Like Apple Silicon, Tensor uses custom-designed chips matched to the hardware.
This looks like the beginning of a trend that may topple the mighty all-purpose chips of Qualcomm and Intel.
Custom Silicon
The advantages of custom chips are clear.
Just compare Apples M1-based MacBooks to the previous Intel versions.
These evolved in an environment where extreme efficiency was paramount, and it shows.
But another part of the equation is that Apples chips and software are co-designed to complement one another.
Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.Google
Theyre like finely tuned sports cars that also get great gas mileage.
But does this mean the end for these general-use chips?
They still shine when it comes to flexibility, for example.
Heres another car analogy, this one stolen fromSteve Jobs when describing the difference between PCs and tablets.
An Intel x86 chip is a truck, whereas the custom silicon is a sports car (again).
“Generic processors will continue to be useful, particularly in PC, laptop, and server applications.
One twist is that Intel runs on a model similar to Apples.
It designs the chips, and it builds the chips.
Add to that the fact that Intel isnt actually very good at making chips right now.
It is currently ageneration behind TSMCand even plans topay TSMC to make Intels chips in 2023.
Android and Tensor
Meanwhile, Google could license Tensor the way it licenses Android.
For you and me, this is all good news.
