MANILA – In an effort to boost smartphone penetration in developing countries, Google has launched the Android One, a program that enables manufacturers to develop more affordable smartphones.
Android One is a reference platform that will help Google’s partner manufacturers create high-quality, low-price smartphones. The program aims for high quality hardware tuned for Android, and the latest software and Android features that automatically update when new versions are released.
The program also includes offers from service providers that lower or maximize the cost of data for Android One users.
The program kicked off in India earlier this week, with the first set of phones retailing for Rs. 6,399 or USD 105.
Partner hardware and carrier brands include Acer, Airtel, Alcatel, Asus, HTC, Intex, Karbonn, Lava, Lenovo, Mediatek, Micromax, Panasonic, Qualcomm, Spice, and Xolo.
Android One will see a Philippine roll-out by year end. Apart from the Philippines the program will also be expanded to Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, with more countries to follow in 2015.
