Qualcomm simply unveiled the third technology of its mid-tier and premium audio chipsets – the Qualcomm S3 Gen 3 and S5 Gen 3. These come to exchange the Gen 2 fashions that had been first introduced in 2022. Each convey extra processing energy – together with AI acceleration for the S5 chip – enhancements to audio high quality and can be utilized in merchandise which are a part of the Qualcomm Voice & Music Extension Program (extra on that in a bit).
First issues first. The Qualcomm S5 Gen 3 now includes a 200MHz CPU (up from 80MHz on Gen 2) and a brand new 350MHz DSP (up from twin 240MHz). There’s additionally 1.5x extra reminiscence than the older mannequin.
Beforehand, AI computations needed to occur on the DSP. And whereas the Gen 3 DSP is quicker, the chip features a devoted AI accelerator that gives a whopping 50 instances extra compute energy. This may utilized for issues like AI-powered Energetic Noise Cancellation (ANC) and voice processing. Moreover, there’s devoted {hardware} for issues like listening to loss compensation, transparency mode and noise administration.
For the “ultra-premium” section, Qualcomm has the S7 and S7 Professional chips. They’ve much more AI acceleration (they’re about twice as quick because the S5 Gen 3). They characteristic quicker CPUs and DSPs too, however are geared toward a pricier section of the market.
On the reasonably priced facet of issues, the Qualcomm S3 Gen 3 received quicker too, although the upgrades are extra modest. It nonetheless has a dual-core 80MHz CPU, however the DSP is boosted to twin 240MHz (up from single 240MHz). The Qualcomm AI engine is supported, however with out the highly effective accelerator. Although this chip is mid-tier, it nonetheless helps issues like Google Quick Pair, Qualcomm TrueWireless Mirroring, Auracast and extra.
The S3 and S5 chips are very energy environment friendly and may stream music (utilizing A2DP) with simply 4mA energy consumption. Snapdragon Sound can ship 24-bit 48kHz lossless music streaming.
The Qualcomm Voice & Music Extension Program permits headset makers to leverage Qualcomm tech of their merchandise. This contains issues like spatial audio and echo cancellation, together with well being monitoring (e.g. some buds can measure your coronary heart price).
vivo will quickly unveil the primary machine powered by the Qualcomm S3 Gen 3. “By using this highly effective platform, we’re bringing audiophile high quality music listening to our prospects, to allow them to hear their music precisely because the artist supposed. Keep tuned for the launch,” mentioned Youfei Wang, Basic Supervisor of the Clever terminal growth division at vivo. You’ll be able to wager that corporations are engaged on S5 Gen 3 merchandise too.
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