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Rumors of a Google-branded smartwatch have persisted for years, but they might be close to coming true. Insidersources claim Google is planning to release its first self-developed smartwatch, codenamed “Rohan,” in 2022. The Wear OS device would be an eye-catching device with a round display, but no physical bezel — the Galaxy Watch 4 might seem antiquated by comparison.
Rohan would be a relatively typical smartwatch on the inside with a heart rate sensor and a battery that would still require daily charging. It would use proprietary watch bands, so you’d have to forget about using conventional straps. A tipster talking to The Verge claimed the watch would “cost more than a Fitbit” and serve as an Apple Watch competitor.
The software may be the most important feature. Like Pixel phones, Rohan would serve as a “showcase” for Google’s platform — in this case, Wear OS 3. The smartwatch (not necessarily called “Pixel Watch,” despite the name floating around) would theoretically show customers what Wear OS can do, and give hardware partners a reference point to work from. It might also include a Fitbit tie-in, nicknamed “Nightlight.”
Google has already declined to comment, citing a policy of not commenting on rumors or speculation. However, the concept might not be new. Google supposedly axed its first attempt at an official watch in 2016 and instead has put its trust in third-party offerings from Fossil, LG and others. It’s moving forward now that it has not only finished acquiring Fitbit, but has reportedly merged its wearable team with Fitbit’s and otherwise tried to replicate Apple’s focus on health.
A first-party watch might be necessary. Apple continues to dominate the smartwatch market despite a flurry of low-cost hardware and competition from major brands like Samsung and Garmin. Some of this has been blamed on lackluster Wear OS hardware, not to mention a lack of significant OS updates. An official Google watch won’t necessarily up-end the marketplace, but it could spur other watchmakers to try harder and add some (arguably needed) excitement.
NVIDIA’s plan to acquire ARM just hit a major stumbling block. The Federal Trade Commission has sued to block the merger over concerns the $40 billion deal would “stifle” competition for multiple technologies, including datacenters and car computers. ARM is a “critical input” that fosters competition between NVIDIA and rivals, the FTC said, and a merger would give NVIDIA a way to “undermine” those challengers.
The FTC was also worried NVIDIA would have access to sensitive info from ARM licensees. The merger could reduce the incentive for ARM to develop tech that might run counter to NVIDIA’s business goals, officials added. The administrative trial is due to start August 9th, 2022.
The company didn’t appear bothered. NVIDIA characterized the lawsuit as the “next step” in the FTC process, and repeated its arguments in favor of the buyout. The acquisition would “accelerate” ARM’s product plans, foster more competition and still protect the chip architecture designer’s open licensing model, according to NVIDIA. You can read the full statement below.
Despite the claims, an FTC lawsuit is a huge issue for NVIDIA. The Commission files lawsuits like these when it believes a company is breaking the law — concessions might not be enough. It also comes after the European Commission launched an investigation into the purchase in October. NVIDIA is facing questions from major regulators clearly wary of the acquisition, and those agencies might not accept the answers.
As it stands, NVIDIA’s competition likely isn’t happy. Qualcomm reportedly objected to the ARM deal in communications with the FTC (among other bodies) over fears NVIDIA might refuse to license designs. And when heavyweights like Apple, MediaTek and Samsung also depend on ARM, it’s doubtful the rest of the market would be enthusiastic. At the least, the trial would likely delay closure of the union past NVIDIA’s original 2022 target.
As we move into this next step in the FTC process, we will continue to work to demonstrate that this transaction will benefit the industry and promote competition. NVIDIA will invest in Arm’s R&D, accelerate its roadmaps, and expand its offerings in ways that boost competition, create more opportunities for all Arm licensees and expand the Arm ecosystem. NVIDIA is committed to preserving Arm’s open licensing model and ensuring that its IP is available to all interested licensees, current and future.
The original population of wolves living in Norway and Sweden were wiped out 50 years ago, a report commissioned by the Norwegian parliament has concluded.
io9 is proud to present fiction from LIGHTSPEED MAGAZINE. Once a month, we feature a story from LIGHTSPEED’s current issue. This month’s selection is “When Sri Left the Ruined City” by Donyae Coles. You can read the story below or listen to the podcast on our website. Enjoy!
The healthcare system in the U.S. is incredibly flawed, to say the very least. It’s no surprise that Google is attempting to insert itself as a helper when it comes to navigating the big mess.
5 Graphs That Show the World Is in the Midst of a Renewable Energy Revolution
Posted in: Today's ChiliSure, things may look pretty grim when it comes to the climate. But new data and forecasts from the International Energy Agency suggest we’re at least not going backward—and renewable energy growth is set to accelerate.
An Italian fishing village near the Slovenian border has yielded a bevy of Cretaceous Period creatures, including dinosaurs, crustaceans, and crocodile ancestors. The paleontological team says the fossil trove tells a different story of the ancient Mediterranean than what’s previously been believed.
The actor said he “had no idea” he was attending a taping, and was “not equipped mentally to deal with” sitting in the front row.
FBI Arrests Capitol Rioter With The Help Of The ‘F**k You’ Tattoo On His Middle Finger
Posted in: Today's ChiliJustin Jersey, known as “Fingerman,” was one of the earliest suspects sought by online sleuths investigating the Trump supporter who attacked cops.
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