In a major strategic move, Google announced that it will be merging its software division responsible for Android and Chrome with its hardware division, which includes Pixel smartphones and Fitbit wearables. This decision is part of a larger plan to incorporate artificial intelligence more extensively throughout the company.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai expressed that this integration will help to accelerate the Android and Chrome ecosystems and drive innovation within the company. The newly merged operations will now be under the leadership of executive Rick Osterloh, who previously oversaw the hardware group.
This decision marks a shift for Google, which had previously kept the development of Android separate from the hardware division to prevent bias towards phone designers. However, in recent years, Google has been positioning the Pixel as a flagship for showcasing AI capabilities, integrating AI hardware and software into its features.
Osterloh highlighted that AI is the primary reason for bringing together Google’s consumer hardware and software engineers. Analysts believe that Google’s goal is to dominate the AI economy by infusing AI into all of its products and services.
Following the reorganization, Hiroshi Lockheimer, the chief of Google’s software division, will be embarking on new projects. Additionally, Google is reorganizing its AI research and responsibility groups, with minimal direct impact on consumer products for now.
This move signals Google’s commitment to embracing artificial intelligence as a core component of its future development and offerings. With the merging of its software and hardware divisions, Google aims to leverage AI technology to drive innovation and remain at the forefront of the AI economy.
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