Qualcomm unveils Snapdragon 8 elite gen 6 and extreme chips with AI capabilities

Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Extreme Gen 6 chips at its annual Snapdragon Summit, emphasizing AI-driven on-device computing. These chips support local operation of large models, including a 300-billion-parameter model, with the Extreme version capable of running a 30-billion-parameter mixture of experts (MoE) model directly on the device. Motorola is set to launch the Motorola Signature 27, featuring the Extreme Gen 6 chip, expected to be released this year. The chips also enhance image and audio processing, offering 8K 60fps video recording and AI-powered noise reduction. Industry analysts noted Qualcomm's advancements in on-device AI, positioning smartphones as key for AI adoption. Apple previously showcased a 200-billion-parameter MoE model at its WWDC in June. The new chips include a sensing hub for small models up to 200 million parameters, enabling voice assistants and personalized task suggestions. Qualcomm's voice bubble technology isolates ambient noise during calls, while the Extreme version introduces an advanced professional video codec.