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In conversation with Uday Dodla, Senior Director, Automotive Business Development, Qualcomm India

Exhibit: How will technology change the automotive industry in 5-10 years?

Uday Dodla: Electric vehicles (EVs) will become mainstream in the next 5-10 years due to improvements in battery technology and nationwide charging infrastructure. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) suited for Indian driving conditions will improve the safety quotient of cars. We will see progress in autonomous driving. Advanced cockpit systems will transform the console’s look and feel, and AI-driven personalisation will elevate in-car experiences. Data analytics will enable real-time contextual use cases. The same cybersecurity and privacy measures required in every other industry will also be expected of the automobile industry. In addition, technologies such as IoT, AI, and robotics will transform manufacturing in the Auto sector.

Ex: What is Qualcomm’s role in the automotive industry, and how has it evolved?

Uday: With over two decades of experience, Qualcomm is a trusted technology provider for the global automotive industry. We collaborate closely with global automakers and Tier-1 partners, who increasingly adopt our diverse portfolio of automotive solutions. In the past, the automotive industry primarily focused on cost-effective manufacturing, supported by R&D and skilled labour. However, the growing demand for intelligent, sustainable, next-generation features is driving advancements to enable more intelligent cockpits, connectivity, electrification, battery technology and autonomous driving, all built on a modular architecture. Automakers are redesigning vehicles’ electronics architecture and digital infrastructure, and we are positioning ourselves to be their trusted technology partner in this journey. We want to redefine the automotive and transportation tech landscape with ever-evolving products, technologies, and partnerships in all forms of vehicles – 4W Passenger Vehicles, 2 Wheelers & Commercial Vehicles. We focus on integrating consumer wireless technologies, semiconductors, cloud, and software platforms with technologies such as High-Performance. Edge Compute, 5G, AI and XR (Extended Reality) and adapt them to the Automotive domain. The Snapdragon Digital Chassis platform encompasses all these advanced features envisioned for the future car.

Ex: Can you tell us about any specific projects or collaborations Qualcomm is working on in the automotive sector?

Uday: We are working with players across the automotive ecosystem to build connected and intelligent vehicles. For instance, the recent Tata Nexon EV MAX and the Harrier and Safari are powered by our Snapdragon Digital Cockpit platform, as are Mahindra & Mahindra’s Scorpio N and XUV 700. We have invested in Ultraviolette Automotive through our investments arm, Qualcomm Ventures. The investment aims to enable the startup to scale up its presence in India and expand into international markets. We power the Smart Clusters on the OLA Electric S1 & S1Pro and the Ather Energy 450X scooters. Outside India, we have collaborated with Renault’s dedicated electric and software company, Ampere, and are working towards co-developing a centralised platform architecture for software-defined EVs powered by the Snapdragon Digital Chassis. Qualcomm also works with BMW, which focuses on the joint development of next-generation autonomous driving technologies. Our Snapdragon Ride Platform, developed for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving, also powers a fleet of vehicles by GM. Globally, we have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Autotalks to enhance the safety quotient of C-V2X (cellular vehicle-to-everything) solutions. Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication technologies are increasingly important as they become critical sensors for automotive safety systems. Autotalks’ V2X safety solutions will augment our Snapdragon Digital Chassis product portfolio. We are collaborating with Salesforce and Visteon to develop a new intelligent, connected vehicle platform and a next-generation digital cockpit.

Ex: How do you see 5G technology impacting the automotive industry, and what is Qualcomm doing to prepare for this shift?

Uday: The high speeds, low delays, and enhanced connectivity of 5G will help improve vehicles’ safety and efficiency. 5G will be the foundational platform for developing connected vehicles, autonomous driving, and intelligent transportation systems. It will enable better traffic management and allow vehicles to communicate with each other, pedestrians, and the smart infrastructure nearby. The integration of C-V2X technology with cellular connectivity will enable advanced alerts and driver assistance, significantly improving driver safety. We recently announced the Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF Gen 2 – our most advanced automotive modem-RF system. As 5G networks spread and strengthen across the country, we will see more and deeper collaborations between players in the automotive ecosystem.

Ex: How do you see the relationship between tech companies like Qualcomm and traditional automakers evolving in the coming years?

Uday: As car electronics evolve towards a Software Oriented Architecture and include aspects such as autonomous driving, and advanced cockpit systems with high-speed connectivity, there will be increasingly higher engagement between automakers and technology providers such as Qualcomm. While we work closely with our Tier-1 partners, we are seeing a shift among the automakers to have more direct conversations with technology companies to keep up with the fast pace of technology innovation. We have seen that automakers are willing to invest directly in platforms and create customised experiences for their loyal customers in-house. Rather than approaching opportunities on a component-by-component basis, we offer a comprehensive digital chassis solution aligned with most automakers’ long-term strategy.

Ex: Finally, what message would you like to convey to consumers and industry professionals about the role of technology in the future of the automotive industry?

