Google reveals the first low-cost Android One phones

[JordanWearinThe45]

As predicted, Google has just revealed the first Android One phones at an event in India today. Micromax, Karbonn and Spice Mobiles are the companies working with Google at launch, all three launching new handsets this morning. What can we expect from an Android One device? Karbonn, for example, is launching the "Sparkle V Red," (pictured above) which comes with dual SIM slots, a 4.5-inch display (480 x 854), a 5-megapixel primary camera, 1GB of RAM and, importantly, the latest version of Android (KitKat).

The Android One initiative is Google's big push into developing markets. India is a huge growth opportunity for smartphones, and Android One is designed not only to make more affordable handsets (the new ones will cost around 6399 Rupees -- about $100), but it's also a way of bringing a consistent Android experience. There are plenty of cheap devices that run the operating system, but they suffer from lack of updates. With One, Google can manage the software updates directly, ensuring a much better, less fragmented experience. The three new handsets should go on sale later today.

Google also confirmed that it has negotiated special data plans with Indian operator Airtel that means users on that network will get software updates to the phone delivered without incurring data charges. It was also revealed that there will be a special YouTube app that allows users to download videos for offline viewing. This is something Google goes to great lengths to avoid, usually, but the idea is that this will allow users to grab a video one, and watch it later without either the need for data, or, again, incurring charges.

Lastly, Google made it clear that One phones will be in the first wave of devices to get the anticipated Android L update -- in a similar way to how Nexus handsets currently do. A blog post outlining the program also mentions Acer, Alcatel Onetouch, ASUS, HTC, Lenovo, Panasonic, and chipmaker Qualcomm (current phones have MediaTek processors) among others as hardware partners that have signed up to the program.

http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/15/google-reveals-first-android-one-phones/

That red phone aint bad at all for around $100 brehs Cant wait to see what Acer, Asus, HTC & Levono come up with.
Give me a phone w/ a 5" 1080p screen, LTE & the same specs as the Nexus 5 for under $250 & I'm Gucci. It should be possible since that new Moto is $175, only thing is that its a 720p screen & it doesnt have LTE.

 

[Big Blue]

That poverty display though Barely a step above 480p

 

[AB Ziggy]

With Android One expanding beyond India soon, these nikkas Google will literally take over the entire planet with all Android. They can literally get 90%+ Market share with such a huge population in one country alone. MS can't possibly counter this.

I hope Google sends Android One to the Western market too. Still a lot of people using feature phones and Gingerbread Androids here.

 

[AB Ziggy]

That poverty display though Barely a step above 480p

That's more than enough display for someone who's first exposure to the Internet is through a smartphone. This is India, nor America with all them spoiled Quad HD displays. At least Google's making sure the user experience and quality matters.

 

[AB Ziggy]

That red phone aint bad at all for around $100 brehs Cant wait to see what Acer, Asus, HTC & Levono come up with.
Give me a phone w/ a 5" 1080p screen, LTE & the same specs as the Nexus 5 for under $250 & I'm Gucci. It should be possible since that new Moto is $175, only thing is that its a 720p screen & it doesnt have LTE.

The Moto G has an LTE version on the website, gonna cost you a little more tho.

 

[Nephilim_BC]

I embrace the google world domination

 

[el_oh_el]

That poverty display though Barely a step above 480p

 

[AB Ziggy]

I embrace the google world domination

So you want another Microsoft like monopoly? That ain't healthy.

 

[Panther]

$100

 

[AB Ziggy]

$100

Not releasing the the West tho.

 

[Panther]

Not releasing the the West tho.

i know, i think its dope for the developing countries tho

 

[Liquid]

480x854 is fine, you nerds talking about all this pixel pushing as if it makes THAT much of a difference on these SMALL ASS SCREENS.

 

[#DatGuyWelbz]

480x854 is fine, you nerds talking about all this pixel pushing as if it makes THAT much of a difference on these SMALL ASS SCREENS.

This for the Asian countries like India who are far behind in technology too

 

[radio rahiem]

This for the Asian countries like India who are far behind in technology too

india far behind on technology?

 

[Doctor Wily]

at the foreign fukkery that can come from this in the near future.