Earlier this month, we touched down in Southern California for Augmented World Expo (AWE USA) 2025, and we invited content creator and XR enthusiast KaleahVR to represent Snapdragon Insiders and experience the latest innovations.
Kaleah was front and center at the three-day conference, where we unveiled our Snapdragon® AR1+ Gen 1 platform. They got to explore next-generation products and demos (including KiWear’s Ring Controller and XREAL’s Project Aura AR headset to name a couple), and chat one on one with Ziad Asghar, SVP & GM of XR at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. after he delivered his AWE USA keynote address sharing our vision for the future of spatial computing.
We caught up with Kaleah to chat about their experience at AWE and their love for VR. Check it out below!
What was it like walking into AWE as a Snapdragon Insider?
It was AWESOME. I got to do a lot of hands-on stuff that not everyone was able to do because there were long lines throughout the event. It was almost surreal.
The Snapdragon booth was the first thing people saw when they walked in and it was the BIGGEST. All the booths were nice, and I kept noticing that Snapdragon technology was powering almost everything that was on the show floor.
What did you learn about Snapdragon or XR that you didn’t know before?
XR is growing in ways I didn’t even realize. I got to learn about new programs and devices specifically for education, as well as health and fitness, which was awesome to see since that is what originally got me into the XR space.
You had the chance to meet with Ziad Asghar. What was that experience like?
It was awesome being able to speak with someone so smart. I almost thought he was AI for a minute! It was incredible for me, as an everyday person, to talk to someone who knew so much about everything happening behind the scenes.
I went into it with so many questions, and he made me realize how bright the future is. There’s so much that can be done in this space. It’s alive and well.
What was it like to check out the latest XR devices powered by Snapdragon?
Very, very cool. When I met with Ziad I got to demo smart glasses that are powered by real-time AI. That was insane. I kept saying it was impressive that Snapdragon can power all these incredible devices. You wouldn’t think that a chip so small can power these amazing things, but it does it flawlessly.
Were there any products that stood out?
I got to try Snap Spectacles and that was a really cool experience because it was my first time using AR. There was a game called Beatboxer that has you doing a rhythm-based boxing workout. Your eyes see things that aren’t there, and I remember thinking, “This shouldn’t work but it does”.
How do you use XR, in general, and how would you like to see the space evolve?
Right now, it’s mainly for mental and physical health. Making sure I’m getting some exercise and practicing mindfulness, even if it’s just a little bit. I’m excited to see more health and wellness applications in the future.
I see possibilities for those who can’t afford gym memberships or even therapy. Headset form factors have gotten smaller and so have prices. I’m hoping in the future everyone has an XR device they can use for their own fitness and wellness journey.
What’s one thing from AWE that you can’t stop thinking about?
The sense of community that was shared between everyone at AWE. I call us “XR nerds.” I loved hearing what got others into the space, and I could talk to them for hours just about XR. It was a great opportunity to be around other like-minded people.
How has this trip inspired or influenced your interest XR?
It lit a fire under me. As soon as I came back from AWE and got off the plane, I told myself, “It’s go time.” Seeing all the faces and all the people there renewed my motivation and excitement. I feel like I can keep doing what I’m doing because I know I’ll always have a space.
What advice would you give to other Snapdragon Insiders who want to dive deeper into the world of XR?
I’d encourage them to make their content, have fun with it, ask questions, and just stay curious.
For the Snapdragon Insiders who weren’t able to attend the conference, what would you like them to know?
That XR has a huge future. Walking into that room and seeing all the products and people who love XR reaffirmed that this tech is only growing!
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