Google India 2023: 10 Major Announcements – Google Pixel 8 to be Manufactured in India, Google Cloud Platform for Farmers, and More

The 9th edition of the annual Google India event, Google for India 2023, brought forth several significant announcements. In addition to discussing the potential of generative AI in overcoming obstacles for digital users and entrepreneurs, and showcasing the AI-led Search Generative Experience (SGE) for an enhanced shopping experience, Google also unveiled various other important updates. These include the integration of Google Maps with ONDC, the introduction of new features for Indian farmers through Google Cloud, and the exciting news that the Google Pixel 8 series will be manufactured in India. Let’s delve into the ten major announcements made during the event.

10 Big Announcements During Google for India Event

1. Google Cloud Helps Indian Farmers – It was announced that Google Cloud has partnered with ONDC to help farmers with an agritech tool called Sign Catch that allows FPOs to put their product catalogs online and reach out to traders across the country. from ONDC and sell directly. This allows them to earn more and they are not dependent on marketplaces.

2. Google Maps Collaboration with ONDC – Open Network for Digital Commerce, also known as ONDC, an initiative of the Government of India, is now integrated with Google Maps and users can book metro tickets within the app. This will be rolled out over the next few months.

3. Google collaborates with the Ministry of Electronics and IT – Another big announcement was the collaboration with the Government of India to roll out various user-centric services faster.

4. Google Pixel phones will be manufactured in India – Google announced that starting with the Pixel 8 series, Pixel phones will be manufactured in India and the first smartphones will hit the market from 2024. This may reduce the price of the smartphone by a considerable amount.

5. GPay becomes more secure – GPay has blocked money scams worth Rs. 12,000 crore in India. The company also revealed that it has removed 3,500 fraudulent loan applications. India’s Google Play Protect is also more secure, equipped with improved real-time code-level scanning.

6. YouTube India focuses on security – Google releases educational videos titled ‘hit and break’ with the aim of keeping India safer. Google has also removed more than 2 million videos that violated YouTube’s policies, and more than 80 percent of those videos had 10 or fewer views.

7. Google Merchant Center Next – with it, nearby physical stores are better visible in the search. Small businesses have limited resources, making it difficult to build quality lists. This new tool solves that. It has already started rolling out to new users. It will be available to everyone early next year.

8. Google Watch Page for News – It provides credible news sources on YouTube, latest updates, explanations and comments, live news or shorts in 11 languages.

9. Google Pay Sachet Loans – GPay partners with financial institutions in India to disburse loans directly in the app. These loans are for those with monthly income below ₹30,000 in Tier 2 cities and with Google partners like HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank. These Sachet Loans start from Rs. 15,000 with a lower repayment option.

10. Google to manufacture Chromebooks in India – Google will soon bring affordable HP Chromebooks to India in partnership with HP.