The RISC-V open-source instruction set architecture will be used to power Wear OS wearables that Google and Qualcomm have established a partnership to create. This is a big step because it may eventually result in smartwatches that are both more powerful and more reasonably priced.
Since RISC-V is a royalty-free ISA, anyone can create and manufacture RISC-V chips without having to pay third-party licensing costs. This makes it a more alluring choice for makers of smartwatches, who are constantly seeking for methods to save expenses.
Furthermore, RISC-V processors are renowned for their exceptional power efficiency. Given their short battery life, smartwatches should take note of this. Additionally, RISC-V chips can be tailored to match the unique requirements of various smartwatch applications.
The collaboration between Google and Qualcomm is a sign of support for RISC-V and may hasten its uptake in the smartwatch industry. If successful, this might usher in a new era of smartwatches that are both more powerful and more reasonably priced.
What is Qualcomm and how does it relate to Google?
The global semiconductor manufacturer Qualcomm is based in San Diego, California. It is one of the top providers of wireless communication chips in the world, specializing in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular modem chips. Numerous gadgets, such as computers, tablets, smartphones, and automobiles, employ Qualcomm’s CPUs.
Google and Qualcomm have a long-standing collaboration. The two businesses have collaborated on several initiatives together, such as the creation of the Snapdragon Wear wristwatch platform. Additionally, a large number of Google’s Pixel smartphones feature Qualcomm CPUs.
Google and Qualcomm announced a new collaboration in 2023 to create Wear OS smartwatches with the open-source RISC-V instruction set architecture. This action may eventually result in more powerful and reasonably priced smartwatches.
The following are some possible advantages of RISC-V usage in Wear OS smartwatches:
- • Lower costs: Since RISC-V is an open-source ISA, manufacturers are not required to pay license fees in order to develop and construct their own RISC-V processors. Lower expenses for customers could result from this.
- • Enhanced performance: RISC-V processors are renowned for their exceptional power efficiency and performance. Wear OS smartwatches with improved performance and longer battery life may result from this.
- • Greater creativity: RISC-V’s open-source design promotes greater creativity. RISC-V chips can be tailored by producers and developers to match the unique requirements of various wristwatch applications.
In general, the market for Wear OS smartwatches will benefit from Google and Qualcomm’s collaboration. It might eventually result in smartwatches that are more inventive, potent, and reasonably priced.
What are the implications for customers?
The alliance between Google and Qualcomm may have several advantages for customers. Initially, it might result in Wear OS smartwatches being more affordable. Secondly, it might result in Wear OS smartwatches having better performance and longer battery life. Third, the Wear OS smartwatch market may see increased innovation as a result.
Naturally, it will take some time for these advantages to become apparent. However, the collaboration between Qualcomm and Google is a positive move in the right direction.
