Google Hosting Media Event in India on 15th September, Android One Official Debut Expected

Google introduced Android One at the Google I/O annual developer conference this year, but didn’t divulge much details about the new program. More details and perhaps even the first Android One devices could be revealed at a media event scheduled by Google on 15th September in India. Google has supposedly started sending official invites for the event, Indian media house NDTV Gadgets has shared the invite in a post on its webpage.

The Android One program aims at creating a unified Android experience for smaller manufacturers in the emerging economies, especially India. Consumers in emerging markets are used to a sub-par Android experience in devices that cost below $150. The products available in these markets at the low-end segment come with poor hardware specs and no software updates deterring a lot of the prospective first time smartphone buyers from choosing Android.

All the devices under Android One would be running the latest Android version available, and Google will be pushing out new updates to the devices itself like it does for Google Play Edition and Nexus line of devices. Unlike the Nexus devices though, Google will not be subsidizing Android one hardware,The minimum hardware requirements for the Android One line-up will be decided by Google to ensure that all devices are able to provide the optimum Android experience at an affordable price point for the first time smartphone buyers in the developing nations. Majority of the Indian Android manufacturers like Micromax, Karbonn and Spice have joined the Android One program and the first devices from these brands should hit stores latest by October. Majority of those device might be showcased at the September 15th event.

The very first Android One device was announced at the Google I/O conference, from the leading Indian Android manufacturer Micromax. The device was said to come with a 4.5” screen, FM Radio, Dual SIM slots, microSD card support and a price tag of under $100. Similar specs could be expected on the newer devices that could be announced.Google’s senior vice president and Android chief Sundar Pichai is expected to be present at the event and is very likely to formally introduce the Android One program.