Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 with Built-in AI

Key Takeaways

1Qualcomm launches two AI-focused Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 processors, including an Extreme version

2The chips enable local execution of models with up to 30 billion parameters and advanced video functions

3Motorola plans to release a smartphone equipped with this technology this year, as smartphones are seen as the primary platform for AI

4Apple launched a 20 billion parameter mixture-of-experts model in June

Why it matters : These announcements highlight the rise of embedded AI on smartphones and the technological competition surrounding the local execution of advanced models.

Two Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 processors, including an Extreme version, focus on local execution of AI models and advanced video tools. Motorola plans to release its first smartphone this year, while industry players argue that the phone will become the preferred device for AI.

Motorola aims for a release this year, with over 40 devices in preparation

Motorola announced the Motorola Signature 27, equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, with public availability expected this year. Qualcomm states it is working on over 40 AI devices. The idea that the smartphone will become the primary device for AI applications remains prevalent: Carl Pei, co-founder of Nothing, has previously advocated for this, and John Ternus, the new CEO of Apple, recently echoed this during the launch of the iPhone Duo earlier this month.

Embedded agents: detection, memory, and local voice-to-voice

Qualcomm has indicated that its new chips enhance the customization of AI agents. They incorporate detection centers capable of executing models with up to 200 million parameters, enabling a personal scribe locally with speaker differentiation. The chips can build a usage memory to offer better automation, and the company claims that a complete voice-to-voice agent can run on the new platform. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 features an additional component dedicated to acceleration to improve model execution performance. The Extreme version can locally run a mixture-of-experts model with 30 billion parameters, where only certain parameters are activated based on the task at hand.

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Image and sound: pixel-level control, 8K60, 4K240, and APV codec

The new processor offers pixel-level control for photo and video, with enhanced stabilization and better motion understanding. For video, the Extreme version supports recording in 8K at 60 frames per second as well as in 4K at 240 frames per second, and allows the use of the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec. For audio, AI is utilized by both chips to improve voice reproduction and reduce noise, while integrating Qualcomm's voice bubble technology, which separates user noises during calls.

Two AI-focused chips and a numerical reference to Apple

Qualcomm is launching the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, both geared towards AI functions on smartphones. In contrast, Apple presented a mixture-of-experts model with 20 billion parameters during its WWDC in June, touted as the most advanced of its third generation of base models.