I wish more gaming handhelds felt like the Snapdragon G3x
Qualcomm's developer-only Snapdragon G3x might be the most comfortable video game handheld ever.
Square Enix to Develop AR Games for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Spaces Project
Remember when Square Enix announced last year that it would be turning Taito’s classic Space Invaders into an augmented reality (AR) videogame. Well, not much has been heard of that since but Square Enix is getting even more serious about AR. The studio has announced a new collaboration with Qualcomm that could see some of its legendary IPs such as Final Fantasy get the immersive XR treatment.
Today’s announcement will see Square Enix’s Advanced Technology Division (ATD) begin working with Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon Spaces XR Developer Platform to “push the boundaries of immersive gaming experiences.”
Square Enix didn’t mention which titles from its vast catalogue might get the AR treatment but its work with Snapdragon Spaces should mean all those new XR glasses being made off of Qualcomm’s Smart Viewer Reference Design will benefit. That could mean monsters jumping out of your table, epic RPG questing across the sofa or delving into a new fantasy world that you can interact with using hand tracking.
“Square Enix has always been committed to state-of-the-art game technology to push storytelling boundaries, delivering unforgettable experiences for our fans,” said Ben Taylor, Technical Director, Square Enix Co., Ltd in a statement. “We have been investing in XR and look forward to building on Snapdragon Spaces. In particular, we think the time is right with XR to innovate on games of a classic genre we are especially known for and look forward to sharing them with the world to further our mission to help spread happiness across the globe.”
“Square Enix has a rich history of bringing in deep storytelling and engaging gameplay that have pushed the potential of new gaming platforms over each console generation. We’re excited to work together and raise the bar of what’s possible in the gaming with AR glasses using Snapdragon Spaces,” said Brian Vogelsang, senior director of XR product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
It’s not too much of a stretch to imagine that Square Enix would bring an IP like Final Fantasy into AR. Fishing experience Final Fantasy XV: Monster of the Deep was released for PlayStation VR back in 2017 and there have been other location-based entertainment (LBE) activations.
How and when this project will come to life remains to be seen. But when further details are available gmw3 will let you know.
Qualcomm Creates $100m Metaverse Fund for XR Developers
It’s the first day of the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2022 with this year’s event going to have one or two metaverse mentions. The first major one comes from Qualcomm, with the company announcing the launch of its $100 million USD Snapdragon Metaverse Fund, designed to help virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) developers and businesses build for these new virtual experiences.
Qualcomm has been highly active within the XR space, having developed its Snapdragon XR1 and XR2 hardware platforms, as well as the Snapdragon Spaces XR Developer Platform, and XR Labs Europe. So it’s no surprise that the company now plans on investing up to $100m towards developing metaverse ecosystems.
It’ll provide funds to help developers build foundational technologies and content through VC investments in companies via Qualcomm Ventures alongside a grant program by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. This program will focus more on the creation of XR experiences, ranging from gaming, health and wellness, and entertainment to education, and enterprise use cases.
“We deliver the groundbreaking platform technology and experiences that will enable both the consumer and the enterprise to build and engage in the metaverse and allow the physical and digital worlds to be connected. Qualcomm is the ticket to the metaverse,” said Cristiano Amon, president and CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated in a statement. “Through the Snapdragon Metaverse Fund, we look forward to empowering developers and companies of all sizes as they push boundaries of what’s possible as we enter into this new generation of spatial computing.”
While this is the first time Qualcomm has announced any metaverse leaning intentions, its technology is already being used to power it. Devices like the Meta Quest 2 and Vive Focus 3 use the Snapdragon XR2 chipset which has also been optimised for 5G and hand tracking, two features ideal for wireless, immersive experiences. Qualcomm also has a firm focus on AR, collaborating with Microsoft on new custom chips for consumer and enterprise devices.
Additionally, those companies that do get involved in the Snapdragon Metaverse Fund will gain the opportunity for early access to cutting-edge XR platform technology, hardware kits, and more.
The Snapdragon Metaverse Fund hasn’t arrived just yet, Qualcomm plans on officially opening applications in June. Interested developers can signup here for continued info. That’s probably not the only bit on metaverse news coming from GDC this week, for further updates keep reading gmw3.
Qualcomm Launches $100M Fund to Help Build the Metaverse
Qualcomm, the company known for its mobile Snapdragon processors for smartphones and XR headsets, announced a new Metaverse Fund. The chipmaker says the new fund will be a launchpad for XR developers and companies working to build the metaverse.
At GDC 2022 today, Qualcomm launched its Snapdragon Metaverse Fund for companies building “unique, immersive XR experiences, as well as associated core augmented reality (AR)and related artificial intelligence (AI)technologies,” the company says.
Capital is said arrive through a combination of venture investments by Qualcomm Ventures in “leading XR companies” and a separate grant program for XR developers working in gaming, health and wellness, media, entertainment, education, and enterprise.
