Qualcomm's Third-Gen S5 And S3 Audio Platforms Are Here

Geared towards premium devices, the Qualcomm S5 Gen 3 Sound Platform showcases threefold increase in compute power and a fifty-fold increase in AI power compared to its predecessor.

Chip making giant Qualcomm has unveiled two state-of-the-art sound platforms: the Qualcomm S3 Gen 3 and Qualcomm S5 Gen 3 Sound platforms. These cutting-edge platforms are designed to deliver advanced sound experiences across a wide range of devices. The Qualcomm S3 Gen 3 Sound platform caters to mid-tier devices, offering support for a variety of third-party solutions via the Qualcomm Voice & Music Extension Program.

These solutions elevate sound quality by incorporating features such as hearing enhancement and spatial audio. The platform provides device makers with flexibility, empowering them to craft products that deliver immersive sound experiences.

The platform backs Snapdragon Sound, incorporating aptX Lossless 24-bit 48kHz music streaming to deliver high-fidelity audio on mid-tier devices. It seamlessly integrates Bluetooth 5.4 for enhanced connectivity and is compatible with LE Audio.

Geared towards premium devices, the Qualcomm S5 Gen 3 Sound Platform showcases threefold increase in compute power and a fifty-fold increase in AI power compared to its predecessor. These advancements facilitate tailored sound experiences seamlessly adaptable to various environments.

Benefiting from increased memory and processing capabilities, the platform elevates performance across diverse applications like music playback and gaming. It incorporates top-tier audio features such as Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation and the Snapdragon Sound Technology Suite, ensuring exceptional sound quality.

The platform is compatible with Snapdragon Sound featuring aptX Lossless for premium music streaming, and it seamlessly integrates Bluetooth 5.4 for enhanced connectivity. Additionally, it enables LE Audio and Auracast broadcast audio capability to deliver immersive experiences.

This initiative facilitates collaboration between solution providers and OEMs to enhance audio features. It motivates developers to devise innovative solutions for Bluetooth Audio SoCs, thereby equipping OEMs with distinctive features and superior solutions.

"Across our portfolio, our commitment remains unwavering: to enhance the sound experience at every level – from ultra-premium with S7, to premium with S5, and mid-tier for S3. We’re excited to unveil our latest innovations, the powerful Qualcomm S5 and S3 Sound platforms, poised to spearhead a new era of audio excellence," Dino Bekis, Vice President and General Manager, Wearables and Mixed Signals Solutions at Qualcomm Technologies, said, in statement.

"Today’s consumers seek richer features and immersive experiences at more accessible price points. Through the Qualcomm Voice & Music Extension Program, OEMs gain a significant competitive edge, leveraging cutting-edge audio technologies to differentiate their offerings. In the premium tier, the Qualcomm S5 Gen 3 Sound Platform’s enhanced architecture and increased AI capabilities empower OEMs to create intelligent devices. These devices not only adapt to the user’s activities but also intelligently monitor their surroundings, ushering in a new level of responsiveness and functionality."