What is Google's goal here?

[anon(596177)]

You're right. Can't see who else other than hard-core Nexus fans who'd buy this phone. This is unless the price drops like crazy, which is what I'm hoping for. If all the models went down with $200 I think they would have a much better chance making these phones a success. Stupid move not to offer the ability to check and purchase the phone in a retail store.

2 things:

I disagree that only hard core Nexus users would buy this phone. I had an acquaintance talking about the new iPhone when he randomly brought up the pixels and how he was interested to see what Google was doing (this is a non tech guy) which tells me a. Commercials and advertising is working on at least so.e level and b. There's probably an interest out there to people for a "Google phone" especially one that looks as "premium" as an iPhone.

2. This phone is being marketed in retail stores. In the US it will be in Verizon stores across the country and in best buy as well, as they will be selling it for Verizon.the only way it could be shown off better is if it were being marketed for all carriers.

 

[tunic330]

I've never owned a Nexus. Never even held one. I ordered this phone the second day of presales. The only reason i didn't order it the first day is because i was torn on which version to buy.
And according to reports, Google and Verizon are investing some serious marketing dollars, so I'm guessing they think more than hard core Nexus users will buy it.

Guess that's pretty true as well. I do dislike the chin. It should not be that thick uness there are capacitive buttons or forward directed stereo speakers. Wish the price was lower.

 

[Antonio Gardner]

To make long term money, reduce fragmentation, compete for the middle class and rich, drive innovation further, and become a household name.

 

[RickInHouston]

It might also have something to do with Samsung and their hope to create their own OS. They have been trying to distance themselves from android. This would cut out a big chunk of the android pie. Many would leave for apple and Google needs an answer to help stabilize that possibility / inevitability.

 

[anon(847090)]

The goal of Google is to
1. Take control back. It's time For Google to become an OEM. I wanted Google to make hardware for a long time. This is dream come true for me.
2. Compete with Apple in US in long run.
3. Make money

I wouldn't say that only hardcore Nexus fans will buy this but they are one group of buyers. Any person who go to Verizon store to buy phones might buy this. I know a person who bought pixel last Saturday , he has never owned a nexus but he is An Android fan.
People are buying the device. The noise in the forum over weigh the actual people buying it

 

[PhiPsi32]

It's worth mentioning that Google started with the Chromebook Pixel and followed up with the Pixel Tablet. With the tablet release I already saw speculation regarding a Pixel phone. I think the only surprise is that the Nexus line is discontinued.

Whatever it is they're doing, they've been working in this direction for years now.

 

[Richard Servello]

They have to start somewhere. They don't expect to break records with this one. But if it does well they will gain a reputation for quality products. If you own another pixel device you know, they are incredible. I have a Pixel C and it's the best mobile device available.

 

[Wiley_11]

They have to start somewhere. They don't expect to break records with this one. But if it does well they will gain a reputation for quality products. If you own another pixel device you know, they are incredible. I have a Pixel C and it's the best mobile device available.

Sounds like they getting serious about selling the Pixel products, I see a great future for Google...........

 

[VitaminA]

While I still don't quite expect huge numbers for units sold for the Pixels, I'm starting to wonder about that from all the buzz and marketing I've been seeing. I've had several of my Iphone and Samsung-loving friends express interest in the Pixels.

One thing that really gets me thinking the Pixels may sell more than I expected: Android Authority has the XL up for their weekly giveaway. I always enter these, no matter what they're giving away (knowing full-well I'll never win anything ). Generally, there's a total of several-hundred-thousand entries over the course of a week. Total entries for the Pixel XL contest have already surpassed 1 million, and it's only Tuesday. People are interested (but this could also be due to people who are interested not wanting to pay the price).

 

[shebamehr]

I agree that the end game here might be to push google assistant and other products that use it, like google home, but I think they are also looking into creating their own exclusive brand and take the route that Apple has, with an exclusive product that has exclusive features and is a marriage of software and hardware from the same company. I think they're also looking to tap into the share of people who are growing tired of Apple's lack of innovation and who are looking for something new and fresh that still looks like their iPhone. We'll see if it pays off for them...

 

[Bankz111]

I agree that the end game here might be to push google assistant and other products that use it, like google home, but I think they are also looking into creating their own exclusive brand and take the route that Apple has, with an exclusive product that has exclusive features and is a marriage of software and hardware from the same company. I think they're also looking to tap into the share of people who are growing tired of Apple's lack of innovation and who are looking for something new and fresh that still looks like their iPhone. We'll see if it pays off for them...

If only they offered that freshness that you speak of or that innovation apple isn't doing anymore.. Even apple has been the assistant game long before them. But oh well

 

[Aquila]

I've read that they're outpacing Apple on launch advertising almost 2:1. That's a LOT of cash to drop on ultimately selling 10% of Apples quantity - at most. But it does set a spark of something in the public's subconscious.

 

[Wiley_11]

I was going to tell the wife about Google Assistant tonight. She said she heard all about it on NPR, and knew all about the new Pixel phones and Google Home. I was shocked!

Sounds like Google is going all in, we may be on the verge of something epic.......

 

[Kadeemhunt]

To try to steer Android back in the direction they want it to go in.

 

[Almeuit]

You're right. Can't see who else other than hard-core Nexus fans who'd buy this phone.

I am not a hard-core Nexus fan and I bought it .. ^_^.

 

[ggendel]

The goal of Google is to
1. Take control back. It's time For Google to become an OEM. I wanted Google to make hardware for a long time. This is dream come true for me.
2. Compete with Apple in US in long run.
3. Make money

I wouldn't say that only hardcore Nexus fans will buy this but they are one group of buyers. Any person who go to Verizon store to buy phones might buy this. I know a person who bought pixel last Saturday , he has never owned a nexus but he is An Android fan.
People are buying the device. The noise in the forum over weigh the actual people buying it

There are some unique features that Google is pushing. It has some contributions in the way we do things with Assistant, and their software to improve camera video and still quality. It's the latter that got me intrigued, the low light noise reduction is very impressive.

 

[tunic330]

I am not a hard-core Nexus fan and I bought it .. ^_^.

Oops! Guess I was wrong then.

 

[tunic330]

I am not a hard-core Nexus fan and I bought it .. ^_^.

Oops! Guess I was wrong then.

 

[ggendel]

I'm just glad the Google upped their game. Pushing the envelop will force others to do the same. It will be interesting to see how the next few years pans out.

 

[1dtbrown]

I really like Google Now, it is very helpful to me. The Google Assistant is probably going to be better and get better if you don't mind the Assistant entering into your life so google can sell you things once they find out what you need. Over their WiFi system and they eventually buy Verizon. The phone looks simple to use and if it is as good as the camera is being reviewed then they have another way to make money, enter the home automation. I think Google stock may be cheap now.