New second-generation Qualcomm S5 and S3 audio platforms set a new benchmark for premium audio experience

New second-generation Qualcomm S5 and S3 audio platforms set a new benchmark for premium audio experience

New and enhanced features include support for spatial audio through dynamic head tracking, lossless sound quality, and a voice return channel with ultra-low audio latency of 48ms, allowing players to chat while playing smartphone games.

The new SoC expands the Snapdragon Sound™ Technology Suite portfolio, optimized for speakers and mid-range earbuds, and provides lossless audio support for stereo headphones.

Fully compliant to support new Bluetooth® LE Audio (Low Energy Audio) use cases, including Auracast™ broadcast audio.

November 16, 2022, Hawaii - During the 2022 Snapdragon Summit, Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd. announced the launch of Qualcomm's most advanced Bluetooth® audio platform to date - the second-generation Qualcomm® S5 audio platform and the second-generation Qualcomm® S3 audio platform, both of which support Snapdragon Sound™. These two products are optimized for Qualcomm's latest second-generation Snapdragon® 8 mobile platform, with rich features and ultra-low power consumption, bringing new features to Snapdragon Sound, including spatial audio support with dynamic head tracking, optimized lossless music streaming, and an extremely low latency gaming experience of 48 milliseconds between mobile phones and earbuds.

“The next-generation Qualcomm S5 and S3 audio platforms are designed to deliver the rich audio features consumers expect most while providing ultra-low power performance,” said James Chapman, vice president and general manager of Qualcomm Voice, Music and Wearables. “Qualcomm was the first company to implement lossless audio technology through Bluetooth and continues to innovate. Our 2022 Audio Product Usage Status Survey Report shows that more than half of consumers want their next pair of wireless earbuds to support spatial audio features. I am very pleased to announce that Snapdragon Sound technology supports spatial audio through dynamic head tracking, supports lossless audio in the new Bluetooth LE Audio specification, and also brings lower latency to the new platform.”

The two new platforms also support the third-generation Qualcomm® Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, which improves the listening experience by adapting to the fit of the ear and the user's external environment. In addition, Qualcomm Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation technology also supports Adaptive Transparent Mode with automatic voice detection, which provides a smooth transition from immersive noise reduction to natural transparent transmission when the user needs to listen to the surrounding sounds. Enhanced active noise reduction technology can help audio device developers solve common problems such as wind noise, howling, and abnormal environmental events.

James Chapman added: “The 2022 State of Audio Survey also shows that interest in Bluetooth LE Audio is growing, with over a third of respondents interested in new user experiences such as Auracast broadcast audio. We are working closely with the Bluetooth SIG to ensure the new platform meets the requirements to support these use cases.”

Currently, the second-generation Qualcomm S5 and S3 audio platforms are being sampled to customers, and commercial products are expected to be available in the second half of 2023.