Google Extends Surprise New Offer to More Pixel 8 Pro Buyers
Google is continuing its push to gain market share in the competitive smartphone industry by extending its surprise sale to international buyers. After offering discounted prices for the Pixel 8 last week in the United States, Google has now announced that the promotion will also be available to shoppers in the United Kingdom.
Starting on February 9th and running for nine days until February 18th, the Google U.K. store has slashed the prices of both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The Pixel 8 has been discounted by £150 ($189.44) while the Pixel 8 Pro is now available at a reduced price of £100 ($126.29).
This is not the first time that Google has offered discounts for its phones in the U.K. Last month, the company provided £125 ($157.87) store credit vouchers to customers who purchased the Pixel 8 directly from Google. In the United States, Google has also discounted its entire smartphone lineup, including the Pixel Fold.
In addition to the discounted prices for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, other Google devices are also on sale. The Pixel Watch 2, Pixel Buds Pro, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel 7a are all temporarily cheaper as part of this promotion.
To further incentivize buyers, Google is emailing referral codes to some Pixel owners in the United States. When someone uses the code to purchase a Pixel 8, 8 Pro, or 7a, both parties receive a $50 store credit.
Google’s repeated sales and aggressive pricing tactics indicate its determination to challenge market leaders Samsung and Apple. By offering competitive prices, Google aims to attract customers and gain a larger market share.
These sales strategies are also a response to changing consumer behavior. With buyers holding onto their phones for longer, Google and Samsung now offer seven years of Android updates and security patches for their latest flagship devices. To cover the costs of extended software support, companies such as Google, Samsung, and Apple encourage long-term users to subscribe to their services.
Google has recently revamped its YouTube Premium and increased prices for older users on cheaper plans. The company has also promoted its Play Pass subscription service. When buying any Pixel device, customers are presented with free trials for FitBit Premium, Google One, and YouTube Premium.
Furthermore, as generative AI technology becomes more prevalent on smartphones, there is a possibility that users may have to subscribe to certain AI features on their devices. Samsung has hinted at implementing this model, and Google emphasizes Google AI on the Pixel 8 landing page, indicating a focus on AI capabilities and the potential revenue stream they offer.
Overall, Google’s aggressive pricing tactics and focus on long-term software support and AI capabilities demonstrate its commitment to competing with industry leaders. By offering attractive discounts, Google hopes to entice customers and establish a strong presence in the global smartphone market.
