Google is planning a big push on its own hardware

Google's own hardware includes the Pixel smartphone range, as well as networked speakers and a notebook. — Google/dpa

Google is planning to increase the focus on its own smartphones and other devices, rather than partnering with the hardware manufacturers which use its software.

"We are very focused on being successful in consumer electronics," Rick Osterloh, head of Google's hardware department, said at the recent Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The boundaries between hardware and software are becoming increasingly blurred, which is one reason behind Google's move. In the past, the company mainly licensed its own software, such as the Android mobile operating system, to hardware manufacturers.

Now, as well as its own smartphones, Google has created networked speakers, and a notebook computer.

Google won't be bound by the sensitivities of other smartphone manufacturers that use Android, according to Osterloh. "We want to drive innovation for users and we won't hold back," he said.

Google's Pixel smartphones only have a small slice of the market, but as the developer of Android – the most widely used operating system on smartphones – Google plays a major role.

Underpinning its ambitions in the smartphone business, Google recently acquired HTC's 2,000-person smartphone design division in a US$1.1bil (RM4.3bil) deal. That team will continue to focus on smartphones, Osterloh said.

It's anticipated that Google's in-house hardware division will benefit from increasing integration with the rest of the company. "I have no restrictions on cooperation with other parts of Google," Osterloh said.

That means that engineers working on device development will also work closely with Google's research department and the Android team, as well as specialists in areas such as navigation and virtual and augmented reality.

The connected home is an important focus for Google's device business. Smart home specialist Nest is now going to be integrated into Osterloh's hardware division. Bought by the company four years ago, it was previously a separate company under the umbrella of Google's mother company Alphabet.

Nest sells networked devices for heating, smoke detection, home security systems and alarm systems. A first step in the integration will see the Google Assistant installed on Nest devices.

Some people worry about the privacy and data security implications of networked home devices with microphones. Osterloh stressed that Google takes this issue very seriously.

"We've sold a lot of Google Home speakers. For me that means we've built trust with these people, who allow us into their homes," he said, adding that the company realises that trust has to be re-earned every day through transparency. — dpa