Google has announced the opening of three exclusive “walk-in service centres” in India, dedicated to providing top-notch support for Google device owners. The announcement was made alongside the launch of new Google Pixel 9 series, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel Buds Pro 2, and Pixel Watch 3 following the August 13 Made by Google event 2024.
These Google-owned centres will begin operations with locations in Delhi and Bengaluru opening today, August 14 (on the same day the Pixel 9 series phones are available for pre-orders) followed by a third centre in Mumbai soon after. These centres are seemingly designed to offer the highest levels of service for a wide range of Google products available in India, including Pixel phones, Pixel Watch, Pixel Buds, as well as FitBit and Nest devices.
Premier service at Google’s new walk-in centres
At these “state-of-the-art” service centres, Google device owners can expect a seamless experience, whether they need a repair, replacement, or assistance with any queries. The highly-trained staff at these centres will provide expert service, often resolving issues and returning devices within the same day. Importantly, these centres will service Google devices regardless of where they were purchased or whether they are still under warranty.
The launch of these exclusive centres is part of a broader collaboration between Google and F1 Info Solutions and Services Private Limited, the service arm of Walmart-owned Flipkart. This partnership will continue to operate over 100 multi-brand service centres across various cities in India, ensuring that Google customers have access to quality service no matter where they are.
Expanded retail presence for Google Pixel devices
In addition to the new service centres, Google has also announced an expansion of its Pixel retail availability in India. Starting August 14, Pixel products, including the newly launched Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL, will be available at Croma and Reliance Retail outlets across the country. These products are set to go on sale starting August 22.
While Flipkart remains Google’s online retail partner, this expansion into offline locations is aimed at catering to customers who prefer to experience products firsthand before making a purchase. Google’s Pixel family of devices will now be available in about 150 Croma and Reliance Retail stores across 15 cities in India as a result.
With these initiatives, Google is set to enhance the customer experience for its Indian users, offering both improved service options and wider retail availability.
Make in India
These developments align with Google’s commitment to expanding its footprint in India, world’s second largest smartphone market, a promise made at the Google for India event last year. A day before its big-ticket Made by Google event, the Mountain View-based tech giant announced that the first batch of made-in-India Pixel smartphones is now rolling off production lines. This marks a significant milestone for the Google’s operations in the country.
The initiative to manufacture Pixel smartphones within India is part of a broader strategy to better meet local demand while also supporting the Indian government’s Make in India campaign. This move makes the Pixel 8 the first India-made Pixel phone, with the Pixel A-series expected to follow suit.
Also to further reiterate its seriousness for this market, Google is bringing its entire portfolio of 2024 Pixel devices including its first foldable—the Pixel 9 Pro Fold—to India at the same time as global markets. The Pixel 9 starts at Rs 79,999, Pixel 9 Pro at Rs 1,09,999, and Pixel 9 Pro XL at Rs 1,24,999. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is priced at Rs 1,72,999. The Pixel Watch 3 costs Rs 39,900 for 41mm and Rs 43,900 for 45mm. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are priced at Rs 22,900.