Apple

Google is reportedly going big into the world of retail - a world that didn't initially anticipate the unprecedented success Apple has since achieved.

Citing an "extremely reliable source," a new report suggests that Google is planning to build a series of stand-alone retail stores in the United States. Major metropolitan areas will be targeted for the first wave of Google retail stores, which may be open in time for the holidays.

"The mission of the stores is to get new Google Nexus, Chrome, and especially upcoming products into the hands of prospective customers," 9to5Google reports.

With Android devices growing in prevalence and popularity, it isn't a huge shock that Google may want to compete with Apple and Microsoft in retail. With Apple CEO Tim Cook readily admitting that Apple's 400 thriving retail stores are contributing to strong Apple product sales (mostly in response to consumers being able to sample the goods before they pull the trigger), Google may find similar success following Apple's retail model.

Source: 9to5Google