← Google Interview Insights

Google·Software Engineer·Onsite - Product Sense / Strategy·Senior

Senior
May 2026

Summary

Got a product sense question at Google for a PM role on the Android team. Pretty open-ended hypothetical about a fictional hardware capability, which I wasn't expecting going in.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

Imagine a new microchip makes it possible for smartphones to detect and process smells. As the PM for Android, how would you respond to this technology becoming available, and what use cases would you prioritize?

Product Sense & IdeationProduct StrategyAdaptability & Ambiguity
Author's notes

I spent probably too long trying to think of a clever single use case instead of just mapping out a landscape of possibilities first.

Create a free account to read the full note

AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Start by acknowledging the novelty and potential of smell detection, then systematically evaluate its feasibility, user value, and alignment with Android's ecosystem. Prioritize use cases based on impact, technical feasibility, and strategic fit, and outline a phased rollout plan with clear metrics.

Pro tip: Emphasize privacy and user control from the outset—smell data is highly personal, so addressing these concerns proactively shows maturity and foresight.

1. Understand the Technology

Clarify the capabilities and limitations of the microchip: what smells can it detect, with what accuracy, and at what cost? Consider integration challenges with existing smartphone hardware.

2. Identify Potential Use Cases

Brainstorm a wide range of applications across health, safety, lifestyle, and entertainment. For each, assess user value, technical feasibility, and alignment with Android's mission.

3. Prioritize Use Cases

Use a framework like RICE (Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort) or value vs. complexity to rank use cases. Consider quick wins vs. long-term bets.

4. Define Product Strategy

Outline how Android would integrate this feature: APIs for developers, hardware partnerships, privacy safeguards, and go-to-market plan. Consider ecosystem effects.

5. Measure and Iterate

Define success metrics (e.g., adoption, engagement, user satisfaction) and plan for iterative development based on feedback and data.

Key Points to Mention

  • Privacy and data security: smell data can reveal sensitive information (health, habits), so robust user consent and anonymization are critical.
  • Developer ecosystem: provide APIs and tools to enable third-party innovation, similar to how Android opened up cameras and sensors.
  • Hardware integration: collaborate with OEMs to ensure the microchip is widely adopted and power-efficient.
  • High-impact use cases: health monitoring (e.g., detecting ketones for diabetes), safety (e.g., gas leaks), and enhanced experiences (e.g., smell-based gaming).
  • Phased rollout: start with a developer preview and limited pilot, then expand based on feedback.
  • Competitive landscape: consider how Apple or other platforms might respond and how Android can differentiate.

AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.