Google has unveiled plans to assemble its Pixel series smartphones in India. Rick Osterloh, Google’s Senior Vice President of Devices and Services, announced that the company will manufacture the upcoming Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro devices in India. These locally produced devices are slated to hit the market next year, marking a pivotal step in Google’s commitment to the Indian market.
Osterloh emphasized Google’s collaboration with both international and domestic partners to facilitate local production, aligning with India’s growing demand for Pixel devices. Speaking at the company’s annual event in India, he expressed, “This is the first step in expanding our manufacturing here to meet local demand for Pixel devices, and more importantly, it’s a huge step forward in Google’s commitment to India.”
Google’s initiative aligns with a broader trend among tech giants to transform India into a manufacturing hub. Samsung, for instance, established the world’s largest smartphone factory in India five years ago. Additionally, Apple’s manufacturing partner, Foxconn, is investing $600 million in infrastructure to produce iPhones and semiconductor chips in the country.
This shift towards India as a manufacturing center is bolstered by New Delhi’s proactive approach, offering financial incentives to attract global companies for local production. The strategy, often referred to as “China + 1,” reflects a growing trend among companies seeking to diversify their manufacturing away from over-reliance on China.
Google’s move to produce Pixel phones locally underscores its commitment to the Indian market while contributing to the country’s status as a pivotal player in the global tech manufacturing landscape.
Source: techcrunch
