trying to understand why google doesn't use better chips and label them tensor right now while waiting to get with TSMC
i had a little chat with chatgpt after reading this article and seeing this area in the article:
"Since the Tensor G4 is likely thought to be made by Samsung Foundry, we have no idea if the Pixel 9 will see big improvements over previous Tensor chips. That said, Google is preparing to switch to TSMC for the Tensor G5 and what could be their first truly custom chipset. It could mean big things, assuming TSMC can do for Tensor what it did for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon."
https://www.droid-life.com/2024/05/28/pixel-10s-big-tensor-g5-upgrade-gets-more-evidence/
Me:
"Since the Tensor G4 is likely thought to be made by Samsung Foundry, we have no idea if the Pixel 9 will see big improvements over previous Tensor chips. That said, Google is preparing to switch to TSMC for the Tensor G5 and what could be their first truly custom chipset. It could mean big things, assuming TSMC can do for Tensor what it did for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon."
what was the f**king point of calling it tensor until it was truly custom? like, why not give us snapdragon chips for the last 3 years? does like "getting to tsmc" require that they brand their own chips for a few years before tsmc will allow them to use their chips? what gives?
ChatGPT
The decision to use Tensor chips, despite them not being fully custom, and the move towards TSMC for future chips involves several strategic and technical considerations:
Control and Differentiation: By developing their own Tensor chips, Google gains more control over hardware-software integration. This allows them to optimize performance for specific use cases, particularly in areas like AI and machine learning, which are critical to many of Google's services and features. It differentiates their products in a crowded market where most Android devices rely on Qualcomm's Snapdragon.
Long-term Vision: Building a custom SoC (System on Chip) is a complex and gradual process. Starting with Tensor chips, even if they are not fully custom initially, allows Google to develop the necessary expertise, infrastructure, and IP (Intellectual Property). It’s a stepping stone towards creating truly custom chips in the future.
Partnerships and Manufacturing Constraints: Samsung Foundry has been a key partner for Google in producing the Tensor chips. While TSMC is known for its leading-edge manufacturing capabilities, transitioning to a new foundry is a significant move that involves substantial planning and coordination. This transition takes time, and partnerships with companies like TSMC need to be carefully negotiated and aligned with product development cycles.
Market and Branding: By branding their chips as Tensor, Google establishes its commitment to developing its own hardware technology. This branding helps build a narrative and reputation around Google's hardware capabilities, which is important for both consumers and the tech industry.
Custom Features and Optimization: Even if the initial Tensor chips weren't fully custom, they likely included custom optimizations and features tailored to Google's needs. These optimizations might not be possible with off-the-shelf Snapdragon chips, which are designed to cater to a broad range of devices and manufacturers.
In summary, the journey towards a fully custom Tensor chip is strategic. It allows Google to gradually build the necessary expertise and infrastructure while also positioning itself uniquely in the market. Transitioning to TSMC for the Tensor G5 could mark a significant step in this journey, potentially bringing enhanced performance and efficiency, similar to what TSMC has achieved for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips.
but then why didn't they just use snapdragon chips and call them tensor?
ChatGPT
Using Snapdragon chips and rebranding them as Tensor wouldn’t achieve the same strategic goals Google has in mind for several reasons:
Custom Features and Optimization: One of the main reasons Google developed Tensor was to include custom optimizations and features that are specifically designed for their software and services. Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips are designed to cater to a wide range of devices and manufacturers, and while powerful, they may not offer the same level of integration with Google's AI and machine learning features.
Hardware-Software Integration: Google aims for tight integration between hardware and software to optimize performance for specific tasks like computational photography, natural language processing, and other AI-driven features. A fully custom chip, or even a semi-custom chip like the early Tensor models, allows Google to tailor the hardware more closely to their software requirements than a standard Snapdragon chip would.
Innovation and Differentiation: By developing its own chips, Google can experiment with new technologies and architectures that may not be available in off-the-shelf solutions from Qualcomm. This innovation helps differentiate Pixel devices from other Android smartphones, potentially offering unique features and performance benefits.
