Glance, the lockscreen platform targeting Android smartphones, is expanding its reach to the U.S. market. The India-based startup has initiated a pilot program in collaboration with Motorola and Verizon in the U.S., with plans for a full launch later this year, according to sources familiar with the matter as reported by TechCrunch.
The startup, headquartered in Bengaluru and backed by investors like Google and Jio Platforms, has already established a strong presence in India, Southeast Asia, and Japan, expanding its service last year. Glance’s technology provides users with a personalized feed of news, local events, sports updates, media content, and interactive games directly on their lockscreens without the need for additional app installations.
Due to intense competition and thin profit margins on hardware, Android smartphone manufacturers are increasingly exploring new revenue streams. Glance’s lockscreen platform, known for its privacy features, has gained attention as a versatile tool for differentiation among smartphone makers, industry executives reveal.
Glance’s unique approach involves not collecting personal user data but rather using usage patterns to inform its recommendation engine. The startup is also collaborating with Qualcomm to develop an AI-powered lockscreen experience, potentially reducing data consumption and enabling on-device processing.
In the U.S., Glance has no plans to display ads on the lockscreen but will come pre-installed on devices, with the option to be easily removed. The lockscreen and other non-app screens are becoming valuable real estate for smartphone vendors and brands, as highlighted in a recent report by BCG.
With a reach of over 450 million smartphones and active on about 300 million of them, Glance’s lockscreen platform is making waves in the industry. The startup aims to collaborate with more telecom operators and brands in the U.S., including CNN and the NBA, to expand its presence.
Leveraging its success in driving user engagement and app installations for brand partners, Glance has been planning its U.S. launch for at least two years. The startup’s lockscreen technology has proven effective in driving app installs and user engagement, as evidenced by its partnership with Indian streaming service JioCinema.
