Remember those retail stores that a rumor recently claimed Google is planning to build? According to Android chief Andy Rubin, Google doesn't need them. AllThingsD reports that Rubin responded to questions about the rumored stores at a roundtable talk earlier today, saying that he doesn't feel that consumers need to actually go to a store and try a product before buying it anymore. The exec went on to say that Google's Nexus program is still too early on to necessitate having the devices in stores anyway. When asked if Google was even just toying with the idea of launching its own stores, Rubin flatly said that "Google has no plans and we have nothing to announce."
Rubin's statements about the rumored Google stores are definitely a bummer for anyone that's been excitedly imagining what it'd be like to waltz into their local Google outlet, interact with the products and possibly walk out with some new toys. As we've seen before in tech, though, companies often say that they won't be doing something until they ultimately do. Just because Google says that it doesn't have plans for its own stores now doesn't mean that it won't be interested later on, especially since the shops would be a good way for consumers to try out products like Google Glass.
Rubin and his Google cohorts also talked a bit about other rumors that've been swirling around the company and Android lately. On the topic of Samsung's success with Android, Rubin said that's "mostly about execution," adding that Samsung has made large investments in growing its brand. He added that other device makers are making profits, even if those profits don't come close to Samsung's, and that those firms will need to figure out their own way to fight Samsung if they want more cash.
Finally, Google Play head Jamie Rosenberg declined to comment on the subject of Google's rumored upcoming subscription music service. Recent reports came out claiming that Google is currently in talks with music labels about launching a streaming service similar to Spotify, with a free ad-supported tier as well as a paid tier. The service is currently rumored to be launching in Q3 2013.
Via AllThingsD (1), (2)
