New Google Tensor Chip ? Next big thing in Google Pixel Smartphones and Android ?

 Google acknowledged the existence of its bespoke SoC (system-on-chip) for Pixel phones yesterday, putting a stop to the leaks and rumors.

The next Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will be powered by the first Google-made mobile CPU, dubbed "Google Tensor." We've collated what we know about the Google Tensor while the firm isn't ready to disclose detailed specifics on CPU, GPU, and other components. So, if you're interested in learning more about what makes Google's upcoming Pixel 6 series so unique, keep reading to the end to learn everything there is to know about the Tensor chip.

 

At least for the time being, Google Tensor will be limited to the company's Pixel phones.
Furthermore, Tensor will be used on premium phones, while Snapdragon chipsets will be used in the Pixel a-series for the foreseeable future.

Here's what you can expect from the Tensor chip. 

The Google Tensor chip is the company's first in-house smartphone System on a Chip (SoC).
Later this year, the processor will make its debut on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
Tensor is named after Google's "Tensor Processing Unit" (or TPU) machine learning hardware, which is commonly used in data centers. 

What is Google's motivation for developing its own mobile chip?

Before we get into the details, it's vital to understand why Google is abandoning Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon chipsets in favor of developing its own proprietary SoC. This is due to three key factors. Allow me to explain. 

 

More Control over Hardware

Google has employed custom-designed co-processors in the past, such as the Pixel Visual Core in the Pixel 2 and Pixel 3 series, the Pixel Neural Core in the Pixel 4, and the Titan M security chip in the Pixel 4. With these co-processors, Google gained an advantage in AI and computational photography, but it still had to work with whatever Snapdragon CPU Qualcomm had to give to power the Pixel smartphones.  

Software Updates

 Software updates are another area where the Tensor chipset would help Pixel 6 phones.Before releasing the latest Android update, smartphone manufacturers must rely on Qualcomm for firmware changes.Qualcomm only provides three years of major OS updates and four years of security patches at the most.Take, for example, the absurdly costly $1,499 Snapdragon Insiders phone. With Google Tensor, that may change.The possibility exists that the Pixel 6 range will receive five years of Android updates.While it's unclear whether this includes OS updates or just security patches, Pixel owners will appreciate the decision.Google, as a software firm, has enough apps and services to make money from customers, so they might as well follow Apple's lead and focus on services.  

 Potential Ecosystem Expansion  

This is a big shot, but what if Google pitches the Tensor chipset as a competitor to Apple's M1 chip?More smartwatches, smart speakers, and even Chromebooks with Google's hardware under the hood could be on the way.It will be fascinating to watch how the Tensor processor performs in order to determine the chipset's potential beyond smartphones.