All you need to know about Tensor, Google’s own processor
AI galore
What will Tensor offer on the Pixel 6?
In an interview withEngadget, Rick Osterloh, the company’s SVP of devices and services, said that Tensor has a redesigned Image Signal Processor (ISP). He said there are a“few points in the ISP where we can actually insert machine learning, which is new.”
Marques Brownlee,who runs the YouTube tech video channel MKBHD,said that in a closed demo, Google showed off how the machine learning chops of the processorcould improve the video capturing capabilities of the Pixel 6. Basically, the company has finally managed to apply itsmuch-touted HDRnet modelfor images on videos — which means you could expect capabilities like noise reduction and HDR support in your footage.
Engadget also noted that the new phones have capabilities of unblurring shaky photos of toddlers or pets. I definitely want to try this on my cats.
During itsAndroid 12 presentation at Google IO in May, the Big G had mentioned that it’s also working on improving selfies across different skin tones. I wonder if the AI models running on Tensor chip could give us the first taste of that.
Google has noted that it’ll use a newSpeech On Device API to power language-based features, including composing a message through voice and transcription and translation of audio clips.
I’ve used Google’s voice recorder for Pixel phones that hadan amazing transcription feature. So I am really stoked about trying out language features on the Pixel 6.
For years, there has been an argument that Apple’s iPhones are better at certain things like RAM management and multi-taskingbecause the company makes it own CPUs, and can have its hardware and software play well together. The Tensor chip gives Google the chance to show off the capabilities of its AI prowess and what Android can do in a purpose-built chip. This should be exciting.
Story byIvan Mehta
Ivan covers Big Tech, India, policy, AI, security, platforms, and apps for TNW. That’s one heck of a mixed bag. He likes to say “Bleh.“Ivan covers Big Tech, India, policy, AI, security, platforms, and apps for TNW. That’s one heck of a mixed bag. He likes to say “Bleh.”
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