Google, the search engine giant, unveiled new smartphones, smart speakers and other gadgets at the Google Hardware Event held yesterday at the SFJazz Center in San Francisco, California. After the back to back events from Amazon and Apple, Google finally unveiled its flagship device, the Pixel 2, along with a number additions to its hardware offerings.
At the hardware launch, Google demonstrated its commitment to making new devices along with new and improved software developments. Marking its second year of manufacturing hardware, Google announced two new Pixel smartphones along with Google Home speakers, a new laptop, a virtual reality headset and wireless headphones. However, this year the focus was not on just the hardware but on a combination of software and artificial intelligence along with a major focus on the hardware side of things. Chief Executive Officer of Google, Sundar Pichai, spent the first 10 minutes explaining the use of artificial intelligence, as well as the transformation of Google into an AI first company. “It’s(AI) radically rethinking how computing should work,” he added.
The two smartphones launched yesterday, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 Xl, will both use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processors. Packed with a 4 GB RAM, the latest phones come with a 12.2 megapixel rear camera and an 8 megapixel front camera with a fixed focus. Google also introduced a pretty impressive portrait mode with its single camera. Following Apple’s footsteps, the new Pixel phones have also said goodbye to the headphone jack. While most of the hardware remains the same, the software for the phone is a combination of machine learning, artificial intelligence and contextual data meshing, which makes it a much more connected device. Pixel Buds, Google’s own wireless headphones, are the Android version of the Apple AirPods. Both the phone and the earphones can be charged using a USB-C charging cable. The new phones are available with 64 GB and 124 GB storage.
The technology giant has also come out with a new camera that uses artificial intelligence to capture soundless videos of faces and pets that it recognizes and deems “interesting.” Google Clips is a palm sized device that can capture stills, videos, or GIFs, which can be exported to phones and other devices over Wifi.
The Google Home devices were also launched in two different sizes, the Google Home Mini and the Google Home Max. Both the devices can do everything the original Google Home could, including set timers and reminders, check the weather and convert tablespoons to cups using the inbuilt Google Assistant. The main difference in the new devices is the size. While the Mini occupies the space of a candle, the Max boasts a stereo speaker with two 4.5 inch woofers. Both the devices will add more actions that surround daily routines.
Google’s laptop, Pixelbook, is a 12.3 inch device which does a complete 360 degree rotation and weighs just two pounds. This device supports Google Play and comes equipped with the Google Assistant along with a Core i5 or Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of memory.
Google hyped up its hardware products this year making an impressive statement about turning hardware into a real business on a massive scale. According to Sundar Pichai, however, the future for Google is AI.
Apple is set to relocate all assembly of iPhones destined for the US market from China to India by the end of 2026, marking its biggest manufacturing shift in decades. The move is driven by escalating US-China trade tensions and steep tariffs—up to 145% on Chinese imports—making Chinese assembly increasingly costly for Apple. Although some smartphone imports are temporarily exempt, a 20% duty still applies to Chinese-made iPhones entering the US.
India, in contrast, offers a more favorable trade environment, with a paused 26% reciprocal tariff and ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade deal with the US that could shield Indian exports from future levies. Apple plans to more than double its current iPhone output in India, aiming to assemble over 60 million units annually for the US market. The company already produces about 25% of its global iPhones in India, working with partners like Foxconn, Tata Electronics, and Pegatron.
This shift is part of Apple’s broader strategy to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on China amid geopolitical risks. However, the transition’s success will depend on how quickly India can scale up its manufacturing capabilities and the outcome of ongoing trade negotiations.
PhonePe’s PINCODE app has launched a 24×7 online medicine delivery service in Bangalore, Mumbai, and Pune, promising delivery of both prescription and over-the-counter medicines within 10 minutes from nearby local medical shops. Unlike conventional e-pharmacies that use dark stores, PINCODE partners exclusively with neighborhood pharmacies, enabling faster deliveries and supporting local businesses in the digital economy.
Customers without prescriptions can select a “no prescription” option when ordering; a qualified doctor then provides a free teleconsultation and issues a digital prescription compliant with telemedicine guidelines, ensuring seamless access to medicines. The app offers competitive pricing by passing discounts from local pharmacies directly to customers and charges no delivery fees.
PINCODE’s hyperlocal model enhances healthcare accessibility and convenience while empowering local pharmacies, helping them remain integral to their communities and stimulating local economic growth. Launched in 2023, the app focuses on quick commerce with an emphasis on speed, reliability, and supporting local sellers.
In summary, PhonePe’s PINCODE app is transforming medicine delivery in major Indian cities by combining ultra-fast 10-minute delivery, free doctor consultations, and a hyperlocal sourcing model that benefits both consumers and neighborhood pharmacies.
Cashfree Payments has appointed Piyush Anchliya as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective April 15, 2025. Anchliya brings over 15 years of experience in investment banking, corporate finance, strategy, and mergers and acquisitions, with senior roles at Barclays, Bandhan Group, and most recently as CFO of Bandhan AMC. He holds an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad and a B.Tech. from IIT Kharagpur.
In his new role, Anchliya will lead Cashfree’s financial strategy, optimize operations, and support the company’s next growth phase. He will report to CEO and Co-founder Akash Sinha, who highlighted Anchliya’s expertise as vital for sustainable scaling and strengthening the company’s financial foundation. Anchliya succeeds outgoing CFO Vikas Guru, who will assist during the transition.
Founded in 2015, Cashfree Payments processes over $80 billion annually for more than 800,000 businesses. The company recently raised $53 million in funding led by KRAFTON and Apis Growth Fund II and secured key RBI licenses, positioning it for accelerated growth in India’s fintech sector. Anchliya’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as Cashfree aims to expand its leadership in digital payments.
