Google and Lava International plan to release a new low-cost Android One smartphone in India in coming months, according to a report from WSJ. With the reboot, Google aims to give users in developing economies an inexpensive way to get online through its Android mobile operating system and win more customers in fast-growing emerging markets, adds the report.
Google launched the Android One program back in September last year by launching Micromax Canvas A1, Karbonn Sparkle V and Spice Dream UNO low-cost smartphones with similar specifications. Counterpoint Research estimates the combined sales of these phones were only 1.2 million units in the first year, mainly due to heavy competition in the similar price range.
For the first set of Android One smartphones Google set out strict requirements regarding specifications and its price, which was the main reason only few phone makers in India got committed to Android One. This time Google will also give device makers more freedom to choose the components, including option to buy them from their own approved vendors and will also give them freedom to decide how much they cost, says the report.
Since the release in India, the Android One program has been expanded to 19 more countries. Specifications of the upcoming Lava-made Android One smartphone are not available yet. Hope we can expect more Android One smartphones from other manufactures as well with different specifications and price points in coming months.