The Google Pixel 8 has officially entered production in India, marking a significant step for Google as it prepares for the upcoming Pixel 9 series launch. This development, announced on Monday via social media, signals Google’s commitment to expanding its manufacturing footprint in India.
Launched globally in October 2023, the Google Pixel 8 has been well-received. At the Google for India event, Rick Osterloh, Senior Vice President of Devices and Services at Google, revealed plans to start assembling the Pixel 8 locally by 2024. This move is part of Google’s broader strategy to enhance its operational presence in India, one of its key markets.
The assembly of the Pixel 8 in India is being handled by Compal, Google’s global manufacturing partner, in collaboration with Dixon Technologies, a local electronic manufacturing services (EMS) provider.
The initial production capacity is set at 100,000 units per month, with an estimated 25-30 percent of these units slated for export. This localized production is expected to streamline operations and potentially influence the pricing dynamics of the Pixel 8 series in India.
As of now, only the base model of the Pixel 8 is being assembled locally. The Pixel 8 series includes three variants: the standard Pixel 8, the Pixel 8 Pro, and the newly introduced Pixel 8a. This selective local manufacturing could be a strategic move to cater to the growing demand for affordable smartphones while maintaining the premium offerings for global markets.
This announcement comes just hours before Google’s highly anticipated global event, where the Pixel 9 series will be unveiled. The launch event is scheduled for today, with an additional event in India set for August 14. The timing of this announcement suggests that Google is keen to leverage its local production capabilities to bolster the market presence of its latest offerings.
The impact of local assembly on the Pixel 8’s pricing in India remains unclear. Currently, the Google Pixel 8 starts at Rs. 75,999 and is available in two storage variants: 128GB and 256GB. It is exclusively sold through Flipkart, Google’s authorized seller in the country. However, there are expectations that offline sales channels, such as Croma and Reliance Digital, may soon be introduced for the Pixel 9 series, potentially expanding its market reach.
In summary, Google’s move to begin Pixel 8 production in India is a strategic initiative to strengthen its foothold in the Indian market while preparing for the launch of the Pixel 9 series. As the tech giant ramps up local manufacturing, it will be interesting to see how this decision influences the smartphone market and consumer choices in the region. Stay tuned for more updates on the Pixel 9 and its impact on the tech landscape.
Google is setting itself up for success in India by emphasizing domestic production and growing sales channels, which may open the door for further advancements and market expansion.
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