BREAKING: Google is developing its own custom architecture for future Tensor chips

Google already has its own custom architecture called 'Cypress' but it is basically for Axion processors for datacenters.

But now, Google is also working on a custom CPU core called 'Orion' that will debut with future Tensor chips, atleast 'after' the Tensor G6. Interestingly, Google is even testing some tensor chipsets clocked at 5.1GHz & manufactured on a 3nm node, likely TSMC.

Coming to the Tensor G6, it will power the Pixel 11 series & is codenamed as 'Malibu'. Although other SoCs will already be built on 2nm chip design in 2026, Tensor G6 will still be manufactured on 3nm node (N3P) by TSMC .

CPU:
• 1x Cortex- X930
• 6x Cortex- A730
SLC: 4MB
RAM: LPDDR5X
So, Tensor G6 will be a '7-core' configuration SoC

GPU:
Don't expect Google to ditch PowerVR GPU quite soon. Tensor G6 will have an IMG EXT GPU, having 3 CU (compute units) running at 1100Mhz. It will support virtualization & ray tracing, both.

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Here's a first look at Android's upcoming all-in-one Terminal app, which downloads, configures, runs, and interfaces with an instance of Debian running a virtual machine!

Currently, the Debian images are hosted on a Googler's GitHub, but Google plans to host these images themselves soon. For more info on this Terminal app, check out this article.

(Thanks to an anonymous dev for sharing this!)

BREAKING: Google Tensor G4 Spotted on Geekbench with PowerVR GPU

In a surprising twist, an early prototype of the Tensor G4 with a PowerVR GPU instead of Mali-G715 graphics has arrived on Geekbench. Many people assumed that its the Tensor G5, but in reality its a very early tensor G4 prototype to test and compile tensor new GPU drivers ahead of it final build.

According to some Google AOSP Dev, those chip on Geekbench are just basically tensor G4 with a different NPU under TSMC. So this is just a prototype for Google and Imagination developers to test and optimize the new drivers for the IMG DXT GPU. For the Tensor G5, Google has NOT even finalized the SoC core layout yet (especially the NPU).

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Google Pixel Watch 5 might be powered by custom Google Tensor chipset
Source

After news of Google working on custom architecture for Tensor SoCs for their Pixel smartphones, Google might also be putting a custom chip in its smartwatches instead of using Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear SoCs for wearables. The chip is code-named “NPT” (Newport Beach) and the intended release date is 2026.

CPU:
• 1x Arm Cortex-A78
• 2x Arm Cortex-A55

Google might also be assessing RISC-V as a potential alternative as well. The other details currently remain unknown as all these news are coming from a massive leak of a Google Internal Presentation from last year, which got leaked recently. Since the leaks are quite early, the final specifications could be change in future

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Pixel phones banned in Indonesia even though Google doesn't sell them there officially

Indonesian law mandates that foreign companies need to provide 40% local content as a part TKDN certification. Companies can fulfill those requirements by either manufacturing products locally, developing software locally or setting up R&D centers. Apple shortfall of 15$ Million investment in the country & thus the Indonesian Govt. ordered a sales ban on iPhones 16 series and Watch 10 series.

However, Apple officially sells iPhones in Indonesia unlike Google. Residents needs to import Pixels in the country, still the Indonesia Govt. ordered a sales ban on a product which isn't even sold officially in the country.

However, the restriction does NOT affect tourists or local residents who wish to purchase a Pixel outside of the county & legally import it by paying taxes properly. Additionally, the authorities are considering deactivating Pixel devices that are brought into the country illegally.

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Google confirms Pixel 9 Series in India comes with International Warranty

Google has confirmed to Geeky Ranjit (Indian Tech Youtuber) that all Pixel 9 series models including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with International warranty. This means that, if you buy these devices from outside India as they are generally available for quite cheap like in the US due to offers on trade-in, you can easily claim their warranty in India in case of any defects or problems with the handset.

Additionally, Google also opened two new exclusive service center in India in August, specifically in Delhi and Bangalore. The Mumbai Walk-In Centre will open soon.

Google says that these walk-in centres are designed to offer Pixel users top-tier customer service including "same-day repairs for most cases", device replacements, and resolving technical queries. These new Google-operated centres represent an exclusive, Google-owned service model, ensuring that users receive device care directly from the company.

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📱You've probably heard that LTPO OLED phones support variable refresh rate ...

but did you know that Android hasn't supported true VRR until now?

That's right - Google says Android 15 finally enables variable refresh rate support!

More details can be found in this article.

🐧This is HUGE: Android 15 QPR2 confirms Google is adding a Linux Terminal app, finally

The new Terminal app will let developers run Linux apps in a virtual machine on their Android device.

More details on how this works can be found in my latest article for Android Authority.

Wow: the DoJ's antitrust enforcers are "set to propose that Google uncouple its Android smartphone operating system from its other products, including search and its Google Play mobile app store," according to Bloomberg.

The DoJ has reportedly also "pulled back from a more severe option that would have forced Google to sell off Android," but forcing the company to stop bundling GMS would still be huge.

Details are sparse on what exactly this would mean. Notably, device makers can technically already ship Android without GMS (it's just AOSP in that case). However, if they want the Play Store and Play Services (which they do because that's where all the apps/useful APIs are), then they currently have to bundle Chrome, Google Search, and other Google apps as well.

The EU already put an end to the forced bundling of Google Search and Chrome, which is why there's a separate GMS license for EEA launches. But that hasn't happened in the U.S. yet, which is possibly what the DoJ wants to see happen.

😲 Surprise! The first Android 16 developer preview is live!

Android 16 DP1 is here with new developer features like an embedded photo picker, support for medical records in FHIR format, and more.

Here’s everything you need to know.

📲Android 16 may be coming to the Pixel 6!

A Google spokesperson said Android 16 DP1 is available for the Pixel 6 (+ Pro), which are no longer guaranteed to get Android OS updates! This is a good hint they’ll receive Android 16 anyways.

Here’s why.

📄 Native PDF support is coming to Chrome for Android, and you can try it now

Google Chrome is adding support for Android's new, enhanced PDF reader library, allowing it to open PDF files without the use of third-party apps.

Details + how to enable it can be found in this article on Android Authority.

Google officially confirms the Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, and Pixel Fold will get an additional 2 years of OS updates!

The company has updated a support page to mention that these Pixel phones are guaranteed 5 years of updates - including 5 years of OS and security updates - starting from when they went on sale.

This means the Pixel 6 series will get updates to Android 16 and Android 17, while the Pixel 7 series and Pixel Fold will get updates to Android 17 and Android 18.

H/T @nailsad_eleos

Google is switching to MediaTek Modem for the Pixel 10 Series
Source

Google Tensor G5 will be a really interesting watch. That's because:
1. Manufactured by TSMC
2. Not based on Samsung Exynos
3. Flagship MediaTek T900 Modem
4. IMG PowerVR GPU
5. It's Google (iykyk)

Now, for the modem part, Google considered a lot of options including using the flagship Qualcomm X75 modem. Apple is also expected to ditch Qualcomm modem next year starting with the iPhone SE 4

Finally, though, for one reason or another, Google decided to go with MediaTek’s (not yet released) T900 modem instead of using Qualcomm's. Xiaomi will also use this upcoming flagship T900 modem in its in-house SoC scheduled to release next year which is manufactured by TSMC on its 3nm node.

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