Google bets on India with Pixel smartphone manufacturing
The Hindu
Google to start manufacturing smartphones in India, with flagship Pixel 8 available next year. Company to partner with int'l & domestic mfrs.
Alphabet Inc's Google will start manufacturing smartphones in India and its flagship Pixel 8 will be available next year, an executive said on Thursday, as the tech giant joins global companies setting up facilities in the South Asian nation.
At a Google for India event, Rick Osterloh, senior vice president of devices and services, said Google will partner with international and domestic manufacturers to produce the smartphones locally.
"India is a priority market for Pixel smartphones, and we're committed to bringing the best of our hardware and underlying built-in software capabilities to people across the country," Osterloh said.
No details on how many smartphones will be manufactured or where factories will be located were immediately available.
(For top technology news of the day, subscribe to our tech newsletter Today’s Cache)
The company also announced plans to allow users to book metro tickets directly from the Google maps app.
Google, which runs one of the largest payment apps via Google Pay, also said on Thursday it will tie up with an Indian non-bank lender, DMI Finance, for small loans for merchants starting at 15,000 rupees ($180).
Australia imposes sanctions and travel bans on Taliban officials over human rights abuses against women and girls in Afghanistan.
U.S. and Ukrainian officials meet for a third day to advance a security framework amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
IndiGo flight cancellations: Follow LIVE updates from The Hindu as Indigo scrambles to restore flights operations on December 6, 2025.
Twenty-three individuals arrested in India Gate protest face serious charges, including assault on police and obscenity against female officers.
Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged fire along their border, with no casualties reported amid ongoing tensions and a fragile ceasefire.
Honduran candidate Salvador Nasralla alleges fraud in presidential vote as rival Nasry Asfura narrowly takes the lead amid controversy.
Sri Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha celebrates its 80th anniversary, highlighting culture's role in identity and community preservation.
Migrant voters in Kerala are increasingly participating in local body polls, shaping their communities and electoral landscape.
Trump commends Congo and Rwanda for signing a U.S.-mediated peace deal, aiming to resolve ongoing regional conflicts and enhance economic ties.
The 2026 World Cup draw reveals group placements as the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize is awarded to Trump in Washington, D.C.
Party leaders discuss development and welfare initiatives in Kozhikode ahead of local body elections, highlighting diverse political visions.
Debutant Beena Divakaran faces veteran candidates in the Ponnurunni East election, aiming to maintain LDF's long-standing dominance.
India and Russia sign agreements to facilitate the safe mobility of semi-skilled workers in response to labor demands.