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On Tue, 29 Oct, 4:01 PM UTC
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A Tensor-powered Pixel Watch might be in Google's pipeline for 2026
The Pixel Watches haven't been the perfect competitor to the Apple Watch that we'd hoped. They look beautiful, they're reasonably smooth, but lack performance and battery life compared to their competitors from Samsung and Apple, unless you get the larger-sized Pixel Watch 3. Something Pixel fans have been eagerly anticipating is when Google's smartwatch will make the switch to a custom Tensor SoC like its Pixel phones, and it seems that may finally happen in 2026. ✕ Remove Ads Read our review Review: Google's Pixel Watch 3 is big, beautiful, and brainy The 45mm version is large and easy to love 7 Google first introduced Tensor with the Pixel 6 series, and it marked a new direction for the company's hardware. Tensor has never been about pure horsepower, instead focussing on efficiency and AI features. That's lead to the Pixel phones offering a smooth and (mostly) efficient experience, although it hasn't been without issues, largely due to the reliance on Samsung to manufacture these chips, something that might finally change in the next year or two. ✕ Remove Ads The Pixel Watch's Pixel 6 moment Could AI come to our wrists? Leaked documents from Google's chip division surfaced recently, and Android Authority has spotted a juicy tidbit within them -- Google is finally bringing Tensor to wearables. There are a lot of details, but what we do know is that the wearable chip, codenamed NPT, will be released in 2026 and will consist of a single ARM Cortex-A78 and two Cortex-A55s. While those aren't the newest cores in the world, they're newer than what you'll find in the latest Snapdragon wearable chip.. More important is the node these chips will be built upon. While this isn't mentioned in the documents, we can make a good guess, thanks to the leaks surrounding Tensor G5 and G6, which will share the same 3nm process as Apple's latest chips. We can hope, then, that the NPT will also use that same process, which could lead to incredible battery life gains. ✕ Remove Ads The Pixel 6 marked a new era for Google's phones with the move to Tensor, and this could be the equivalent step for the Pixel Watch. Google is pushing AI and Gemini as hard as possible, but it's missing from its wearables. Could the move to a Tensor chip bring Gemini and other AI features to our wrists? Only time will tell, but it looks like we have a lot to look forward to from Google's future hardware.
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The Pixel Watch 5 might get Google's custom Tensor chips - and that could be great for AI features
Google's Pixel Watches could be set for a major chipset upgrade to Google's own Tensor hardware, which could pave the way for the Google wearables to get significantly better AI features. The Google Pixel Watch 3 is currently powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1, which is a fine but aging 2022 chipset. According to leaked documents seen by Android Authority, this is set to change in 2026 with the release of the Google Pixel Watch 5 which will boast a Google-made Tensor chipset. We don't know too much about the specifics, but we expect it won't be as sophisticated as the Tensor G6 that Google's flagships phones will receive that year. However, with Google at the reigns, and with AI being a major focus of its efforts, we wouldn't be surprised if it crammed in a few NPU cores to boost the Pixel Watch line's onboard AI capabilities. Onboard AI is generally seen as more private than AI which needs to send your data to the cloud for processing. Their power is more limited, but for sensitive health data - like what the Pixel Watch collects - the privacy afforded by onboard AI has some major advantages. It could also mean that the Pixel Watch 5 could provide some AI-powered workout advice and health insights without needing a wireless connection - perfect if your run or bike ride takes you through a patch with low signal. Beyond AI, an updated chipset could allow for faster processing for non-AI tools with a CPU upgrade, and tools to improve power efficiency such as an on-board modem. This could help to extend the watch's battery life, which would be ideal for sleep tracking and reducing how often it needs a recharge. However, as with all leaks we should take this report with a pinch of salt. While a chipset refresh makes a lot of sense, the leaked document was dated from 2023. Since then, Google's chipset plans could have changed, and even if they haven't yet there's a chance there's still time for its plans to be altered before the expected Pixel Watch 5 release in 2026.
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Leaked documents suggest Google plans to introduce its custom Tensor chip to the Pixel Watch line in 2026, potentially enhancing AI features and performance.
Google's Pixel Watch series may be on the verge of a significant upgrade. Leaked documents from Google's chip division suggest that the company is planning to bring its custom Tensor chip to wearables, potentially debuting in the Pixel Watch 5 in 2026 1. This move could mark a new era for Google's smartwatches, similar to how the introduction of Tensor chips transformed the Pixel phone lineup.
The proposed wearable chip, codenamed NPT, is expected to feature one ARM Cortex-A78 and two Cortex-A55 cores 1. While not the newest cores available, they represent an improvement over the current Snapdragon wearable chips. The real game-changer could be the manufacturing process, with speculation pointing to a 3nm process similar to Apple's latest chips, potentially leading to significant battery life improvements 1.
Google's focus on AI and efficiency in its Tensor chips for phones could translate to exciting possibilities for wearables. The integration of Tensor in the Pixel Watch line might pave the way for enhanced AI features, possibly including on-device processing capabilities 2.
The shift to a custom Tensor chip could bring several advantages:
The existing Pixel Watch models, while aesthetically pleasing, have faced criticism for their performance and battery life compared to competitors from Samsung and Apple 1. The introduction of a custom Tensor chip could potentially address these issues and make the Pixel Watch a more formidable competitor in the smartwatch market.
While the leaked documents provide exciting insights into Google's plans, it's important to note that they date back to 2023. As with all leaks and future projections in the tech industry, plans may change before the expected 2026 release of the Pixel Watch 5 2.
As Google continues to push the boundaries of AI integration in its hardware, the potential Tensor-powered Pixel Watch represents an intriguing development in the wearable technology landscape. If realized, it could significantly enhance the capabilities and appeal of Google's smartwatch offerings.
Leaks and rumors suggest Google's upcoming Pixel 9 series will feature significant upgrades, including a new Tensor G4 chip, satellite connectivity, and improved charging capabilities. The smartphones are expected to launch later this year.
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Google is reportedly developing a less capable version of its Tensor G6 chip for future budget devices, which could restrict premium AI features to flagship Pixel models.
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Google is set to introduce Pixel Sense, a new AI-powered assistant for the upcoming Pixel 10 smartphone series. This on-device feature promises to deliver a highly personalized user experience by leveraging data from various Google apps.
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Google has launched its latest smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3, featuring a larger display and improved functionality. The new wearable device aims to compete with other high-end smartwatches in the market.
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Google has launched its latest flagship smartphones, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, showcasing advanced AI capabilities and improved hardware features. The new devices aim to leverage Google's AI technology to enhance user experience and compete in the premium smartphone market.
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