Google is no stranger to storefront marketing for their products. In the past few years they have attempted a number of different brick and mortar shops to highlight products powered and branded by Google.
Last week a “pop-up” shop showed up in New York City. The elegant space is designed to allow users to experience Google’s new products in a real-life environment. No products are actually for sale at the swanky new shop, but it is clear that Google is making a move to get a real foothold in the consumer tech market.
The Next Step In Google’s Hardware Plan
Now it appears the next phase of Google’s hardware marketing plan has become a reality.
The search giant has recently added product kiosks inside select Best Buy Stores in Canada and Curry’s PC World in the United Kingdom. These displays have a definite #madebygoogle theme but aren’t exclusive to Google’s in-house products.
Here you can browse the web on the latest Chromebooks or submerge yourself in an alternate reality with Daydream VR.
According to TechCrunch, this is more than a simple kiosk to play with your favorite Google-esqu products.
Users can experience how many of those devices, like Google Home, can interact with your Chromecast plugged into your big screen TV. Check out Techcrunch’s quick video tour below.
With the new Pixel phones you can try out the Daydream VR and see Google’s take on virtual reality.
With partners like Best Buy and Curry’s, Google may have finally found a solid foundation to hard-sell their #madebygoogle products.
Currently these kiosks are available in the UK and Canada and, I can say, I am jealous. If you’re looking for a location to check out the new store-in-a-store just follow the link below.
Bonus Feature
Just for fun, here’s a video from our favorite tech reviewer, MKBHD of the Google Pop-up shop in New York City.