Qualcomm Launches Into Virtual Reality
New software development kit opens up the power of the Snapdragon 820 mobile processor to VR headsets
The growing Virtual Reality (VR) market has gained another significant technology supporter following a new release from Qualcomm.
The chipmaker, whose Snapdragon chipsets are found in many of the world’s top smartphones, has announced the launch of a new virtual reality (VR) software development kit (SDK) that will give developers the chance to create more powerful experiences and apps than ever before.
The kit will be based on the company’s latest flagship Snapdragon 820 processor, found in the Samsung Galaxy S7 and LG G5 smartphones among others, giving access to more detailed images and sharper audio quality.
Improved
The kit, which will be available to developers in the second quarter of this year through the Qualcomm Developer Network., will allow more advanced information gathering and processing to make VR experiences more immersive than ever.
This includes supporting 3D binocular vision with colour correction and barrel distortion to allow for high quality graphics and video, and the ability to layer menus, text, and other overlays more seamlessly, reducing distortions that would otherwise make them difficult to read and creating more realistic experiences.
“We’re providing advanced tools and technologies to help developers significantly improve the virtual reality experience for applications like games, 360 degree VR videos and a variety of interactive education and entertainment applications,” said Dave Durnil, Qualcomm’s senior director of engineering.
“VR represents a new paradigm for how we interact with the world, and we’re excited to help mobile VR developers more efficiently deliver compelling and high-quality experiences on upcoming Snapdragon 820 VR-capable Android smartphones and headsets.”
Virtual Reality has proved to be one of 2016’s biggest technology trends, as device manufatcurers look to expand their product offerings with new and exciting headsets.
This includes Samsung, which called Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg on stage at Mobile Wolrd Congress last month to pledge his support in getting VR headsets into the hands of millions across the world.
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