Qualcomm has introduced new visual processing technology to its Snapdragon range aimed at supporting “next-generation user experiences” such as virtual reality and computer vision.
The chipmaker said its new GPU and image signal processing (ISP) units delivered “significant enhancements” in performance and power efficiency, in addition to supporting vastly improved graphical and imaging capabilities on mobile devices.
Qualcomm’s Adreno 530 and 510 GPUs and Spectra ISP are heading to the manufacturer’s upcoming Snapdragon processors.
The manufacturer’s new graphics units will be integrated into its forthcoming Snapdragon 620 and 618 SoCs, as well as its Snapdragon 820 chip, due to appear in 2016.
The company said the GPUs delivered up to 40 percent increased performance and supported 64-bit virtual addressing and 4K video.
Qualcomm’s Spectra ISP will also appear in its flagship 820 product.
Tim Leland, VP of Product Management at Qualcomm Technologies, said the processor would target new “more immersive visual experiences” for connected vehicles in addition to bringing greater enhancements to smartphones.
[Read more: Qualcomm bets house on fresh, mass market tech as it sheds 15% of staff]
Leland said: “We’re significantly enhancing the visual processing capabilities of Snapdragon to support next-generation user experiences related to computational photography, computer vision, virtual reality and photo-realistic graphics on mobile devices, all while maximising battery life.
“Qualcomm Spectra ISP, together with our Adreno 5xx-class GPU, brings an entirely new level of imaging to smartphones, and is designed to allow Snapdragon-powered devices to capture ultra-clear, vivid photos and videos regardless of motion and lighting conditions and display them with the colour accuracy that nature intended.”
Samsung recently launched a new image sensor aimed bringing greater photographic performance to slim handsets.
UltraSoC CTO Gajinder Panesar claimed this week that chipsets were becoming too complicated to understand.