Microsoft and Qualcomm's Vision AI Developer Kit hits general availability

What you need to know

  • Microsoft and Qualcomm's Vision AI Developer Kit is now generally available.
  • The developer kit includes a camera and software needed to work with multiple Azure platforms.
  • The kit can be ordered through Arrow Electronics for $249.

Microsoft and Qualcomm have released the Vision AI Developer Kit. The dev kit includes a camera and software required to work with multiple Azure platforms. With it, companies can use Azure IoT Edge and Azure Machine Learning. The kit is based on the Qualcomm Vision Intelligence Platform and powered by Qualcomm AI Engine. The dev kit was announced last year and was available in preview last summer, but it is now generally available to the public. The kit can be purchased for $249 from Arrow Electronics.

The Vision AI Developer Kit supports end-to-end Azure enabled solutions as well as real-time image processing. In the block post announcing its availability, Microsoft shares a couple of examples of the kit in action, including a company tracking if all employees are wearing a hard hat on a construction site and a company tracking the stock on store shelves.

The Vision AI Developer Kit can be used with three different options for developers. Custom Vision is an Azure Cognitive Service that can be used without requiring code development. It uses the Snapdragon Neural Processing Engine. Azure Machine Learning allows users to use code, visual drag and drop, and automated machine learning experiences. Visual Studio Code allows developers to modify sample modules and create their own code which can be containerized and deployed on the camera.

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Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.