According to Google, the news will internally utilize the Tensor Chip for the Pixel Watch 5 in 2026. Find out how this could lead to better smartwatch performance and expand Google’s feedback loop on hardware.
Google’s Possible Decision to Develop Chips for Pixel Watch 5:
It is said in various leaked and rumor documents that Google may be creating a Tensor processor specifically for the Pixel Watch 5 expected in around 2026. The rumored wearable chip, dubbed NPT, will pack a mainstream configuration of an ARM Cortex A78 and two ARM Cortex A55s. These older CPU cores are quite typical for wearables, but a focus on an in-house processor is a major signal of change in Google’s approach to smartwatch hardware.
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Previously, Android smartwatch processor constraints have been an issue. Until now, most Android watches, including Google’s own Pixel Watch collection, used Qualcomm chips. Nonetheless, the update rate of Qualcomm slowed down to make Android smartwatches less competitive to other brands. Such steps make sense to improve the functionality of future Pixel Watches that with the five generations may help Google not to depend on Fitbit anymore and integrate its latest software achievements into the hardware of the device.
A trade-off between Performance and Battery Life:
Chips used in smartwatches optimize for power efficiency rather than overall performance and the Tensor chip from Google may be just right. Going in-house may also allow Google to improve the Pixel Watch 5’s battery longevity without having to compromise on some of the features already noted as core to using the watch, thus making the Pixel Watch 5 more effective.
Google’s Investment in the Smartwatch Market:
Such plans, which emerged in early 2023, suggest that Google has been quite committed to the smartwatch market. Tensor chips can provide Google more flexibility to introduce differentiated new applications and better exercise control over the development process. This potential change could boost Google’s position in wearable tech, exciting Android smartwatch enthusiasts.
Whether it is Google’s plan to launch the Pixel Watch series or work out an entirely different plan, only time will tell, but this plan has shown a positive outlook for Pixel Watch.