“We deliver the groundbreaking platform technology and experiences that will enable both the consumer and the enterprise to build and engage in the metaverse and allow the physical and digital worlds to be connected. Qualcomm is the ticket to the metaverse,” said Qualcomm President and CEO Cristiano Amon. “Through the Snapdragon Metaverse Fund, we look forward to empowering developers and companies of all sizes as they push boundaries of what’s possible as we enter into this new generation of spatial computing.”
Over the years Qualcomm has been increasingly involved in creating reference designs for emerging product categories, many of which in the past centered around VR headsets, which involved its purpose-built Snapdragon XR processors. Those have found their way into VR headsets such as Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive Focus 3, and Pico Neo 3.
Currently the company seems to be focusing on smartphone-tethered AR as the next area of consumer interest. As you’d imagine, the chipmaker is positioning itself deeper into both XR hardware and software creation to better integrate its next generation of Snapdragon processors into the emerging product category.
This follows news that Qualcomm has partnered with Japanese gaming powerhouse Square Enix to create AR content using its Snapdragon Spaces XR developer platform, and TikTok parent company ByteDance to create XR hardware and software.
Developers looking for funding can signup here for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Fund newsletter.
The post Qualcomm Launches $100M Fund to Help Build the Metaverse appeared first on Road to VR.
Qualcomm & Square Enix Partner to Create AR Games
Qualcomm and Square Enix today announced a partnership that will see the creation of XR experiences by Square Enix, which includes the Japanese company’s subsidiary studios and intellectual property.
Announced at the annual Game Developers Conference (GDC 2022) in San Francisco today, the partnership is said to involve Square Enix’s Advanced Technology Division (ATD), which will be working with the chipmaker to create content for AR glasses.
The team will be using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Spaces XR Developer Platform, a software tool kit that allows creators to make 3D applications for XR platforms.
Qualcomm initially launched Snapdragon Spaces back in late 2021, putting heavy emphasis on its capability as a platform for AR content creation—or more specifically content targeting smartphone-tethered AR glasses, something Qualcomm hopes to be an emerging product category for consumers.
“Square Enix has always been committed to state-of-the-art game technology to push storytelling boundaries, delivering unforgettable experiences for our fans” said Ben Taylor, Technical Director at Square Enix. “We have been investing in XR and look forward to building on Snapdragon Spaces. In particular, we think the time is right with XR to innovate on games of a classic genre we are especially known for, and we look forward to sharing them with the world to further our mission to help spread happiness across the globe.”
Square Enix hasn’t said which IP it intends on bringing to AR; it’s the maker behind a host of popular series such as Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Tomb Raider. The parent company owns British game publisher Eidos and Japanese arcade gaming studio Taito.
The post Qualcomm & Square Enix Partner to Create AR Games appeared first on Road to VR.
Qualcomm Announces $100 Million ‘Metaverse Fund’ For VR/AR Developers
Qualcomm is setting aside $100 million to fund immersive reality developers and technologies.
The Snapdragon maker, known in the VR and AR industry for its XR2 platform, today announced the Snapdragon Metaverse Fund. Through this initiative, the company plans to invest up to $100 million in studios working on gaming, health, media, entertainment, education and enterprise applications for headsets, as well as those working on “associated core augmented reality and related artificial intelligence technologies.”
Funds will be distributed through a combination of venture investments via the company’s Ventures arm and grants from Qualcomm Technologies. Recipients may also be given early access to new hardware, services and marketing opportunities. Applications for consideration will open in June.
Though the fund doesn’t specify that applicants must be working on projects specific to a so-called metaverse, Cristiano Amon, president and CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated labeled the company as a “ticket to the metaverse” in a prepared statement. Qualcomm has doubled down on the VR and AR space in recent years, with the XR2 chip embedded into every Quest 2 headset and utilized in a growing number of other standalone VR and AR devices. Just recently, it announced a partnership with TikTok owner ByteDance for future devices.
Elsewhere, Qualcomm is also announcing a collaboration with Square Enix on its AR headset development kit, Snapdragon Spaces. There’s plenty of news from the company spinning out of the first day of the Games Developer Conference (GDC), then. What do you make of Qualcomm’s announcements? Let us know in the comments below.
Final Fantasy Publisher Square Enix Working On AR Gaming For Qualcomm’s Dev Kit
Final Fantasy publisher Square Enix is working with Qualcomm on its new AR developer kit, Snapdragon Spaces.
The pair announced the collaboration today as Qualcomm also revealed a $100 million ‘Snapdragon Metaverse Fund‘. It will see Square Enix explore the possibilities for “immersive gaming experiences” on the platform.