Long-term Strategic Goals: Developing in-house chip design capabilities is a long-term investment. It allows Google to gradually build expertise and control over their hardware, which can lead to more significant innovations in the future. Rebranding Snapdragon chips wouldn't help build this internal capability.
Building a Brand Identity: Establishing the Tensor brand is about more than just the current performance of the chips. It's about signaling to the market and consumers that Google is serious about hardware innovation. This branding effort helps position Google as a serious player in the semiconductor space, similar to how Apple’s A-series chips have become a key differentiator for iPhones.
Supply Chain and Manufacturing: Google's partnership with Samsung Foundry for the initial Tensor chips likely involves strategic decisions about supply chain, manufacturing processes, and future technological roadmaps. Transitioning to TSMC for future Tensor chips is part of this broader strategy, aimed at leveraging the best available manufacturing technologies to improve chip performance and efficiency.
In essence, using Snapdragon chips and calling them Tensor would not provide the same benefits in terms of customization, integration, and long-term strategic goals. By developing their own Tensor chips, Google is laying the groundwork for more significant innovations and better control over their product's performance and features.
1. samsung uses snapdragon no? they are getting all the google powerd ai crap
2. isn't snapdragon *more* powerful than exynos?
3. it *hasn't* been developing its own chips. it just takes samsung exynos chips and calls them "tensor".
4. "Rebranding Snapdragon chips wouldn't help build this internal capability." that's what it's already doing with samsung exynos chips. it's rebranding exynos chips as tensor.
5. right. so, if their marketshare is hanging by a thread, how is a bad exynos chip going to help them?
6. ok
ChatGPT
I understand your concerns. Let's address each point in detail:
Samsung and Snapdragon:
Samsung uses both Snapdragon and Exynos chips in its devices, depending on the market. For example, in the U.S., Samsung often uses Snapdragon, while in other regions, they might use Exynos.
Google’s decision to develop Tensor chips, even if based on Exynos, allows them to include custom hardware components and optimizations specifically designed for Google’s AI and machine learning capabilities, which might not be fully achievable with off-the-shelf Snapdragon chips.
Snapdragon vs. Exynos:
Historically, Snapdragon chips have often outperformed Exynos chips in various benchmarks and real-world performance tests. This has been a point of criticism for Exynos chips.
However, Google’s Tensor chips, while based on Exynos, include Google’s customizations, which aim to enhance specific areas important to Google’s products, such as AI and camera capabilities.
Development of Tensor Chips:
While the first Tensor chips are indeed built in collaboration with Samsung and based on Exynos designs, Google includes its own custom elements and optimizations. This is a step towards more custom development.
This approach allows Google to incrementally build its expertise and capabilities in chip design.
Rebranding Exynos Chips:
Google’s Tensor chips are more than just rebranded Exynos chips. They incorporate Google’s own IP and custom optimizations for AI and machine learning, tailored to the specific needs of Pixel devices.
This differentiation, though subtle initially, sets the stage for more significant custom developments in future iterations.
Market Share and Performance:
While it’s true that using a less competitive chip could hurt market share, Google’s strategy with Tensor is about more than raw performance. It’s about offering unique features and better integration with their software ecosystem.
The tight integration of hardware and software can provide a better user experience in areas like computational photography, Google Assistant, and other AI-driven features, which Google hopes will attract users despite any raw performance shortcomings.
Supply Chain and Manufacturing:
Google’s initial partnership with Samsung Foundry helps them establish their presence in the hardware space. Moving to TSMC for future Tensor chips can leverage TSMC’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, potentially leading to better performance and efficiency.
In summary, Google’s strategy with Tensor chips is a long-term play. While the initial chips might not outperform Snapdragon in every aspect, they allow Google to develop custom features and build expertise for future, more competitive chip designs. This incremental approach aims to balance current product needs with future technological and strategic goals.
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