The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro aren’t even in the hands of most customers yet, but Google is already working on its next-generation Tensor 2, as reported by 9to5Google, in the lead-up to the likely launch of the Pixel 7 next year.
The report adds that ‘Cloudripper’, a new codename related to Pixel was found in the researching apps that are present in the Google Pixel 6. Cloudripper is expected to be the name for the baseboard or developer board that shares common hardware with both the phones, rather than being a codename for the upcoming Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro. A similar codename ‘Slider’ was discovered earlier in 2020 for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
The report also mentioned that Cloudripper can be connected to a 2nd-gen version of Google Tensor chips with the model number ‘GS201’. Comparing it with ‘GS101’ that is present in the Pixel 6, this new chip is a generation upgrade and each year may see the model number go up by 100.
With Tensor, Google finally joined Apple as one of the few smartphone makers who control all of the experience. Tensor is optimized for artificial intelligence and machine learning scenarios rather than raw power (though it has that in spades), allowing Google to optimize experiences like the Pixel’s Magic eraser, a faster Assistant, on-device translation, and so more. Controlling all aspects of the hardware has allowed Google to prioritize the parts of the Pixel that set it apart from other Android devices, and while power is appreciated, it’s that control that lets the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro shine.
Since the Pixel 7 launch is a good 12 months away, no other details have been found on the next gen version of Tensor, only that it exists and that means it’ll likely be what powers the phone Google launches this time next year.
