Qualcomm just launched the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, a new spatial computing processor that will power Samsung’s XR headset that will compete with Apple’s Vision Pro. The key features are support for super-sharp displays, multi-camera tracking, and a boost in performance to meet the challenging hardware demands of an immersive workspace.
Qualcomm is the leading supplier of XR chips for a variety of manufacturers and led the way with the first mixed reality VR headsets featuring color passthrough, like the Meta Quest Pro, HTC Vive XR Elite, and Pico 4 Enterprise. Moving into spatial computing, however, takes even more processing power.
Compared to the maximum 3K-per-eye resolution of the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, the new plus variant (Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2) supports up to four times as many display pixels at 4.3K-per-eye, which is twice the image sharpness for each eye at 90Hz. That makes a difference when viewing multiple virtual screens with text and detailed, immersive content. The resolution can be tuned for higher frame rates if needed. For example, a 120 Hz refresh rate is possible at 3.7K-per-eye.
The Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 can process 12 cameras to accurately track your environment, head, hands, and eyes, and supports multiplexing to handle more if needed. That should allow perfect synchronization of your movements with virtual objects for a convincing mixed reality experience and the ability to identify subtle hand gestures.
To process these hardware challenges, Qualcomm increased the GPU frequency by 15% and boosted the CPU clock by 20%. With improved performance, more than 4K graphics resolution at 90Hz, and support for 12 or more tracking cameras, XR headsets based on this chip have enough processing power to make for compelling spatial computing headsets.
Qualcomm said more than five manufacturers are working on new headsets with the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2. Samsung and Google are partnering on an Apple Vision Pro challenger. HTC and Immersed, a virtual desktop app developer, are also in progress on headsets with the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2.
Qualcomm’s latest announcement follows a string of impressive new processors, including the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip used in Meta’s Quest 3 VR headset, the Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 in the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, and the Snapdragon X Elite for Windows laptops that combines efficiency and performance to compete well against Apple’s M3 MacBook Pro.
Samsung’s rival to the Vision Pro is still unannounced, but clearly the fight for spatial computing is on, and the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 will play an important role.
Google just dropped its latest AI model, Gemini 4 Carbon, designed to tackle complex coding jobs and cybersecurity threats. The company claims it can work through difficult engineering problems for days, finding hidden bugs and developing fixes across large codebases.
Gemini 4 Carbon also takes the top spot on Artificial Analysis' updated Intelligence Index, scoring 59 points, pushing out Claude Opus 5.5, OpenAI's GPT-6 Astra, and even its own predecessor Gemini 4 Argon.
Apple has just introduced a redesigned MacBook Pro with a few bells and whistles. The focus this time around is on a thinner and lighter build, and an upgrade to a touch-sensitive OLED screen without any ugly notch. And, in case you were wondering, there is definitely a price premium to pay for these niceties, which also include a glowing Apple logo at the back. What if you wanted to get the best that Apple has to offer? Well, the numbers are finally here.
For a mere $14,549, you can get yourself the fully kitted 16-inch MacBook Pro PROLED XDR with the beefiest laptop chip that Apple has to offer, and the best memory configuration in tow. For nearly $15,000, you treat yourself to the 16-inch version of the laptop with a nano-texture glass layer on the screen to reduce reflections and glare.
Apple has unveiled its first-ever touchscreen MacBook Pro. The company seems a bit confused about the naming, calling it the "MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display," which is tough to remember. If you look past that and review the full spec sheets, you might ask a genuine question: what are the differences between the touchscreen and non-touchscreen versions?
Given that Apple continues to sell both variants together, that's a genuine question. Luckily, you don't have to spend more time lining up the spec sheets side by side and hunting for differences hidden in the fine print. I took that bullet for you. Here's everything that's different between the PROLED XDR Display and the regular MacBook Pro.