Google to Replace Qualcomm Chips with In-House Production... Equipped in October Smartphone Release

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Google, which has been equipping its smartphones with Qualcomm chips, is now moving to produce its own chips.

According to CNBC on the 2nd (local time), Google announced that it plans to manufacture a chip called 'Google Tensor' and equip it in the new smartphones Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, scheduled to be released around October.

CNBC reported, "This is another example of a big tech company reducing its dependence on external semiconductor companies and manufacturing its own chips."

Previously, Apple introduced new products such as the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops and the compact desktop Mac Mini, all equipped with the self-developed 'M1' chip instead of the existing Intel chips, in November last year.

Google's new chip, Google Tensor, like Apple’s, is based on the design of the UK semiconductor design company ARM, and is said to improve the smartphone's photo and video processing capabilities as well as support translation functions.

CNBC also reported that it can run AI (Artificial Intelligence) applications, including the CPU, GPU, and image signal processor.

CNBC evaluated that Google's new smartphone represents a kind of strategic shift, as Google has so far focused on the price competitiveness of Pixel phones rather than high-end smartphones, and that Google is attempting direct competition with Apple and Samsung Electronics in the flagship smartphone market.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.