Tag: Tensor

Following Google's earlier announcement that the Pixel 10 series would be able to directly exchange files with iPhones via AirDrop through the native Quick Share feature, Qualcomm subsequently posted a statement saying they "can't wait to see everyone enable this feature on Snapdragon devices." This clearly indicates that the new Quick Share support for AirDrop file transfer will not be limited to Pixel models and will be opened up to more Android devices equipped with Snapdragon processors in the future. This is not a Tensor processor-exclusive feature; it achieves cross-ecosystem file transfer at the software level. Qualcomm's statement confirms a key technical detail: this feature that breaks down the "barrier" between Android and iOS is not based on the exclusive hardware function of Google's self-developed processor Tensor. In other words, this feature is based on a breakthrough in software-level protocol implementation. As long as the Quick Share on the Android system is updated, theoretically, all brands of Android phones will have the opportunity to achieve seamless file transfer with Apple devices. This will be huge good news for dual-device users who have long been troubled by the "green bubble" (referring to the limited access to mobile devices) and file transfer barriers. Can't wait for people to use this once enabled on Snapdragon in the near future. https://t.co/IUvT23p5pq — Snapdragon (@Snapdragon) November 21, 2025…

With the launch of the Pixel 10 series, Google explained that the new phones feature the first Tensor G5 processor designed entirely by Google and manufactured by TSMC using a 3nm process, driving five major upgrades and nine AI application features. From performance to AI, to camera and battery life, Google emphasizes that the Tensor G5 is not only a hardware evolution, but also a key to the transformation of the Pixel series' positioning. Through its self-developed chip combined with its software ecosystem, Google continues to strengthen the unique value of Pixel devices, bringing AI applications to everyday life. Tensor G5: The AI ​​Core of the Pixel 10 Series. Designed in collaboration with Google DeepMind, the Tensor G5 officially debuts with the Pixel 10 series. This fifth-generation processor is not only the most significant upgrade to date, but also brings Pixel into a new era of "mobile AI devices." Here are the five key features of the Tensor G5: 1. Significant Performance Leap: The Tensor G5 uses TSMC's 3nm process, offering a 34% performance increase in CPU and a 60% performance increase in TPU compared to its predecessor, the Tensor G4. This results in smoother web browsing and everyday applications, as well as significantly enhanced AI computing efficiency. Google has also added dedicated security hardware within the chip to protect Pixel devices throughout the entire lifecycle, from manufacturing to use. 2. The Most Powerful On-Device AI Ever: The Tensor G5 is the first processor capable of natively executing Gemini Nano AI models, allowing many generative AI applications that previously relied on the cloud to be completed directly on the phone. According to official data, Gemini Nano...

According to sources obtained by DigiTimes, senior executives from Google's US headquarters recently visited TSMC in Taiwan, raising the possibility of TSMC manufacturing the Tensor Processors for the Pixel series phones. The report also indicates that Google and TSMC have discussed a collaboration timeline of at least 3 to 5 years. Previously, the Tensor Processors used in Google's Pixel phones were manufactured by Samsung. However, Samsung's process has been criticized for issues such as overheating and poor performance, leading many consumers to hope that Google would switch to TSMC to improve Tensor Processor performance. DigiTimes' current information suggests that the Tensor G5 processor in the new Pixel 10 series, expected to launch as early as this fall, will be manufactured using TSMC's process technology. However, such news may be detrimental to Samsung, especially as more and more processor foundry business is gradually shifting to TSMC, while Samsung's own advanced process technology has always had yield issues. For example, the Exynos 2500 processor, originally intended for the Galaxy S25 series, was subsequently replaced by Qualcomm processors due to yield problems. However, the Exynos 2500 processor may still be used in the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7, which are expected to be announced in July.

The new Pixel Buds Pro 2 true wireless earbuds, expected to be unveiled at the Made By Google event, will be available in four colors: green, beige, black, and pink. They will feature ear wings for added stability and may include a "Tensor A1" chip for double the active noise cancellation. The "Tensor A1" chip suggests this may be the first time Google's in-house Tensor series chip has been used in a product outside of smartphones, but details are currently unconfirmed; it's likely primarily for active noise cancellation. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 will offer up to 8 hours of battery life with a single earbud, extending to 30 hours with the charging case, though it's unclear whether this includes active noise cancellation. In addition to the Pixel Buds Pro 2, Google is expected to announce the new Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold (Google's second foldable phone) at the upcoming Made By Google event, along with the new Pixel Watch 3 smartwatch.

Google previously filed a patent infringement lawsuit against private startup Singular Computing over the design of its TPU (Tracked Processing Unit). The two companies have since reached a settlement, though specific details of the agreement have not been released. The lawsuit initially saw Singular Computing seek up to $70 billion in damages from Google, but subsequent court proceedings reduced the amount to $16.7 billion. Singular Computing founder John Bates alleged that Google met with him between 2010 and 2014, hoping to use his technology in Google services, but the subsequently released TPU used technology from Singular Computing, hence the $16.7 billion claim. However, Google denied ever negotiating with Singular Computing and emphasized that its TPU design was entirely based on its own technology. Regarding Singular Computing's allegation of email exchanges with Google scientist Jeff Dean, Google stated that its research team did not meet with John Bates or others. Google further stated that Singular Computing had repeatedly approached companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and OpenAI regarding potential collaborations, but had not received a positive response from Google. This also indicated that the technology used in TPU is fundamentally different from Singular Computing technology. While the court did not release specific details of the settlement, Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda emphasized that the company did not infringe on any Singular Computing-related patents.

