Qualcomm announces Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 for AI ‘hearables,’ even ones with cameras

Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 platform at the Snapdragon Summit in Maui. This chipset is purpose-built for next-generation audio wearables, integrating premium Snapdragon Sound technologies with on-device AI agents. Key features include micro-power Wi-Fi 6E, adaptive ANC, and context-aware audio. The platform specifically enables AI hearables, including the possibility of camera-equipped earbuds. Qualcomm emphasizes that the focus is on enhancing AI performance and personal AI capabilities for the agentic age of audio devices.