Breaking: Google’s Smartwatch Revolution: Custom Tensor Chips Set to Transform Pixel Watch
Google is making waves in the wearable tech world with plans to develop its own custom Tensor chip for future Pixel Watches, marking a significant shift in its smartwatch strategy. As a tech reporter following these developments closely, I can tell you this move could change the game for smartwatch performance and battery life.
The Big Picture
The tech giant is already switching things up with its phone processors. Starting with the Pixel 10 series in 2025, Google is breaking free from Samsung’s Exynos platform. Instead, they’re creating the Tensor G5 chip from scratch, working with TSMC—the world’s top chip maker—using their advanced 3-nanometer technology.
But here’s the really exciting news: Google isn’t stopping at phones. According to leaked documents from Google’s chip division, they’re working on a special processor just for their watches, nicknamed “NPT.” This custom watch chip could debut in the Pixel Watch 5 around 2026.
What’s Under the Hood?
The new watch chip will focus on being power-smart rather than just super fast. Here’s what we know about the planned setup:
- One Arm Cortex-A78 core for heavy lifting
- Two Arm Cortex-A55 cores for everyday tasks
- Built using the same cutting-edge 3nm technology as phone chips
The Evolution of Pixel Watch Processors
Let’s look at how Google’s watch chips have evolved:
- Pixel Watch 1 (2022): Used Samsung’s Exynos 9110
- Pixel Watch 2 (2023): switched to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon, bringing better battery life
- Pixel Watch 3 (2024): Continued with Qualcomm’s improved chip
- Pixel Watch 5 (2026): Planned launch of custom Tensor chip
What This Means for Users
This shift to custom chips could mean big improvements for Pixel Watch users:
- Better battery life
- Smoother performance
- Special features only possible with custom hardware
- Tighter integration with other Pixel devices
Looking at the Competition
For comparison, the current Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 uses their Exynos W1000 chip, which has:
- One high-performance core (Cortex-A78)
- Four efficiency cores (Cortex-A55)
Google’s approach with fewer cores but newer technology could prove interesting.
The Bigger Strategy
This move shows Google is all-in on making its own hardware. By controlling both the chips and the software, they can:
- Create unique features
- Improve performance
- Make their devices work better together.
- Stand out from other smartwatch makers.
What’s Next?
While we’ll have to wait until 2026 to see these custom watch chips in action, Google’s track record with phone processors gives us reason to be optimistic. The company has learned a lot from its partnership with Samsung and Qualcomm, and this knowledge will likely help them create something special for their watches.
This is a developing story, and we’ll keep you updated as we learn more about Google’s plans for their custom watch processors. One thing’s clear: the future of Pixel Watches is looking more exciting than ever.
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