Google Pixel is a range of Android smartphones developed, designed and marketed by Google. Google launched the first range of smartphones under its Pixel brand on October 4th, 2016. The Pixel and Pixel XL were succeeded by Pixel 2 and Pixel 3 in 2017 and 2018 respectively. Now, the Company announced the launch of Pixel 4, the successor to the Pixel 3, on October 15th, 2019.
However, Google decided not to launch Pixel 4 in India, despite the Country being the world’s fastest growing smartphone market. The main reason behind Google skipping the launch of its latest device is the presence of the Soli radar chip in Pixel 4. Google, with Pixel 4, introduced a new feature called “Motion Sense,” which is a radar based gesture recognition system. The radar is termed Soli radar and allows the device to recognise various gesture based controls, which in turn allows device users to change songs or swipe screens without even touching the phone.
As the Soli radar can only operate on 60 Hz frequency bands, Google had to acquire specific regulatory approvals to launch Pixel 4 in various countries. However, the use of 60 Hz frequency by the public is not legal in India, which led Google to put a hold on the launch of its latest device in India.
Google released an official statement regarding its decision and said, “Google has a wide range of products that we make available in different regions around the world. We determine availability based on a variety of factors, including local trends, and product features. 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.”
Buying Pixel 4 from overseas is also not a suitable alternative as the motion sensor will be disabled automatically once the device enters India. The news left many Pixel lovers in India disappointed.