Uday: Technology is transforming the way vehicles are built, operated, and maintained. And the pace of this transformation is constantly increasing. Historically, a good car design ensured good mileage and easy maintenance. Today, it is about designing user experiences, and that’s where technology comes into play. In the years and decades ahead, cars could become a part of massive, wirelessly connected technology platforms. We need to look at technology’s use and development through that lens.

Ex: Your insights on the future of mobility in India?

Uday: The demand for generative AI models is experiencing rapid growth. Models like ChatGPT, Stable Diffusion, and DALL-E have already garnered millions of users within a short span of time. These groundbreaking technologies are poised to revolutionise automotive user experiences. AI-enabled cockpits, informed by vehicle-related data, can offer highly personalised interactions. In-vehicle digital assistants can enable drivers and passengers to stay connected on the go. Enterprise APIs further allow third-party service providers to integrate their offerings, extending customer relationships into the vehicle. In India, we will surely see vehicles with 5G-enabled digital cockpits driven by a high-performance edge platform in the not-too-distant future. With their intuitive experiences, interactive displays, high-definition maps, advanced augmented reality displays, intelligent AI capabilities and smart navigation systems, these vehicles are set to alter the landscape of the driving experience in India radically.

Redmi Note 12 Turbo to be powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2

Qualcomm recently launched the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset which is the company’s most powerful premium midrange offering to date. It is equipped with Quantum AI Engine that boosts its performance making the processor much faster than its predecessor. Now, Redmi has confirmed that its upcoming Redmi Note 12 Turbo which is all set to launch on March 23 will feature this latest chipset. On the other hand, Realme has also confirmed that Realme GT Neo 5 SE will feature the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset.

Redmi Note 12 Turbo specifications

While there have been confirmations from Xiaomi about it, the Redmi Note 12 Turbo is expected to feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It is tipped to feature a triple camera setup on the back with a 50MP primary lens coupled with 8MP and 2MP lenses. However, the details about the selfie camera are still unknown. So far, the only confirmed specification of the Redmi Note 12 Turbo is the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 SoC which will reportedly be paired with 12Gb RAM and 512Gb storage for the maxed-out variant. It is expected to house a massive 5500mAh battery with fast charging support of up to 67W and feature Android 13. The Redmi Note 12 Turbo is rumoured to launch in the global market as the POCO F5.

Whereas, the new Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 comes with its own set of impressive features. Qualcomm claims that its newly launched mobile platform is equipped with superior CPU and GPU performance. It is capable of fast gaming, better low-light photography along with 4K HDR video performance. It also comes with AI-enhanced capabilities which are staple in today’s mobile computing chipsets. It sports an 18-bit Triple ISP which allows users to capture images in mega low light mode. This mode clicks 30 pictures and combines them into a single frame for a brighter and clearer output in low-light images.

Qualcomm launches Snapdragon AR2 Gen 1 and S5/S3 Gen 2 sound platforms

Qualcomm came all guns blazing during its Snapdragon Summit 2022 which was held in Hawaii. While the first day of the summit was dedicated to the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, the second day showcases a number of new technological advancements by Qualcomm in the fields of AR, sound, and AI. Let’s have a detailed look at everything announced on the Day 2 of the Snapdragon Summit 2022 –

Snapdragon AR2 Gen 1

Qualcomm has revealed the Snapdragon AR2 Gen 1 which will be the company’s dedicated chip for augmented reality. The chip packs a number of features as a dedicated solution for AR headsets. The new AR platform has been built up from the ground in order to unlock a new generation of highly capable AR glasses.

Qualcomm has unveiled that the chip is ‘purpose build for AR’. The company has built a multi-chip distributed processing architecture coupled with customized IP blocks. The main processor has been shrunk down by 40% but there is no compromise on processing as it delivers 2.5x better AI performance while also consuming 50% less power. Another key feature of the AR2 Gen 1 is that it is based on a multi-chip architecture. The multi-chip architecture includes an AR processor, AR co-processor, and connectivity platform. However, Snapdragon has also revealed that the AR2 won’t be a standalone solution as it will require a Snapdragon-compatible host device like an SD phone or a laptop in order to carry out complex AR tasks. With the advancement of immersive technology and the growing curiosity amongst users to explore the world of VR and AR, Snapdragon is certainly moving in the right direction. One can expect that with the introduction of the AR2 Gen 1, users will finally be able to see slimmer AR glasses that are straight out of Sci-Fi films!

Qualcomm S5 and S3 Gen 2 sound platform

While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 improves on a number of performance features for Qualcomm’s mobile platform, the cherry on top is the company’s new Snapdragon S3 and S5 Gen 2 Sound platforms. The new platforms are designed to work along with the latest 8 gen 2 chipset and bring a number of audio features including spatial audio support. The S5 and S3 Gen 2 audio chips come with Snapdragon Sound Technology for an improved audio experience for users. The chip sports features like low latency, improved connectivity, lossless audio via Bluetooth, and much more.

