The next frontier of Qualcomm's artificial intelligence is... your car.

Qualcomm has maintained a low profile regarding its automotive ambitions, focusing its attention on Snapdragon processors for mobile devices and laptops. However, this strategy seems to be changing. During the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit, held in Maui, the company presented its latest Snapdragon Elite chips, with a special emphasis on the automotive sector. Although the Snapdragon Digital Chassis has been operating in vehicles for a few years now, Qualcomm is now highlighting its new system-on-chip offerings: Snapdragon Ride Elite and Snapdragon Cockpit Elite. The term 'Elite' implies greater performance and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities that will be integrated into vehicles.

The Snapdragon Ride Elite chipset is capable of managing up to 40 sensors simultaneously, including radars, LiDAR, cameras, microphones, and infrared sensors. Qualcomm anticipates that this technology will enable automated driving at levels 3 and 4, although the driver will still be required to keep their hands close to the wheel.

In addition to automation in driving, Qualcomm is introducing customized features to enhance the in-vehicle experience, many of which echo AI functions found in smartphones. For example, passengers will be able to use AI to set reminders or find the nearest café. There are also plans to implement sensors that, similar to Apple's FaceID technology, could detect the number of occupants, their positions, and facial expressions inside the car.

This technology will enable safety improvements, such as ensuring that pets or small children are not left inside the vehicle. Additionally, AI could identify if a passenger is asleep and adjust the music or alerts accordingly.

Personalizing the in-car environment will be key in the next generation of vehicles. Qualcomm expects that AI will be able to alter sound, climate control, and other settings for each passenger individually, creating an environment tailored to each person's preferences.

The Snapdragon Cockpit Elite platform will be capable of managing up to 16 4K displays simultaneously, which includes everything from the instrument panel to controls and entertainment for all passengers. During the event, Qualcomm highlighted its collaboration with Epic Games, which has brought its Unreal Engine to the automotive industry, demonstrating that this software, used in renowned video games, can also be applied to vehicle dashboards like those of Rivian.

One of the most significant changes is the evolution of the software update process in cars, which will become simpler thanks to the Snapdragon Elite chipsets. App stores and features like video calls via Zoom from the dashboard are part of future expectations. Additionally, users will have the option to purchase new software features to enhance their vehicles through updates, similar to the experience with smartphones.

However, a future without physical buttons raises some concerns. While AI can handle most controls through voice commands, accessibility could be a challenge, especially for those who have difficulty speaking or have an accent that the system may not recognize.

Qualcomm relies on automakers and software developers to fully implement its vision of AI in vehicles. With the presence of companies like GM, BMW, and Rivian at the chipset presentation, the path toward a more advanced automotive future seems to be laid out, although it is still necessary to wait for these manufacturers to develop and refine the announced features.