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During the Snapdragon Summit 2022, Qualcomm announced its latest Bluetooth audio platforms that will power premium headphones and TWS earbuds.
Optimized to work with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform, these feature-rich, ultra-lower power platforms add new features to Snapdragon Sound, including spatial audio with dynamic head-tracking, improved lossless music streaming, and 48ms latency between phone and earbud for lag-free gaming.
Qualcomm S5 vs S3 Gen 2 Sound Platforms
Qualcomm doesn’t highlight what the differences are between the S5 and S3. During my interviews, Mike Canevaro, explained that the to platforms are essentially the same in terms of tech specs, the S3 has all the same features as the S5. However, the S3 platform is more of an off-the-shelf solution, whereas the S5 is much more customisable, allowing OEMs to create advanced bespoke earbuds.
Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head-Tracking
Spatial audio is one of the new pieces of audio tech that companies are pushing. This is basically 3D audio and can be compatible with surround sound technologies such as Dolby Atmos. What Qualcomm have done differently here is that earbuds will have sensors built in that track the position of your head. When you move your head, the spatial audio will track with your head movement giving a more realistic surround sound positioning.
Lossless Audio
Qualcomm also highlighted that they are the only company that can do lossless audio from the device to the earbud. The aptX Adaptive codec will support bitrates up to 1.2Mbps, and they can provide bit-to-bit lossless audio.
Qualcomm Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation
The platforms also support third generation Qualcomm Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, which improves the listener experience by adapting to both in-ear fit and the user’s external environment. This Qualcomm Adaptive ANC also includes our Adaptive Transparency mode with automatic speech detection, to support smooth transitions between immersive noise cancelling and natural sounding leak-through when a listener needs to hear the world around them. For audio device developers, enhanced ANC technology helps solve commonly faced issues such as wind noise, howling and adverse events.
The Qualcomm S5 and S3 Gen 2 Sound Platforms are now sampling to customers with commercial products expected in 2 nd half of 2023.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
