Google is to shift from Qualcomm processors and power the upcoming Pixel Watch 5 with Tensor chipset, which is likely to launch by 2026. This strategic shift to Tensor signifies Google’s commitment to going in-house that already powers their Pixel phones. However, the soon-to-launch Pixel watch 4 remains to stick with Qualcomm SoC.
Google has already announced the launch of the Pixel 10 series powered with Tensor chips but unlike the previous models, the upcoming Pixel 10 will use a Tensor chipset produced in-house by Google by collaborating with TSMC using their second-generation 3nm process node. Now, talks of Google’s plans to stick to the Tensor chip in the Pixel Watch 5 are circulating all over the internet.
By designing its own Tensor chips Google is lessening its dependence on Samsung, the company manufactured its first four Tensor chipsets. Google’s First Pixel watch was powered by the Samsung Exynos 91110, however, the Pixel Watch 2 and 3 use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chipset, Snapdragon W5 SoC and Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 respectively.
The chip codenamed NPT (Newport Beach) is likely to follow a similar chip configuration as that of the Samsung Exynos W1000 chipset with one Arm Cortex A78 and two Arm Cortex A55. The process nodes and modems to power the upcoming chipsets are still unknown.
According to reports, the chipset will be equipped with previous CPU cores and prioritize efficiency over cutting-edge performance. Despite removing Risc-V from their Android kernel, using Risc-V instead of Arm-based chipsets is still under consideration even though Google has a lot to do once it follows the Risc-V route.
The legacy of the Google Pixel watch started back in 2002 when the first Google smartwatch was released. It consists of an AMOLED display and an Exynos 9110 processor with a 294 mAh battery priced at $199. The Pixel 2 watch features a 320 ppi AMOLED display with DCI-P3 color. The snapdragon W5 gen 1 and Cortex M33 powered device has a worth between $350 and $400 based on WiFi and LTE availability.
The Pixel watch 3 has a similar display as that of its predecessors however comes with more screen size. It is available in 41 mm and 45 mm instead of just 41 as in the previous models. The base model, ie the 41mm model will have a worth of $349, which is the same as the launch price of the Pixel watch 2 series, however, it declined later.
The third-generation pixel watch features a 320 ppi AMOLED display with DCI P3 color. It also encompasses AI-generated workouts, Google TV remote controls, cardio load, and many more.
The upcoming Google Pixel 4 series is likely to bring innovative features and overcome the existing shortcomings of Pixel 3 watches. According to patent reports, Google is to feature the new Pixel Watch 4 with a new design, a squeezable touch-sensitive interface. This design allows a user to control the activities including pausing a music or opening a notification.
Another feature is the ‘fit score’ that allows users to read the health data based on BMI, fat percentage, hair density, and more. It is also likely to feature a mental health and blood pressure monitoring system. Since these are reports from patents, we are not sure how many of these features will come to light.
