- A brand new report suggests the Google Pixel 6 may land this 12 months with a singular, Google-designed chipset.
- The chipset is codenamed “Whitechapel.” It appears to be linked to Samsung’s Exynos system and would possibly share similarities with these chips.
- A Google engineer was additionally reportedly discovered referring to the codename in a remark submitted to the Android Open Supply Challenge (AOSP).
Replace: Could 6, 2021 (12:40 AM ET): Of us over at XDA Developers have uncovered extra proof to recommend that the Pixel 6 may have its personal {custom} chip codenamed “Whitechapel.”
The publication refers to a code change submitted to the Android Open Supply Challenge (AOSP). Whereas the change itself isn’t attention-grabbing, a remark made by a Google engineer refers to a “P21” machine, which is probably going the Pixel 6 cellphone for 2021. The remark additionally has a URL that results in a selected part of a file situated within the /android/machine/google/gs101-sepolicy/whitechapel department.
Whitechapel is the alleged codename for Google’s personal chip and that that is the primary time we’ve seen a Googler confer with it.
Sadly, extra particulars in regards to the chip aren’t obtainable for the second, however you possibly can learn by what we already know within the authentic article beneath.
Unique article: April 2, 2021 (11:56 AM ET): Ever since the first Google Pixel launched in 2016, Pixel-branded telephones have had Qualcomm chipsets. This is sensible since Qualcomm’s silicon is heralded as being the cream-of-the-crop on the subject of Android telephones.
Nonetheless, a brand new report from 9to5Google suggests the inevitable Google Pixel 6 would possibly drop Qualcomm for one thing else solely. In accordance with inside Google paperwork seen by 9to5Google, the Pixel 6 may land with a Google-designed chip, at the moment codenamed “Whitechapel.” If true, this could be an incredible shift not just for the Pixel line but in addition for the trade typically.
See additionally: 6 things we want to see from the Google Pixel 6
The doc additionally suggests this chipset — known as “GS101” — may energy future Chromebooks, too. Google declined to touch upon the story.
Curiously, 9to5Google claims that “Whitechapel” is deeply linked to Samsung. It’s very doable that the Google-designed silicon might be a custom-made model of an Exynos chipset. It’s even doable Samsung would produce the chips for Google.
Google Pixel 6 might be a game-changer
Merely put, this rumor is an enormous deal. If future Pixels include {hardware} designed and maintained by Google, it could permit the corporate to have far-reaching management over the gadgets. For instance, Google may custom-tailor the chipset to work higher with its Pixel UI software program — and even Android itself, which is a Google product.
Nonetheless, the largest change that might come from that is that it could permit Google to have extra management over how lengthy it helps its telephones. One of many large causes Android telephones solely see updates for about two or three years is as a result of the chipset ages out. With out Qualcomm’s help, issuing updates and Android upgrades turns into more and more tough. If the Google Pixel 6 has a Google-made chip, although, that wouldn’t be as large of an issue.
See additionally: Which manufacturer updates its phones the fastest? (Android 11 edition)
This might put Pixel telephones extra on the extent of Apple’s iPhones. Each iPhone runs on Apple-made silicon, which is why even iPhones from 5 years in the past nonetheless help the newest model of iOS.
In fact, it is very important be aware that “Whitechapel” can be Google’s very first try at creating {hardware} of this type. It’s doable it may have a tough begin originally. Hopefully, although, Google sticks with it, as this might be the boon its Pixel line has been needing.
