Google Pixel smartphones have always housed Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets but next year that is apparently going to change according to a new report from Axios today.
The new chipsets, codenamed “Whitechapel” are being designed for use in their Pixel smartphones and eventually Chromebooks. Rumours have been circulating that Google were working with Samsung on chipset development but the new report suggests that the development of the 8-core ARM chipset is further along than first thought.
The new hardware is expected to have a portion of it dedicated for Google’s machine learning technology with a view to improving the on-device Google Assistant functionality, speed and features. While Google are designing the chipset they will not be the ones to manufacture that with Samsung set to have that task, building on their upcoming 5nm node.
Axios reports that it will be used in Pixel phones and eventually Chromebooks once it matures more. Given the stage the development is at it is possible that the chipset could wind up in Pixel smartphones as early as next year.
Working versions of the chip are already being delivered to Google but it will not be ready for the mainstream until next year at the earliest.
Of course, being a new chipset its performance is unknown but it is expected that Google will look to incorporate its optimisations into their Pixel software allowing for a much more integrated device. Apple have done it with great results and it seems that Google are hoping to as well.
It could be a bumpy ride for Pixel smartphones with early versions of the chipset but in years to come you can be sure that Google Pixel devices will benefit from the in-house chipset development.