The Information website, citing sources, reports that Google's current semi-custom processor series, the Tensor series, developed in collaboration with Samsung, is expected to continue until 2024. From 2025 onwards, Google is expected to switch to a fully customized processor developed in partnership with TSMC. Google originally planned to replace the semi-custom processor produced in collaboration with Samsung with a processor codenamed "Redondo," but has now changed its strategy to continue working with Samsung, with a full-custom processor product expected to be developed with TSMC only in 2025. Sources indicate that the fully customized processor developed by Google in collaboration with TSMC will be built using a 3nm process, potentially competing with processors manufactured by Apple, MediaTek, and Qualcomm using the same process technology. The fully customized design likely means that the computing performance of this Google processor will no longer be limited by the semi-custom design based on Samsung Exynos processors, and it is expected to be used in the new Pixel series phones. However, neither Google nor TSMC has responded to this report.

The Information website reports that Google previously competed with Qualcomm, Microsoft, and Intel to acquire Nuvia, but Qualcomm ultimately won the bid. Google's interest in acquiring Nuvia was clearly related to its decision to invest in its own processor development, especially as companies like Apple have also begun investing in their own processors to improve hardware and software integration. However, Qualcomm ultimately won the bid for Nuvia and recently announced plans to use Nuvia technology to create a fully custom architecture CPU called Oryon, initially for PCs and later for mobile phones. Having failed to acquire Nuvia, Google is now collaborating with Samsung to develop Tensor processors using Samsung's 5nm process technology and Armv8 instruction set. They tout improving hardware and software integration through artificial intelligence computing, emphasizing higher performance with lower power consumption. This could result in longer battery life, real-time content recommendations, faster image analysis for translating text in photos, and even finding similar items.

Since launching the Pixel 3a series in 2019 to target the entry-level market, Google has released several models, including the Pixel 6a this year, which also uses Google's own Tensor processor. However, Google may be readjusting its entry-level product strategy, primarily depending on the sales performance of next year's Pixel 7a and the rumored Pixel Fold foldable phone. According to information obtained by Android Authority, Google may observe the sales performance of the expected Pixel 7a and the Pixel Fold, the first foldable phone under the Pixel brand, to determine its future product launch strategy for the Pixel a series. Specifically, if the Pixel 7a performs poorly next year, the product launch cycle for the Pixel a series may be adjusted to once every two years, similar to Apple's current practice of updating the iPhone SE every two years. Regarding its foldable screen phone product strategy, Google may use the actual sales performance of the first Pixel Fold to decide whether to continue developing the foldable screen phone market under the Pixel brand, or to let partners such as Samsung, Xiaomi, vivo, and OPPO drive this market development. The Pixel brand will then focus on fully leveraging the functionality of the Android operating system and Google's cutting-edge technologies. On the other hand, Google may also begin discussing whether to add more screen size options to the Pixel Pro series to meet different usage needs.

Google unveiled the Pixel 7 series in October and quickly launched it in the Taiwan market. During my recent overseas interviews, I took some snapshots using the Pixel 7 Pro camera. ▲Google Pixel 7 Pro Let's briefly review the hardware specifications of the Pixel 7 series. The Pixel 7 features a 6.32-inch Full HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The body is slightly narrower than the Pixel 6. It's powered by Google's custom Tensor G2 processor and Titan M2 security chip, with 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. The battery capacity has been reduced from 4616mAh in the Pixel 6 to 4355mAh, but it still boasts up to 3 days of battery life. The camera features a 10MP front-facing camera, a 1080MP wide-angle lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens. Colors include Obsidian Black, Lemongrass Green, and Snow White. The Pixel 7 Pro features a 6.7-inch Quad HD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1500 nits. It also boasts Google's custom Tensor G2 processor and Titan M2 security chip, 1200GB of RAM, and comes with either 128GB or 256GB of storage. The battery capacity remains at 5000mAh. The camera setup includes a 5000MP main sensor, a 1080MP wide-angle lens, a 5000MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 4.8MP telephoto lens, supporting 1200x optical zoom and up to 30x hybrid zoom. Color options include Obsidian Black, Matte Gray, and Snow White. ▲The Google Pixel 7 Pro features a dual-curved screen and a centrally located punch-hole camera that utilizes Tensor G4800 technology...

OnLeaks recently released images of what is touted as the design of Google's upcoming Pixel 7a phone through the Smartprix website, incorporating design elements from the Pixel 6 series. ▲(Image/Screenshot from smartprix website) According to the description, the Pixel 7a's camera module will be slightly thicker at 10.1mm, perhaps indicating an upgrade in camera module design. The phone size will likely remain the same as the Pixel 6a at 6.1 inches, using a flat display panel, with the bezels appearing quite noticeable. It will also retain the center-mounted punch-hole camera, but may include wireless charging. ▲(Image/Screenshot from smartprix website) If all goes as expected, the Pixel 7a should also use Google's own Tensor processor, focusing on enhancing computing efficiency with artificial intelligence and improving power efficiency. However, the exact release date of the Pixel 7a is not yet confirmed. If the Pixel 6a was launched during Google I/O 2022, the Pixel 7a may also be unveiled during Google I/O 2023 next year.