Android One
Sundar Pichai announced Google's Android One initiative, which is designed to bring "high-quality, affordable smartphones" to billions of potential customers in developing nations. By developing a set of hardware reference platforms, Google plans to create a "turnkey solution" for OEMs in these markets, said Pichai. It's developing the first Android One device with Micromax, a mobile handset manufacturer in India. Expected to cost less than $100 when it ships this fall, this handset will feature a 4.5-inch display, dual SIMs, a removable SD card, and an FM radio. It will run a stock version of Android, but OEMs will be able to add "locally relevant" apps.
Google's motivations here aren't purely altruistic, as the company needs inexpensive, quality handsets to expand its mobile search business globally. But whatever the machinations behind Android One, the project sounds like good news for consumers in emerging markets.
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