Qualcomm Introduces Snapdragon Sound

Qualcomm Technologies has released Snapdragon Sound, an end-to-end platform designed to deliver immersive audio experiences to devices by optimizing audio technologies and software across the entire chain. The technology solution draws on the Qualcomm’s portfolio of work in audio, connectivity and mobile technologies, and optimizes them to work together to solve some of the most common wireless audio issues. It aims to provide consistent sound quality, reliable connectivity and low latency, says the company.

To understand audio trends, Qualcomm conducts an annual survey of smartphone users from the United States, United Kingdom, China, Japan and Germany. Its 2020 State of Play Report showed that sound quality is still the number one purchase driver for consumer audio devices, and streaming is how the majority of consumers access music, with a growing number seeking high-resolution music quality.

Snapdragon Sound uses Qualcomm aptX Adaptive Audio technology to deliver audiophile-quality music wirelessly from the phone to wireless earbuds or headsets. The technology is designed to support 24-bit word depth and 96 kHz sampling frequency.

For those who prefer listening directly from the mobile device, Snapdragon Sound incorporates the Qualcomm Aqstic audio codec, which supports true audiophile formats of up to 384 kHz 32-bit PCM and DSD with ultra-low THD+N and the Qualcomm Aqstic smart speaker amplifier.

Qualcomm says that Snapdragon Sound is designed to deliver super wideband 32 kHz voice quality for richer, clearer calls with greater intelligibility than standard Bluetooth. Snapdragon Sound utilizes aptX Voice to help improve the sound quality when using Bluetooth accessories to make voice calls. Background sounds are diminished, resulting in a better user experience.

The various products, such as earbuds, headphones and mobile devices, will sport the Snapdragon Sound badge on their packaging to help consumers identify compatible devices. 

As part of the launch, Qualcomm presented a roundtable to explain the “Science Behind the Sound.” In addition to discussing the technologies, the company spotlighted its partnership with Amazon Music HD. A Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound playlist is available on the service to highlight the platform’s ability to deliver high-definition, lossless audio.