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That might be changing.
And when Qualcomm says Elite, it means power and AI.
Rivian with K.I.T.T. headlights glaring
AI is coming to cars in a big way.
I dont just mean self-driving AI, though that’s certainly a big part of Qualcomms technology.
The new Snapdragon Ride Elite chipset can manage up to 40 different sensors at once.
Rivian with K.I.T.T. headlights glaring
These might include radar, LiDAR, cameras, microphones, and infrared.
It will use AI to manage all of that data and assist with driving.
Qualcomm AI means much more than driving automation.
GM CEO Mary Barra addresses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit
Your kids can ask for last-minute homework help on the way to school.
Some of those sensors managed by Snapdragon will be pointed inside the car.
This technology is similar toApples FaceID, which also uses infrared cameras to read the contours of your face.
It will detect if you start to fall asleep and help keep you alert.
Zones will be a big part of the next generation of automobile cabins.
The new Snapdragon Cockpit Elite platform can drive up to 164Kdisplays.
Some of those will be your instrument gauge, your cockpit controls, and your rearview camera.
Other displays will offer entertainment and controls to all of your passengers.
The most interesting partner to appear with Qualcomm during the automotive keynote at the Snapdragon Summit wasEpic Games.
Epic has ported itsUnreal Engineto cars.
Thankfully, I wont have to worry about touching controls, because the cars AI will handle everything.
If my friend in the back says Im getting cold, it will warm their zone.
With intelligent AI assistance, Ill be able to ask for anything that used to have its own button.
Ill just say playChappell Roan; or turn on my emergency lights.
Will the car know how Chappell Roan pronounces her name?
Qualcomm makes the brains, but it relies on car makers and software developers to make the thoughts.
The entire software update process is going to change for cars.
Today, updating car software is a complicated process that requires a smartphone connection.
Do you get annoyed when Apple updates your iPhone and suddenly your photo gallery looks totally different?
Wait until that happens to your Mercedes cockpit.
Apps are coming to cars in a big way, and not just the apps youd expect.
Sure, there will be games you could play in the car.
Angry Birds was on Qualcomms list of car apps, and Epic saysFortniteis a popular request from car customers.
But Qualcomm also imagines your car will be a space for productivity.
Youll run Zoom meetings in your car and see your participants on the dashboard.
When you drive by a billboard for something you want, youll openAmazonon your dash to buy it.
you’re free to even buy new additional software features through the car.
That car is launching in the right time frame to get Elite Qualcomm status.
Reps from BMW told me to look out for an all new vehicle at CES 2025.
