Qualcomm’s next-gen GPUs bring most advanced visual processing technology

Qualcomm Technologies Inc. introduced its next-generation visual processing technology with new versions of its graphics processing unit (GPU) last Aug. 12. The company promises to deliver significantly improved performance and enhanced user experience.

Announced via a press release , Qualcomm unveiled its Adreno 5xx GPU architecture as well as a 14-bit “Spectra” image signal processor that promises to create DSLR-quality and blur-free photography. The first two GPUs available on this new architecture are the Adreno 530 and Adreno 510. These will be available and integrated within the Snapdragon 820 and Snapdragon 620/618 processors. In addition, Snapdragon 820 will debut the new 14-bit Qualcomm Spectra image signal processing (ISP) unit. This is specially designed to support superior DSLR-quality photography and enhanced computer vision.

Commenting on the launch, Tim Leland, vice president of product management, expressed that the company aims to significantly enhance the visual processing capabilities of Snapdragon to improve user experience. The primary focus is on computational photography, photo-realistic graphics on mobile devices and computer vision.

He further added, “Qualcomm Spectra ISP, together with our Adreno 5xx-class GPU, brings an entirely new level of imaging to smartphones and is designed to allow Snapdragon-powered devices to capture ultra-clear, vivid photos and videos regardless of motion and lighting conditions and display them with the color accuracy that nature intended.”

Spectra ISP is Qualcomm Technologies’ most advanced dual-imaging signal processing unit. It supports up to three simultaneous cameras - two of which are located at the back with one in front -and up to 25MP resolution at 30fps with zero-shutter lag. The new ISP also comes with a hybrid autofocus framework along with multi-sensor fusion algorithms for next-generation computational photography. It also ensures superior image quality. The Snapdragon 820 is expected to arrive in the first half of 2016.

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