All Sections

Google to launch budget Android One phone a week after iPhone 6

Google has hinted at the launch of its first Android One budget smartphone on September 15, just a week after Apple announces the iPhone 6.

Looks like we’ll see the first Android One smartphones launching just a week after Apple’s big iPhone 6 shindig, and three months after we first heard of Google’s scheme.

If you can’t remember that far back, basically Google is paying companies to develop Android smartphones which use stock Android – i.e. no fiddlesome overlays or bloatware or other crap heaped on top. Just pure, vanilla Google goodness.

Google may announce its Android One smartphone a week after Apple's iPhone 6

Android One was formally announced by Google back in June, with its primary aim to bring a wider selection of Android devices to developing countries. Now it looks as though we’ll see the first device or devices announced on September 15, if the above invite is genuine.

The software on Android One devices will be standard Android like on Nexus devices, with none of that horrible bloatware which often plagues many Android phones.

Android chief Sundar Pichai said Google wants to provide a “seamless experience across all [these] connected devices. We’re making everything contextually aware. We want to know when you’re at home, with your kids,” at the announcement.

Android One devices will keep with the local trends and the first device said to be launching – manufactured by Indian company Micromax – will include dual SIM functionality, an SD card slot, a 4.5-inch screen and FM radio.

Just like Nexus devices, Android One handsets will get firmware updates as they’re released, meaning they will always be bang up to date.

All manufacturers are invited to develop devices using the Android One programme, meaning it’s likely the key players including Motorola, Samsung and LG will develop lower-end handsets to further infiltrate the lower-income nations.

Android One will launch with the three biggest phone manufacturers in India, Karbon, Micromax and Spice, although it’s thought the devices will launch in other countries alongside local partners later in the year.

Despite a number of low-end smartphones such as the Moto E seeing some popularity in developing countries, this new ecosystem will hopefully go further to offer developing countries solid hardware and software – and of course, boost Android’s popularity around the world.

Source

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *