Google challenges Apple, Samsung with its Pixel

San Francisco

GOOGLE opened fire on rivals Apple, Samsung and Amazon in a new push into hardware on Tuesday, launching premium-priced Pixel smartphones and a slew of other devices showcasing artificial intelligence (AI) prowess.

The unveiling of Google's in-house designed phone came as part of an expanded hardware move by the US company, which also revealed details about its new "home assistant" virtual reality headset and Wi-Fi router. The event marked a shift in strategy for Google, which is undertaking a major drive to make Google Assistant AI a futuristic force spanning all kinds of Internet-linked devices.