In a stunning twist, Google seems to be creating a custom-built Tensor chip solely for its Pixel Watch collection.
This new chip, internally codenamed ‘NPT’ (doubtless referring to ‘Newport Seaside’), is anticipated to debut in 2026 alongside the much-anticipated Pixel Watch 5 (in line with Android Authority).
We don’t even have the Pixel Watch 4 but, however the transfer to a {custom} Tensor chip would signify Google’s first main foray into bespoke silicon for wearables, with the first objective being effectivity reasonably than sheer processing energy.
Google seems able to take management of its silicon technique
Mattias Inghe
In contrast to cutting-edge cellphone processors, such because the brand-new Snapdragon 8 Elite, which prioritise velocity and efficiency, wearable know-how requires a fragile steadiness that leans closely on energy conservation.
Google’s NPT chip seems to comply with this precept by incorporating a novel CPU configuration, together with one Arm Cortex-A78 core and two Arm Cortex-A55 cores, designs from 2017 that emphasise low energy consumption over top-tier efficiency.
Whereas these older cores could seem uncommon for brand new tech, the choice aligns with present developments in wearables, the place manufacturers like Samsung and Qualcomm additionally go for older but power-efficient CPU architectures.
Regardless of the choice to go together with dated CPU cores, Android Authority experiences trade insiders are optimistic that the NPT chip will nonetheless pack the facility wanted to advance smartwatch performance.
Mattias Inghe
Google’s Pixel Watch journey has been a difficult one, marked by {hardware} hiccups and iterative updates.
The primary-generation Pixel Watch suffered from an outdated Exynos chip that drew criticism for being sluggish and inefficient. Google rapidly pivoted with the Pixel Watch 2, which moved to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, a big enchancment that was additionally retained within the Pixel Watch 3.
However with Qualcomm but to launch a brand new wearable platform, Google seems able to take management of its silicon technique, aiming to make the Pixel Watch collection extra aggressive in a rising market.
Whether or not this tradition chip would be the game-changer for the Pixel Watch collection stays to be seen however we hope so. Within the meantime, examine our roundup of the most effective smartwatches that the Pixel Watch 5 should go towards.
