Google has revealed some information about its latest phones, namely the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. One of them is about the on -chip system (SoC) used, Google Tensor.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai tweeted that they spent four years building the Tensor chip, and based on Google’s more than two decades of computing experience.
"This is our biggest innovation on the Pixel to date. Will be using it on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro in the fall," tweeted Pichai, posting a photo of the Tensor comparing its size to a pin.
Google does not disclose complete information, such as CPU or GPU capabilities through benchmark scores. But what is clear is that this Tensor is made specifically for Pixel handsets.
Tensors are based on the way people use cell phones today, which are more reliant on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities. So don’t just add computing capabilities to the CPU or GPU.
Google believes the use of AI and ML will provide a new experience specifically for Pixel users.
Tensor itself actually comes from the name TensorFlow, which is an ML platform created by Google. TensorFlow is the foundation for many ML models that Google already uses, for example in Google Photos and Voice.
From this it can be assumed that the Tensor SoC to be used in Pixel 6 will prioritize ML and AI capabilities in various sectors, such as photos, video, and many other things.
Tensors also appear to be equipped with various processors together for various purposes. For example the Titan M chip for security, or the Pixel Visual Core which has used previous versions of Pixel.
In addition, the Tensor will also be equipped with a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU). In recent years Google has produced TPUs that are used on various of its servers for AI and ML purposes, and this is the first time Google has used TPU (mobile version) in mobile phones.
What is the function of TPU? Reported from The Verge, Wednesday (4/8/2021), this TPU has various functions, one of which is to improve the quality of photos taken using Pixel 6. In a demonstration conducted by Google, they showed photos taken by small children who move.
On the first photo that was not processed using TPU, the child’s picture looked blurry. While in the second photo, which was run through the TPU in the Tensor, the child’s face could look sharper and not blur.
Another co-processor also found in Tensor is called an ‘always-active computer’, which takes over simple tasks. For example setting ‘ambient display’. Google promises the Pixel 6 battery will last all day.
It is not known by whom the Tensor SoC will be produced, but previous rumors circulated that Samsung was the company chosen by Google, which uses their own 5nm manufacturing process.
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