'Google for India': Google to manufacture Pixel series of smartphones in India

The "Google for India" has commenced its 9th edition of Google event, aimed at unveiling Google's plan for the country and its bouquet of offering in tech-scape and beyond. The Indian populace is expecting some major announcements regarding the innovations and initiatives for the Indian market, ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) to internet access. Follow this page to get the live updates on the same.

New Delhi:In its 9th edition of the Google for India event, the tech giant announced multiple products and services which will contribute to the country's growth. Google also announced that it is planning to manufacture Pixel smartphones in India intending to start with the Pixel 8, and expecting these devices to start to roll out in 2024, joining India’s “Make in India” initiative.

Important updates from the "Google for India" event-

• Google Pixel in India- Google made a remarkable announcement, confirming that the Pixel series of smartphones will be manufactured in India, including Pixel 8. The first India-made Pixel devices will be coming to market in 2024, joining India’s “Make in India” initiative.
• YouTube focusing on credibility- YouTube is launching the new watch page for news in 11 Indian languages. This brand new feature will algorithmically organise video content related to a specific news story from credible sources for the users.
• Online scams- Google Pay has prevented scams worth 12,000 crores in India. The company has taken down 3,500 predatory lending apps. Google Play Protect in India is now even more powerful and comes with enhanced real-time code-level scanning.
• India is 3rd largest market for premium smartphones- Google declared that India is the 3rd largest market for premium smartphones. India has been a truly special place for Android and learnings from India have helped Google to make Android better for everyone. There has been an amazing response for the Pixel 8 and the Pixel Watch 2 in India, India is ranked third for premium smartphones with over 50 per cent growth in 2022.
• Digital Pragati- In the 'Google for India' event, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, inaugurated ‘Digital Pragati’ and sets in on a path for success
• Cyber Peace Foundation- To help empower Indian internet users with skills to combat misinformation and embrace responsible online behavior, Google is providing a grant to Cyber Peace Foundation.
• GoogleMaps collaboration with ONDC- In a major development, GoogleMaps announced a collaboration with ONDC to facilitate metro ticket bookings on the app. This feature will roll out in the next few months across metros, as the service partners get integrated on the ONDC network.
• Google Merchant Center Next- Google is helping neighborhood businesses engage more with shoppers. Small businesses with limited resources find it hard to build high quality catalogs online. With the help of AI, they can do this in an easy and intuitive way, with Google Merchant Center Next. This has already started rolling out for new users, and will be available for everyone early next year.
• Government schemes- In an announcement, Google said that in the coming weeks, generative AI experience in Search will help users in India easily navigate and access critical information of over 100 government schemes.
• Generative AI-Generative AI in Search will soon help users explore local places and things to do in a city more seamlessly. Search Generative Experience will also help you with specific details about certain places (such as whether it is wheelchair accessible) by incorporating users reviews.
• Google Lens- Shivani Mohan, Senior Director, UX Research while talking about Google lens, said, "Google Lens has been helping Indians search for what they see, even when they may not have all the words. And over time, we have expanded its capabilities. Now, if you have questions about a skin condition, you can search for it on Google Lens."
• Build in India, Build for the World- Sanjay Gupta, Vice President & Country Head, Google India, emphasised on the idea of ‘Build in India, Build for the World’ and how it becomes a real possibility with the power of Generative AI. Gupta further said that Generative AI can synthesize, predict and create at a scale that has been unimaginable till now.
• Digital transformation- Kicking off the 9th edition of GoogleForIndia, Scott Beaumont, President, Google Asia-Pacific, talks about Google’s commitment to India’s journey towards digital transformation and success.

Google India posted on X saying "On October 19th, we will be sharing our vision for the next chapter of India's internet journey: from access to the internet, to success on the internet with the help of AI."

Earlier, on October 16 Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually interacted with CEO of Google and Alphabet Sundar Pichai. During the interaction, the Prime Minister and Pichai discussed Google's plan to participate in expanding the electronics manufacturing ecosystem in India. He also acknowledged Google's 100 languages initiative and encouraged efforts to make AI tools available in Indian Languages.