Specifics for the partnership aren’t known but, in a prepared statement, Ben Taylor, Technical Director at Square Enix noted that the company thinks “the time is right with XR to innovate on games of a classic genre we are especially known for, and we look forward to sharing them with the world”.
First announced back in November 2021, Snapdragon Spaces consists of a pair of head-worn AR glasses that are tethered to an external power source such as a smartphone. Similar to other glasses — many of which are powered by Qualcomm’s own XR2 platform — the device is capable of anchoring virtual images in the real world when viewed through the lenses. It also features positional tracking and hand tracking for input.
Square Enix, meanwhile, is known for some of the biggest brands in gaming, including several Japanese role-playing series such as the Final Fantasy games. Taylor’s note on a “classic genre” suggests that the company could be looking to bring this style of experience to the platform.
Qualcomm previously noted that Snapdragon Spaces would see general availability sometime in spring 2022, but it’s currently unclear what this rollout will look like.
What would you want to see Square Enix bring to AR? Let us know in the comments below!
TikTok Parent ByteDance Partners with Qualcomm on XR Hardware and Software
ByteDance, parent company to TikTok and VR headset creators Pico Interactive, announced at MWC 2022 that it’s partnering with Qualcomm, something that could help the chipmaker better diversify as the XR industry continues to expand.
During Qualcomm’s keynote at this year’s MWC, company CEO Cristiano Amon said that Meta brought “significant scale” with the release of its popular standalone VR headset Quest 2, which houses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 processor.
As competition with Meta grows, Qualcomm is no doubt looking to make sure it has plenty of hardware partners moving forward who will integrate those Snapdragon chips into the next generation of XR headsets.
To that effect, Qualcomm says its collaborating with ByteDance on XR hardware, software, developer tools, and technology road maps—specifically targeted at Pico Interactive, which was acquired by ByteDance in August 2021.
ByteDance CEO Rubo Liang said that Pico devices will be powered by Snapdragon Spaces XR too, Qualcomm’s developer platform that allows creators to make 3D applications for smartphone-tethered AR glasses.
Pico is almost entirely dedicated to enterprise VR outside of China, serving up its standalone Pico Neo 3 Pro, which also has Qualcomm’s popular Snapdragon XR2. That may change though as China-based TikTok parent company looks to compete with Meta outside of the world of snackable videos, and better position itself as a so-called ‘metaverse company’.
The post TikTok Parent ByteDance Partners with Qualcomm on XR Hardware and Software appeared first on Road to VR.
5G’s big players make bold, exciting predictions for 2022
Digital Trends asked many of the big players in 5G tech to predict how it will change and influence our lives during 2022, and the responses are exciting.
Qualcomm and Microsoft Partner on Custom Chips for Next-Gen AR Glasses
Qualcomm held its CES 2022 press conference earlier today and as part of the event revealed that it’s partnered with Microsoft to help push the future of augmented reality (AR). Qualcomm announced that the collaboration will see the pair develop custom AR chips for both consumer and enterprise devices.
These custom AR chips will focus on ushering in an era of AR glasses that are lightweight and power-efficient as well as integrating into Microsoft’s ecosystem. That’ll mean support for software like Microsoft Mesh – Microsoft’s shared mixed-reality (MR) platform – and the Snapdragon Spaces XR Developer Platform.
What this could mean is a more lightweight, consumer-friendly version of Microsoft’s HoloLens 2. A consumer edition was in fact confirmed last year by Microsoft’s Alex Kipman who said: “we are absolutely working on a consumer journey for HoloLens.” And then there was that Pokémon GO demo by Niantic Labs using the MR headset.
“This collaboration reflects the next step in both companies’ shared commitment to XR and the metaverse,” said Hugo Swart, vice president and general manager of XR, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. in a statement. “Qualcomm Technologies’ core XR strategy has always been delivering the most cutting-edge technology, purpose-built XR chipsets and enabling the ecosystem with our software platforms and hardware reference designs. We are thrilled to work with Microsoft to help expand and scale the adoption of AR hardware and software across the entire industry.”
“Our goal is to inspire and empower others to collectively work to develop the metaverse future – a future that is grounded in trust and innovation,” adds Rubén Caballero, corporate vice president Mixed Reality, Microsoft. “With services like Microsoft Mesh, we are committed to delivering the safest and most comprehensive set of capabilities to power metaverses that blend the physical and digital worlds, ultimately delivering a shared sense of presence across devices. We look forward to working with Qualcomm Technologies to help the entire ecosystem unlock the promise of the metaverse.”
Qualcomm is heavily invested in the XR space with chipsets like its Snapdragon XR2 platform being used in devices like Meta Quest 2. And then there’s the XR1 AR Smart Viewer Reference Design which OEM’s can utilise to enter the AR glasses market. This, of course, all leads towards a metaverse vision that most tech companies seem to be scrambling towards. As further details arise, keep reading VRFocus.