Google released the Android One program in India earlier and is likely to release it to other south Asian countries in the coming months. Android One aims to provide pure Android experience combined with hardware solution for entry level devices.
The three Android One devices unveiled today, were by Indian manufactures Micromax, Karbonn and Spice. The devices are as follows:
- Micromax Canvas A1 (INR 6,499)
- Spice Dream UNO Mo-498 (INR 6,299)
- Karbonn Sparkle V (INR 6,399)
The smartphones are available for purchase at three major online retailers and off the shelf availability will be rolled out later this year. Google also managed to rope in local carrier Airtel to offer 200 MB data monthly for up to six months on Android One devices.
Android One powered phones will support seven different Indian languages in addition to English. All Android One smartphones will run on Android 4.4.4 KitKat out of the box and guaranteed update to Android L. Just like the Nexus and the Google Play edition devices, Google will be pushing guaranteed software updates to Android One devices.
On the hardware side, they have identical specification: 1.3Ghz quad-core MediaTek processor, 1GB of RAM, 5MP and 2MP shooter on the front and rear respectively, 4.5” display with a resolution of 854×480, 4GB onboard storage and expendable Micro SD card slot. Also, these devices have a removable 1700mAh battery with dual SIM card support.
At the event, Google also announced nine more new global partnerships with OEMs like Xolo, Alcatel, Acer, ASUS, HTC, Lava, Intex, Lenovo and Panasonic. However, Samsung, Sony and LG chose not be a part of Android One program, yet.