The Strategist

Google to merge Android and Chrome division with Pixel



04/22/2024 - 03:15



According to an open letter from Google CEO Sundar Pichai, U.S. Google, a component of Alphabet Inc., will combine the division in charge of building the Android software and Chrome browser with its hardware development business, specifically focusing on Pixel smartphones and Fitbit wearable devices.



rawpixel
rawpixel
Pichai claims that the combination will spur innovation and strengthen the ecosystems for Chrome and Android. The Associated Press notes that it's a part of a strategy to increase artificial intelligence (AI) integration.

The united segment will be called Platforms & Devices and will be led by Rick Osterloh, who was formerly in charge of the hardware division.

Previously, Google kept the development of Android separate from the device market to avoid giving itself an unfair advantage over other companies who make smartphones running this operating system, such as Xiaomi, Samsung, Motorola, and Oppo.

Nevertheless, a few years ago, the US business started using the Pixel as its flagship device to showcase the promise of artificial intelligence (AI). To this end, it concentrated on creating features linked to AI, which involved deeper hardware and software integration in the AI space.

source: apnews.com