In a significant announcement made at the Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii, Qualcomm has unveiled the S7 and S7 Pro platforms, which are set to power upcoming advanced audio devices. These platforms come with notable performance improvements, including a substantial increase in compute and DSP power, and a substantial nearly 100-fold boost in on-device AI processing power compared to their predecessors.
A significant feature is the incorporation of micro-power Wi-Fi, allowing for an extended wireless audio range, especially noteworthy in the S7 Pro, which supports up to 192kHz lossless music quality.
Next-Generation Sound Tech
The Qualcomm S7 and S7 Pro Gen 1 Sound platforms are poised to take wireless audio to the next level. They harness a remarkable level of on-device AI to deliver highly personalized and responsive audio experiences and offering six times the compute power and nearly 100 times the AI power compared to previous-generation platforms.
One standout feature of the S7 Pro Sound platform is its support for Qualcomm Expanded Personal Area Network Technology (XPAN) and micro-power Wi-Fi connectivity. This innovation extends the audio range throughout a home, building, or campus, effectively breaking the limitations imposed by Bluetooth. It also boasts support for up to 192kHz lossless music quality, ensuring a pristine audio experience.
The Power of Wi-Fi in Wireless Audio
Wireless audio technology enthusiasts will find interest in Qualcomm’s introduction of the S7 and S7 Pro platforms. These platforms mark a significant development in the industry by integrating Wi-Fi alongside Bluetooth.
Bluetooth has traditionally been the primary technology for wireless audio, but it has certain limitations. Qualcomm’s approach is to combine Wi-Fi with Bluetooth, offering improvements in audio quality and extending the range of wireless audio.
The S7 Pro, in particular, is equipped with micro-power Wi-Fi support, enabling it to seamlessly switch between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections. Users can enjoy lossless audio at up to 192kHz without worrying about rapid battery drain, making for an exceptional listening experience.
Qualcomm’s innovative Expanded Personal Area Network (XPAN) technology allows for easy and automatic Wi-Fi connection, eliminating the need for users to manually enter Wi-Fi credentials. This technology is expected to provide users with unparalleled connectivity and convenience across various environments.
Looking to the Future
In the latest State of Sound Report, it was revealed that a significant portion of listeners prioritize premium audio experiences. According to the findings, 73% of respondents emphasized the importance of improving sound quality with each device purchase.
Furthermore, the report indicated a surge in the demand for high-quality music, with 69% of respondents expressing a preference for lossless audio quality when considering their next earbud purchase.
For additional details about the Qualcomm S7 Pro and S7 platforms, visit the company’s website
Source: Qualcomm
