James, 48, has broad knowledge of the computing industry, spanning hardware, security, software and services, which she developed through leadership positions at Intel and as chairman of Intel's software subsidiaries -- Havok, McAfee and Wind River.

ENGADGET: Intel names current COO Brian Krzanich as new CEO, starts May 16th

The process of designing and manufacturing the Pixel will have taught Google a lot about the hardware business - and with products like Google Glass on the horizon, that knowledge could prove very useful.

BBC: Who'll pay for a Pixel?