Qualcomm has taken the wraps off two new sound platforms designed to elevate the audio experience across various devices: the Qualcomm S3 Gen 3 and S5 Gen 3. These advancements cater to both mid-tier and premium segments, promising richer, more immersive sound.
Qualcomm S3 Gen 3: Powering Up Mid-Tier Audio
The S3 Gen 3 platform is tailor-made for mid-range devices. It provides flexibility for manufacturers by supporting a wide range of third-party solutions through the Qualcomm Voice & Music Extension Program. This program allows developers to create innovative audio solutions compatible with the S3 Gen 3, enabling features like:
- Hearing enhancement: This caters to users with hearing loss by personalizing audio for optimal clarity.
- Spatial audio: Creates a more immersive listening experience by simulating a 3D soundscape.
The platform also integrates Bluetooth 5.4 for enhanced connectivity and supports the next-generation LE Audio standard. Additionally, it boasts support for Snapdragon Sound with aptX Lossless, enabling high-fidelity 24-bit 48kHz music streaming on mid-tier devices.
Qualcomm S5 Gen 3: Premium Sound for Discerning Ears
The S5 Gen 3 platform is geared towards premium devices and boasts significant upgrades compared to its predecessor. It offers a massive three times more compute power and a staggering 50 times more AI processing power. This translates to:
- Seamless sound experiences: The platform can intelligently adapt to different environments, optimizing audio for the best possible listening experience.
- Enhanced use cases: With its increased processing muscle, the S5 Gen 3 excels in various scenarios like music listening and gaming.
For premium audio quality, the S5 Gen 3 incorporates cutting-edge technologies like Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, effectively blocking out unwanted background noise. It also embraces the Snapdragon Sound Technology Suite, a comprehensive package for superior audio processing.
Similar to the S3 Gen 3, the S5 Gen 3 supports Snapdragon Sound with aptX Lossless for high-fidelity music streaming and integrates Bluetooth 5.4 for advanced connectivity. It goes a step further by enabling LE Audio and Auracast broadcast audio, opening doors for innovative wireless listening experiences.
Qualcomm Voice & Music Extension Program: Fostering Innovation
The Qualcomm Voice & Music Extension Program plays a crucial role in these new sound platforms. It acts as a bridge between solution providers and device manufacturers (OEMs). This program encourages developers to create cutting-edge audio solutions compatible with Qualcomm’s Bluetooth Audio SoCs (System on Chips). This benefits OEMs by providing them with a wider range of unique features and superior audio solutions to integrate into their devices.
The announcement of the Qualcomm S3 Gen 3 and S5 Gen 3 sound platforms signifies a significant leap forward in mobile audio technology. By catering to both mid-tier and premium segments, Qualcomm is paving the way for richer, more immersive, and personalized audio experiences across the board.
