Sundar Pichai on why Samsung is Google’s most important partner – Times of India

It was a rather momentous day for Google as it unveiled the new Pixel 6 series of smartphones on October 19. If reports are to be believed then the Google online store actually crashed soon after the phones went on pre-order. On the Pixel 6 series, Samsung has been deeply involved as the Tensor chip in the phones has been reportedly co-developed by the South Korean tech giant. Acknowledging the role of Samsung in the Pixel 6 series, Google CEO Sundar Pichai told The Verge in an interview that “there are many components [in this phone] from Samsung to make all of this work as well.” Pichai said that Samsung is “our most important partner on Android.”
The Indian-born CEO further said that the company is very focused on the work it is doing with Samsung, not just on the Pixel. “From an Android standpoint, we are very focused for example, on the work we are doing with Samsung on foldables, working hard to make that leap and make it successful; the partnership more recently on the watch, which we have done together with them.”
Pichai further said that Android also helps brands — including Samsung — to really innovate. “I see Android as one of the more customisable and flexible OSes out there. It gives Samsung and other OEMs the chance to really innovate.” He also said that as a consumer, it is “healthy” and unique to have more choices.
The Pixel 6 series will compete with Samsung’s flagship phones as well as with the iPhone. The two phones — Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro — have been launched in eight countries only as of now. It’s unlikely that the Pixel 6 phones will make their way to the Indian market.