences and developers get their first glance and hands-on with HoloLens 2.
