Google I/O 2014: Google Launches Android One For Low-End Smartphones

At Google I/O event today we got the first glimpse at Google’s brand new device that should re-invent the ‘low-end smartphone’ with Android One.

This is a brand new program that is based on releasing affordable hardware with the basic Android AOSP functions and capabilities. With Android One Google hopes to break big in all emerging markets as it will be first pushed out in India while we should see more countries getting it soon after.

The first Android One devices will be designed by Google with Micromax and it will not be pricier than $100. Sundar Pinchay which is Google Senior VP stated that “these are high-quality, affordable smartphones’ that will also be ready for Nexus-like updates for the OS. Since most Android low-end tablets and phones are usually launched with older Android versions it seems like Google has had enough of that and will deliver budget devices running a version of the latest Android OS.

Basically, the first Android One device from Micromax will feature the essential hardware components while at same time delivering the best in terms of software environment. With this new Android One platform all carriers and hardware makers will be able to pre-install their own software directly from Google Play Store.

Finally, Google plans to release the Android One program first in India with help from three OEMs: Spice, Karbonn and Micromax. It should be ready for a fall release and it packs a 4.5 inch screen, dual-SIM cards support, external SD card slot and FM radio. There are not additional details regarding the release of Android One globally, so we can only hope that this will happen later this year in more emerging markets across the world.

Additionally, Google has also announced the release of an Android L Developer Preview for their future Android OS update.