Google announced the new Android One program to help select and authorise the low-cost hardware to make affordable smartphones. Micromax, Karbonn and Spice are part of the Android One program to churn out affordable low-cost devices and deliver the stock Android experience. On the hardware side, Google is in talks with Taiwanese mobile chipset maker MediaTek for the Android One program reported DigiTimes.
Google with Android One initiative aims to replicate what the company has already done with Nexus line of devices. However, in the case of Android One, Google will select the hardeware reference design platforms and thus make it easier for handset markets to simply manufacture the smartphones.
Not only that, the Android One devices will get the stock Android experience. However, handset makers would be able to push installations through the Google Play Store. Most importantly, the Android One devices will get priority for Android Version updates as much as for Nexus devices.
Micromax made Android One device shown at the Google I/O 2014 keynote bears 4.5-inch display, Dual-SIM slot and will be powered by the dual-core MediaTek MT6575 mobile chipset as per the supply chain sources based on Taiwan. The Android One devices are expected to cost about $100 (Rs 6000). For that price, consumers will get Google approved hardware and promise for software updates.