Google has partnered with a number of smartphone OEMs to release Android One powered entry-level smartphones since February this year. Fresh information that has appeared on an Indian publication states that the search engine giant is reportedly working on a mid-range edition of Pixel smartphone. It will be aimed towards India and other emerging markets.
India is one of the most important emerging markets in the world where there is tough competition between numerous brands in mid-range market. Google’s Pixel series of smartphones have always featured flagship specs, but new information reveals that the company is now prepping to launch a mid-range Pixel phone.
At least four senior industry professionals have stated that Google is planning to aggressively market its products in India to rival with Samsung, Apple and Amazon. According to them, the upcoming Google products that is expected to land in India include the mid-range Google Pixel phone, a new Google Pixel smartphone, premium Pixelbook laptop, Google Home smart speakers, and other smart products like doorbell, camera, alarm system, smoke detector and Google Wi-Fi in the next one year.
Trade meets were recently held in multiple locations such as Malaysia, the U.K and the U.S. in March. Some of the India retailers had also participated in these meetings. A leading retailer revealed that Google will be expanding its product portfolio in India along with Reliance Jio 4G and other mobile operators to realize the maximum potential of its products.
Read More: Google Pixel 3 Concept Reveals Full Screen Design with Very Slim Bezels, Dual Front Speakers
The executives have also revealed that Google would be releasing Google Home and Home Mini smart speakers to compete with Amazon Echo by the end of April. These speakers are expected to arrive with respective pricing of Rs. 9,999 and Rs. 4,499. They are expected to arrive with support for Hindi and 12 other regional languages.
The mid-range Pixel phone may hit India in July or August and the new Pixel phone with flagship specs may debut in India around Diwali season (November). As of this writing, there is no information available on the specs of this phone. There is a possibility that the budget-friendly Pixel phone may run on Android One. By releasing multiple products in India, Google aims to increase its offline presence and build its brand.
(source)
