Pros:
1. Open standard: RISC-V being an open standard instruction set architecture allows for easier collaboration, innovation, and customization.
2. Long-term viability: The development of a RISC-V platform can potentially bring more stability and longevity to the Android Wearables ecosystem.
3. Cost-effective: RISC-V chips have the potential to be more cost-effective for manufacturers, which might lead to more affordable Android Wearables for consumers.
4. Scalability: RISC-V can be scaled to meet the varying needs of different Android Wearable devices, ensuring optimal performance across a range of products.
5. Reduced dependency: By shifting towards RISC-V, the Android Wearables industry can reduce its dependency on proprietary technologies and diversify its options.
Cons:
1. Limited ecosystem: As an emerging technology, RISC-V still has a more limited ecosystem compared to established architectures like Arm, potentially leading to fewer software and hardware options.
2. Compatibility challenges: Transitioning an entire platform to RISC-V might face challenges in terms of backward compatibility with existing software and compatibility with other components.
3. Learning curve: Developing for RISC-V could require additional training and expertise for developers accustomed to working with a different architecture.
4. Uncertain performance: While RISC-V shows promise, its performance and efficiency might still need to be proven on a large scale, especially when compared to established architectures like Arm.
5. Perception and brand recognition: RISC-V might not yet have the same brand recognition as Arm, which could potentially affect consumer perception and market adoption of Android Wearables powered by RISC-V chips.
Qualcomm and Google are collaborating to create a powerful RISC-V platform for Wear OS devices. RISC-V is an open standard ISA, defining how the CPU is controlled, according to Arm.
