Google to launch mid-range Pixel smartphone, Pixelbook laptop in India
Google is planning to roll out several of its consumer products in India including a mid-range Pixel smartphone, Google Home smart speakers, its premium laptop Pixelbook, the Google Wi-Fi system, and intelligent home automation products such as doorbell, camera, alarm system, and smoke detector, which are all sold under its Nest brand. This India-focused strategy will reportedly be executed over the next one year.
Google to take on Apple, Samsung, and Amazon in India
Google's product expansion details come from senior industry executives who, along with select Indian retailers, attended trade meetings regarding the same in Malaysia, the UK and the US last month. According to them, Google is planning to take on its rivals like Apple, Samsung, and Amazon by building a sizeable retail presence in the country.
Google Home to come in April, mid-range Pixel in July-August
Google's mid-range Pixel smartphone is expected to be launched around July-August. Further, its voice-enabled smart speakers Google Home and Google Home Mini will reportedly be launched in April at Rs. 9,999 and Rs. 4,499 respectively. Google's consumer products that are currently sold in India include Pixel 2 and Pixel smartphones, Chromecast and Chromecast Audio streaming devices, and virtual reality device Google Daydream View.
Google relying on cheap 4G internet in India
"Google is excited about the expansion of the consumer products business in India with the advent of cheap 4G internet led by Reliance Jio and other operators which it says will help realize the maximum potential of these products," an industry insider said.
Google to set up Apple-like offline stores in India
Google will reportedly expand hardware distribution through brick-and-mortar stores. This comes after the company found out that offline stores account for 36% of sales of the Pixel smartphone, a close second after e-commerce platforms that account for 38% of Pixel sales. "Google will also do in-store branding and signage in selected stores, and set up exclusive zones like Apple," an executive said.
