In a move that’s definitely surprising but quite welcome, Google and Qualcomm are partnering to boost the capabilities of future wearables through RISC-V, an open-source alternative to ARM and x86 architectures. The move is designed to redefine the Wear OS landscape by leveraging RISC-V’s openness and adaptability.
RISC-V comes with a reduced need for ARM licenses
At its core, RISC-V isn’t just an alternative; it’s a game changer. It’s an open-source instruction set architecture (ISA) that permits any company to craft custom cores. This is like throwing open the gates for new players and urging them to bring their fresh ideas to the table. What this means for consumers is a market rich in innovation and competition.
One of the big draws of this transition to RISC-V is the reduced need for ARM licenses. By opting for RISC-V, companies are free to make their own rules—no strings attached. This step marks a “key milestone” in integrating RISC-V CPUs with Android, Google’s popular operating system, according to Qualcomm.
Why start with wearables? Well, Google seems to believe that Wear OS is the ideal testing ground for the RISC-V innovation. Both Google and Qualcomm are in the process of creating custom CPUs that are high on performance but low on power consumption. This is particularly essential for wearables, which require both durability and speed for optimum performance.
Don’t worry if you’re a fan of ARM-based Snapdragon Wear chips; they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. Qualcomm has expressed its commitment to continue investing in its existing platforms. However, with this collaboration on RISC-V, it’s clear that there’s a new sheriff in town aiming to revolutionize the way we look at smart wearables.
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