2023 saw the launch of Google's first ever foldable phone, the Pixel Fold. The handset launched with the Tensor G2 that was used in the Pixel 7 in 2022. It is expected that its successor will use the Tensor G3 which debuted in 2023's Pixel 8, but that might not be the case. A report from Android Authority suggests that the Google Pixel Fold 2 could skip the G3 and go straight to the G4.

According to the publication's sources, Google could skip the announcement of the Pixel Fold 2 at I/O 2024. Apparently the handset is still in the Engineering Validation Test phase, meaning that it could launch later than expected. The report also claims that Google is testing the Tensor G4 with the Pixel Fold 2.

We're not sure why Google is taking longer than expected with its second-gen foldable. It is possible that they want to use the Tensor G4 and are holding back its launch. Also, it is unclear what kind of changes or improvements the G4 could bring to the table over the G3.

Samsung is still expected to be the chipset's manufacturer, but whether or not it will use Samsung's 3nm process remains to be seen. There have been rumors claiming that the G5 will probably be the biggest upgrade. It will be made using TSMC's 3nm process and would allow Google to create a more customized chipset.

Not too long ago, Google teased fans about a new and upcoming color variant for the Pixel 8 series, and it looks like the company has finally unveiled the wraps on the big surprise - the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are now available in a new "Mint" color, which joins other already-available variants such as Obsidian, Bay Blue, and Sage, to name a few.

In addition, Google also announced some new useful features for Pixel owners - for one, users can now take their temperature with the Pixel 8 Pro's thermometer app via a quick forehead scan, and results can also be saved on a user's Fitbit profile. It can be remembered that the Pixel 8 Pro's rear-panel thermometer could not be used on human subjects, although this new update is a much-welcome development.

Other new Pixel features now include the "Circle to Search" function that allows users to interact with an image, text, or video by drawing a circle and allowing Google AI to search for results. There's also Photomoji which turns user photos into reactions, as well as Magic Compose that uses AI to write suggested responses based on context.

The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro Mint colorway will be available starting today via Google's online store.

The Google Tensor chipsets found in the company's Pixel phones are made by Samsung. That is expected to change in the next couple of years with the Google Tensor G5, where apparently Google is looking to shift to TSMC. Now a report from Taiwan's Economic Daily has revealed that the chipset is getting ready for testing.

The report claims that Google has handed over a "self-developed" Tensor chipset to KYEC. KYEC, for those unfamiliar, is a company that provides testing services for chipsets that are to be made in Taiwan. While the chipset wasn't specified, there is a good chance it could be the Google Tensor G5.

The Tensor G5 will debut in the Pixel 10 in 2025, so it is still quite a fair bit aways. This is still pretty exciting, though. This is because the current Tensor chipsets are apparently based on the foundation Samsung laid with its Exynos chipsets. Moving to TMSC would allow Google to create a more custom design.

This in turn would let Google create Pixel phones and develop a more optimized Android experience. This is similar to how Apple controls both its hardware and software. The Tensor G5 is also expected to be manufactured using TSMC's 3nm process which will result in a smaller and more efficient chipset.

There are so many inventions around the world that it is inevitable that some might be quite similar to each other. A company by the name of Singular Computing seems to think that way about some of Google's products and services. To that end, they have filed a $1.67 billion lawsuit against Google over alleged patent infringements.

The company is alleging that Google had stolen patents regarding AI technology. These patents were then used in some of Google's products. They claim that Singular's founder, Joseph Bates, had repeatedly met up with Google. Both parties were in discussions to use his ideas to help develop artificial intelligence. These ideas were then allegedly built into Google's Tensor Processing Units.

Google has responded to the patent lawsuit and refuted the allegations. Robert Van Nest, one of the lawyers for Google, claims that the company's employees who designed the Tensor chips had never met Bates. He also claims that they designed the chips separately from the other employees who did. Van Nest also told the jury that Google's chips are "fundamentally different" from the description of Singular's patents.

If these allegations can be proven, it is going to cost Google a pretty penny. Google recently settled another unrelated lawsuit regarding antitrust for $700 million, so if they were to lose this one, it would put them out at least $2 billion.

When it comes to Android updates, most of the changes that people look forward to are new features. Basically things that can be seen and felt. But sometimes updates under the hood are just as important, which is why we are pretty excited to hear that Google could be planning a major (and rare) kernel update for its Tensor-powered Pixel phones.

This is according to a post on X by Mishaal Rahman who claims that the Google Tensor Pixel phones could see their kernels updated to version 6.1. For context, Pixel phones powered by the Tensor G1 and G2 run on Linux 5.10, while the G3 runs on Linux 5.15, so this is a major jump in kernel versions.

Kernels, for those unfamiliar, are basically the core foundation that allows the software and hardware to communicate with each other. An outdated kernel could result in devices whose performance lags and could also face security issues, especially considering the fact that new threats keep popping up every now and then.

While the Google kernel update won't bring about visual changes or introduce new and exciting features to Google's Pixel phones, it does lay the groundwork for the longevity of the Pixel phones while keeping it up to date. Ultimately, it is a good thing and could be another reason why you might want to consider a Pixel as your next Android phone.