Google on Tuesday announced new products for the Indian market that are suited to work with low Internet speeds.These include a new Wi-Fi platform called Google Station, a video app called ‘YouTube Go’ and an offline feature for Chrome web browser and faster loading in Google Play on 2G network.
Outlining the three key areas of focus — access, products and platforms — Google vice president (Next Billion Users) Caesar Sengupta said that the company is working to provide a better and more inclusive online experience for users in India.
“Our goal has not just been to help more Indians get online, but also to help Indians create the online experience they want. So, we have been thinking about how to build products and services for this wave of new users — products that work for any level of connectivity, in local Indian languages, and across the devices that are most frequently used in India,” he added.
Following its partnership with RailTel and Indian Railways to provide Wi-Fi at Indian railway stations, Google has now launched a new platform called Google Station.
The new platform will work with partners like system integrators (SIs) and venue owners to roll out Wi-Fi hotspots, Mr. Sengupta said.This would provide more people in India and around the world fast, reliable, and secure Wi-Fi in places like malls, transit stations and cafes.
Besides, users on a low-bandwidth connection would now be able to choose and install an app through their mobile network or install it when the phone next connects to Wi-Fi.
Google is also focusing on the next million of users who will come online in the coming years in regional languages other than English.Its new messaging app ‘Allo’ will introduce support in Hindi for its Google Assistant later this year, Amit Fulay, Group Product Manager at Google, said.
