Alphabet Inc's Google is strategically expanding its market presence and diversifying its supply chain by directing suppliers to initiate production of its Pixel smartphones in India by the earliest next quarter, as per a report. In October of last year, Google unveiled intentions to manufacture smartphones in India, with the flagship Pixel 8 anticipated for release in 2024. This move is interpreted as a deliberate endeavor by the tech giant to concentrate on a significant growth market while diminishing reliance on China for its supply chain.
According to the report, Google will kickstart production lines for its premium Pixel 8 Pro smartphones in the upcoming weeks. Actual manufacturing of the phones is scheduled to commence in the April-June quarter, aiming to churn out more than 10 million Pixel units this year. Through localizing production in India, Google seeks to leverage the extensive consumer base in the country and capitalize on the favorable business conditions. This strategic move is expected to optimize logistics and potentially result in cost efficiencies for the tech giant.
Although the report did not provide precise figures regarding the number of phones Google intends to produce in India, it remains uncertain whether these devices will be solely for the domestic market or also earmarked for export. Nevertheless, Google's move to transfer production to India mirrors broader industry patterns where prominent tech firms are spreading their manufacturing operations across various locations to reduce supply chain vulnerabilities. With the April-June quarter nearing, industry analysts will closely observe Google's manufacturing advancements and the ensuing effects on the accessibility and pricing of Pixel smartphones in both local and global markets.
In addition, Google has introduced an enhanced iteration of its artificial intelligence model. Dubbed Gemini 1.5 Pro, this advanced model is engineered to manage more extensive amounts of text and video compared to its rivals, representing a substantial advancement in the domain of generative AI. The release of Gemini 1.5 Pro underscores Google's continuous endeavors to showcase its prowess in the swiftly evolving realm of artificial intelligence.