The Information claims that Google is working to have Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) develop its Tensor G5 chip in place of Samsung.
The first fully customised processor for Pixel phones was supposed to debut in 2024, but delays and feature reductions on a chip with the codename “Redondo” resulted in a handoff to TSMC earlier this year.
In particular for its Tensors, Google plans to switch chip production from Samsung to TSMC. The largest contract chip manufacturer in the world, TSMC, works with well-known tech giants like Apple and Nvidia. In 2025, Google plans to introduce Laguna, a fully customised microprocessor.
It will use the cutting-edge 3-nanometer manufacturing technology used by TSMC. The Integrated Fan-Out technology used in the Laguna chip, also known as Tensor G5, will result in thinner dimensions and increased power efficiency.
Google has had difficulties in its chip development process, including the shelved of a Tensor-powered Pixelbook and the cancellation of many Tensor chips.
These problems have been exacerbated by the coordination issues between the US and India, the country where the majority of its Tensor silicon engineers are located. Google is still committed to developing a unique semiconductor for its Pixel phones in spite of these challenges.
Custom chip development enables Google to better integrate its software and hardware, potentially unlocking new features and efficiency in its products. This action is consistent with the general trend among technology businesses to lessen their reliance on chip suppliers.
However, given that the Pixel hasn’t yet generated a significant amount of sales, several industry insiders have reservations about Google’s investment in custom chips.
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