Google has announced that it will not launch Pixel 4XL and Pixel 4 smartphones in India but did not give any reason for its decision.
Google Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL not launching in India
However, as per the sources, the decision may have hinged on Google’s ‘Project Soli’, a sensing technology that uses miniature radar to detect touchless gestures from motion tracking of the user’s hand, for example. Soli is one of the key features deployed in the new Pixel phones.
An industry expert said, “The technology uses a specific radio-frequency that has not been allowed for use by private players. Google would have had to take permission or take a license to use this frequency in India.”
A Google spokesperson said, “We decided not to make Pixel 4 available in India. We remain committed to our current Pixel phones and look forward to bringing future Pixel devices to India.”
The Soli sensing technology is enabled by a special chip, which incorporates the entire sensor and antenna array into an ultra-compact 8mm x 10mm package. Its use is based on the concept of virtual tools, which are gestures that mimic familiar real-world interactions with physical tools. A gesture like tapping the thumb with the index finger, for example, will trigger an action, in the kind of interactions being developed by Google.
Google Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL Specification Features
A post by androidcentral.com said, “The crux of the issue is the 60GHz frequency that Soli is based on. The Indian government doesn’t allow public use of the frequency — unlike the US — effectively preventing Google from launching the phone in the country.”
This is not the first time a Google product has run into the laws and norms set by the Indian government, to its detriment. Almost 10 years ago Google had started mapping Indian roads for the Street View feature in Maps. But the mapping was stopped within days after government officials raised objections. Since then the company has not been able to get a go-ahead for Street View that is available in almost all developed countries.
Meanwhile, Google launched its next-generation Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL smartphones at an event in New York on October 15. These are the best of Google phones for this year, and Google’s answer to Apple iPhone 11 series.
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