Tech Giant Google Enters the Custom Chip Game, Promising Enhanced AI Power and Performance
Google has officially unveiled its first custom chipset, named Google Tensor, which is set to power its upcoming flagship smartphones, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. The announcement marks a significant departure from Google’s previous reliance on Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets for its Pixel lineup.
The new Google Tensor chipset, previously codenamed Whitechapel and rumored as GS101, promises to offer advanced AI computing capabilities, positioning the Pixel 6 series to deliver a more powerful and feature-rich experience for users. While specific technical details remain undisclosed, the emphasis on AI suggests a focus on enhancing photography, video capture, and other computational tasks.
CEO Sundar Pichai took to Twitter to share insights into the development of the custom SoC, revealing that the project commenced nearly four years ago. The unveiling included an image showcasing the chipset alongside a paperclip for size comparison, hinting at the potential compactness and efficiency of the Google Tensor.
Notably, Google’s adoption of the “Tensor” branding for its chipset underscores the company’s commitment to leveraging AI and machine learning technologies. With Tensor, users can anticipate a host of new AI-powered features tailored for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, promising enhancements in areas such as computational photography and real-time captioning.
Rick Osterloh, SVP of Devices and Services at Google, highlighted the meticulous customization of the Tensor chipset to optimize Google’s computational models, hinting at improved functionality such as Live HDR during video capture and faster on-device Live Captions.
The move towards in-house chip development signifies Google’s strategic shift towards greater control over its hardware ecosystem, aligning with industry peers like Apple and Samsung. By integrating its custom chipset, Google aims to differentiate its Pixel lineup and potentially extend Android update support, a critical factor for device longevity and user satisfaction.
As anticipation builds for the release of the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro later this fall, the tech community eagerly awaits further details on the capabilities and performance of the Google Tensor chipset. With competition heating up in the smartphone market, all eyes will be on Google to see how its custom solution stacks up against established rivals.
