Skip to main content

Google Shop marks company’s first serious steps into the world of physical retail

Google might have its online Google Store, but the furthest it’s gone so far in the physical world involved the Experience Store in New York City, which allowed folks to try out the company’s latest devices. However, with Google Shops set to launch across Canada, Google has taken its first true steps toward establishing a physical retail presence, reports TechCrunch.

The first thing to note about Google Shop is that it seems to be a blend of the Samsung Experience and an Apple Store. Like the former, Google Shops establish themselves within select Best Buy locations, and like the latter, they will host a number of activities for folks to partake in. Since space is rather tight, Google Shops feature modular pieces of furniture that are there when you want it and not there when you do not.

Recommended Videos

The hope, according to Google director of retail marketing Janell Fischer, is that Google Shops will foster a sense of community for those who visit.

“We love it when people can come in, discover, play, and have fun, and it just happens to be with technology,” Fischer said. “So we’ve really tried to layer on lots of different immersive sorts of experiences, some that are direct demonstrations of the product and product features, but some that are more exploratory and fun.”

As for those experiences, Google Shops feature the latest and greatest from Google and its partners, including the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, Daydream View, Chromecast Ultra, and Google Home, along with a slew of accessories and other products. Google Shops also feature a multiscreen interactive display called Portal and “Google Guides,” full-time staff who are Google contractors that go through product-focused tutorials.

Fischer noted that Google Shops will not remain static and, instead, constantly evolve as new products continue to be announced.

“The great thing about this space is we can quickly update it when new products come out,” Fischer said. “We can also quickly remotely update all of the digital content, so we’ll also be creating new apps for the Portal area that are specific to this space.”

Alas, U.S. residents will need to play the waiting game, since Google Shops look to be limited to the U.K. and Canada for now. However, if Google Shops prove to be popular, expansion will surely be the next conversation topic.

Williams Pelegrin
Williams is an avid New York Yankees fan, speaks Spanish, resides in Colorado, and has an affinity for Frosted Flakes. Send…
Does the Google Pixel Watch come with a charger? What’s in the box
Google Pixel Watch charging.

Google is well-known for its search engine, email service, and Pixel smartphones, but now the company is branching out with a new Pixel Watch. Featuring Wear OS 3.5 (the latest version) and the best of Google integrations like Google Maps for navigation and Google Wallet for contactless payments, Google's first-ever smartwatch sounds promising for Android users. 
Plus, Google acquired Fitbit last year, which means you can see all the popular fitness tracking features in the new Pixel Watch. The watch will monitor blood oxygen levels, count your steps and calories burned, and track your sleep patterns. You can also interact with Google Assistant for hands-free use. But to fully enjoy all these features, you need good battery life with quick and easy charging options — so you can guess one of the biggest questions on users' minds.
The Google Pixel Watch comes with a charger

Google promises an enhanced battery life with the Pixel Watch, and you get a USB-C magnetic charging cable included for free in the box. But unfortunately, there is no wall adapter for the charger. And you will need one considering the watch features just a 294mAh battery. You can buy a new charger or use an old one that's compatible with USB-C charging cables. 
While this isn't ideal, it's similar to many other smartwatches sold today. The Apple Watch Series 8 and Galaxy Watch 5 also come with a charging cable, but just like the Pixel Watch, neither comes with a wall charger to use the cable with. It's annoying, but it's also a common trend in the modern wearable world. 
Which chargers work with the Google Pixel Watch?

Read more
How to pre-order the Google Pixel 6a right now
The Google Pixel 6a. We see the back of the phone as it's laying on top a piece of wood.

We love a good midrange smartphone, and they don't get much better than Google's Pixel A range. Ever since the launch of the range with the Pixel 3a, Google's cut-price offerings have dominated the midrange Android market with a flagship-level camera, good performance, and excellent software support. Of course, they've rarely been the most attractive of options out there -- but that looks to be at an end with the Pixel 6a's release.

With the Tensor processor, an excellent camera, and the Pixel 6's distinctive design, it's clear Google is pulling out all the stops for the Google Pixel 6a. But where can you pre-order this new midrange king? We've checked the biggest carriers and retailers to find where you can reserve your new smartphone.

Read more
Android 12L and Wear OS 3 show Google still isn’t serious about tablets and smartwatches
Onn Android Tablet on Table

Late last year, Google introduced Android 12L, its operating system optimized specifically for tablets and foldables. After years of neglect, Google showed it was finally taking the form factor seriously. The same went for Wear OS 3, with Google breathing new life into smartwatches. There's just one problem for both.

As of the time of writing, not one tablet, foldable, or smartwatch has been updated to either of these operating systems. Google has planned to overhaul how its smartwatch and tablet platforms work for the better, but the company's rollout has undermined its ambitious plans.
Google's lofty ambitions

Read more