Qualcomm revealed that the new sound platform comes with the support of spatial audio with dynamic head tracking and lossless music streaming. Have you ever experienced your music lagging on Bluetooth earbuds while running? Qualcomm’s new audio solution will surely cut that issue down marginally if not entirely! The sound platforms also feature Qualcomm Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation. This feature adapts to the fit of the earbuds and your surroundings in order to avoid ambient noises. Features like Adaptive Transparency mode and automatic speech detection are also present here.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 announced on 4nm Process

Only a few months after introducing the Gen 1 processors for its 7 and 4 series, Qualcomm has now announced the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 which will power the world’s top Android phones and tablets next year. The company has added a number of AI features to its latest system-on-a-chip to enhance the mobile experience for its best-to-date performance. The flagship features include Snapdragon Smart which can boost the chip’s AI performance. Snapdragon Sight for enhanced object recognition, Snapdragon Connect for AI-supported connectivity, Snapdragon Elite Gaming, which boosts up the gaming experience with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and Snapdragon Sound for lossless and spatial audio support. Check out all the exciting features of the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset below –

The power of AI

Qualcomm is banking hard on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s AI capabilities with its next-gen Qualcomm AI Engine. The 8 Gen 2 implements AI all across its major technology blocks with Cognitive Image Signal Processor (Cognitive ISP), Qualcomm Sensing Hub’s dual AI processors, and Qualcomm’s most advanced Hexagon processor ever. Qualcomm has also introduced the world’s first and only 5G AI processor in a modem-RF system. Qualcomm has promised that the new chipset increases its AI-based tasks up to 4.35x in speed. The newer processing unit allows 60% more AI-based tasks to be performed concurrently per watt. Qualcomm has managed to scale down the 32-bit processor to 4-bit without hampering the quality of the data sets being processed, this ultimately leads to a 64x power reduction.

Richer Entertainment

With a new flagship chip, one can expect a seamless entertainment experience and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 surely delivers! Qualcomm states that the 8 Gen 2 will bring a new and rich entertainment experience to mobile devices. The GPU now is 25% faster and supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing. This will boost the gaming experience by a mile with realistic lighting and shadow effects in the game. The GPU also comes with HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 10-bit color, and hardware-accelerated H.265 and V9 decoding. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 also comes with an enhanced audio experience thanks to the latest version of the Snapdragon Sound. The latest audio setting allows 48KHz lossless audio for music streaming. It also comes with spatial audio features with dynamic head tracking.

Faster Connection

Qualcomm claims that its new Snapdragon Connect platform is the world’s most advanced 5G platform. Snapdragon Connect pairs with the Snapdragon X70 5G modem and RF system that implements AI to manage 5G download and upload speeds with regard to coverage, power efficiency, and latency. It’s the first-ever mobile chip to support dual 5G SIMs, it can run two 5G connections for a device at the same time. Snapdragon claims that the top download speeds over 5G can reach 10GBps whereas uploads top at 3.5GBps.

Qualcomm has also announced that a number of hardware partners have already signed up to adopt the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Makers like Redmagic, Honor, Mi, Meizu, Vivo, Sony, Redmi, OPPO, Moto, OnePlus, Sharp, ASUS, and many more are included in this list. However, Samsung was nowhere to be seen in the list showcased by Qualcomm. Tech enthusiasts will be excited to know that a large number of 8 Gen 2 devices will be launching in the first quarter of 2023 and so on.

Qualcomm brings a big update to Snapdragon chips with 4 Gen 1 & 6 Gen 1

Qualcomm has introduced the next generation of midrange processors which are bundled with Ai enhancements and 5G capabilities. In a country like India where the budget and midrange device market booms every year, the new Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and 6 Gen 1 processors have the potential to become game-changers. Read below to know more about the newly introduced powerhouse chips by Qualcomm:

Snapdragon 6 Gen 1

The more powerful of the pair is the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, sporting an ability to capture pictures up to 108MP and HDR video recording capabilities. In the official announcement, Qualcomm described the chip to fuel ‘Dynamic experiences with sustained power and performance’. The chip features an impressive 7th Gen Qualcomm AI Engine which enables it to have 3x improved AI performance, as claimed by the company. While the in-depth details about the 6 Gen 1 are yet to be revealed, Qualcomm has revealed that it can deliver 35% quicker graphic rendering and 40% faster processing compared to the Snapdragon 695 processor. The new chipset also brings in Wi-Fi 6E connectivity and Snapdragon X62 5G modem.

Snapdragon 4 Gen 1

The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 will be the first 4-series chipset to be based on the 6nm platform. While the 6 Gen 1 is focused more on gaming, the 4 Gen 1 focuses on multitasking and entertainment consumption. The 4-series chip offers a 15% Kryo CPU performance boost coupled with a 10% Adreno GPU boost compared to the Snapdragon 480 chipset. It uses a triple Image Signal Processor (ISP) to capture images from three cameras at once and combines them with Multi-Frame Nose Reduction enabling crisp image processing. The 4 Gen 1 also comes with AI capabilities which provide access to always-on voice assistant, echo, and background noise suppression.

As of now, Motorola and iQOO have already committed to implementing the new gen midrange chipsets. However, the wait to use Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 will be longer as it is expected to be available in 2023 Q1. The iQOO Z6 Lite is expected to be the first Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 device which will be launched in late 2022.