Google Pixel 6 Chip: Google Develops Own Processor

Google Unveils Details of the Upcoming Pixel 6 Smartphone

Recent announcements from Google have revealed significant information regarding its forthcoming Pixel 6 smartphone. This disclosure may have been strategically timed to precede Samsung’s event on August 11th, or to maintain public engagement throughout the period leading up to a major fall product launch, and preempt further information leaks.

Redesigned Camera System and a Shift in Strategy

The initial preview of the new Android smartphone showcases a substantial redesign of the rear camera system. Google has moved away from a square arrangement, opting for a prominent black bar. This suggests a renewed emphasis on advanced hardware capabilities, following several generations of prioritizing software and AI as key competitive advantages.

Introducing Tensor: A Custom-Built SoC

Perhaps the most noteworthy development is the introduction of Tensor, a novel custom SoC (system on a chip). This chip will debut in both the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro models. This represents a crucial step for Google as it seeks to establish a unique identity within the highly competitive smartphone market – a challenge the company has previously faced.

Moving Away from Qualcomm

This move signifies a departure from utilizing Qualcomm chips in its premium-tier devices, mirroring Apple’s strategy of developing custom silicon. However, the Tensor chip will still be based on the widely used ARM architecture employed by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors. Google will continue to source components from Qualcomm for its more affordable A Series smartphones.

Tensor and the Power of AI/ML

The name "Tensor" is a deliberate reference to Google’s TensorFlow ML framework, which underpins many of its projects. Unsurprisingly, the company highlights the role of AI and ML as fundamental to the chip’s functionality within the new phones. The Pixel team has consistently championed software-driven solutions, such as computational photography, as a key differentiator.

Enhanced Capabilities Through Customization

“The team responsible for designing our silicon aimed to enhance the capabilities of the Pixel devices,” Google explains. “With Tensor, we meticulously considered each component of the chip and tailored it to optimally run Google’s computational photography models.” This customization is expected to deliver entirely new features and improvements to existing functionalities for users.

Beyond Photography: Speech Recognition and Language Learning

In addition to the upgraded camera system, Tensor is poised to significantly improve areas like speech recognition and language learning. While specific details remain limited until the full reveal this fall, today’s announcement outlines the future direction for a revitalized Pixel team. These areas of focus align perfectly with Google’s strengths in AI and software.

A Team Transition and a New Vision

Last year, several key members of the Pixel team departed Google, signaling a potential shift in direction. Reports indicated that the hardware lead, Rick Osterloh, expressed concerns at the time.

Addressing Computing Limitations

“While AI represents the future of our innovation, we encountered computing limitations that hindered our ability to fully realize our objectives,” Osterloh stated in a recent post. “Therefore, we embarked on creating a technology platform specifically designed for mobile, enabling us to deliver our most advanced AI and machine learning (ML) capabilities to Pixel users.”