Aakash is first in a series of Android-based tablet computers produced by British company DataWind. It is manufactured by the India-based company Quad. The Aakash tablet, initially launched at a record low price of $50, and meant for distribution to University students, is also considered to be the cheapest Android tablet in the world.

Indian Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal, announced yesterday that the latest iteration of the Aakash Tablet would be made available to students across the nation on November 11th.

The Aakash tablet will pack a 1 GHz processor, four hour battery capacity, and will run Android 4.0- Ice Cream Sandwich  out of the box. Priced at $49, Mr, Sibal also said that with the setting up of core manufacturing processes within India, the price is expected to go down to $35 over a period of time.

Quoting Mr. Sibal :

“At the moment, we are actually formulating a Cabinet note for the manufacturing of five million Aakash tablets without any financial burden on the Ministry of Finance,”

With the easy availability of a variety of low as well as high-cost tablets in the Indian Market, it is indeed encouraging to see a product developed for the student niche. If you have any thoughts, do let us know in comments below