Qualcomm Launches 2nd Gen Snapdragon Audio Platform Extreme Edition
Qualcomm announced the 2nd Gen Snapdragon Audio Platform Extreme Edition, featuring double the on-device AI performance at 128 GOPS and a 40% reduction in power consumption. The new platform also reduces physical hardware size by 30% while adding ultra-low-power Wi-Fi 6E connectivity for wearable audio devices. By doubling local AI compute while drastically lowering power consumption, this platform enables audio wearables like earbuds, smart glasses, and camera-equipped headphones to run contextual AI agents directly on-device. This minimizes processing latency, improves voice clarity, and extends battery life without relying constantly on cloud servers. The platform delivers peak AI compute of 128 GOPS (256 MAC operations per cycle), doubling the previous generation's 64 GOPS. It combines aptX Lossless audio, XPAN technology for extended wireless range via micro-power Wi-Fi, 5th Gen Adaptive ANC, and cVc echo and noise cancellation.
## BACKGROUND
Qualcomm's audio technologies include specialized features designed to improve wireless listening and voice capture across wearable hardware. XPAN (Expanded Personal Area Network) uses micro-power Wi-Fi to extend audio connection coverage beyond traditional Bluetooth limits, while Qualcomm cVc (clear voice capture) uses multi-microphone algorithms to eliminate ambient noise and echo during voice calls. Combining these technologies with adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) ensures reliable high-fidelity sound playback and clear voice input in noisy environments.