AndroidGoogle introduces Android One phones made by Spice, Karbonn and Micromax

Google introduces Android One phones made by Spice, Karbonn and Micromax

Google has showcased its Android One program at a press event in India and even announced the Karbonn Sparkle V, Micromax Canvas A1 and Spice Dream Uno Mi-498 phones which are part of it. The aim is to bring on-the-go connectivity to the masses, or the next 5 billion, through affordable hardware to support mobile networks.

This is why Google has been working with OEMs and chip-makers over reference designs and components required. With some of the R&D homework already done by the tech giant, manufacturers will be able to concentrate on building low-cost handsets and not trouble themselves about software updates.

Android One Program

That’s right, it will be Google who directly pushes Android refreshes to users so they don’t have to worry about not receiving the latest upgrades. The mobile OS powering Android One handsets is practically a stock version of Android which gives the powerful tech brand greater control over the end user experience.

Related post: Google sending out invites for Android One India launch on Sep 15

Bloatware and Android forks have been bothering the company for a long time and this is its opportunity to ensure the revenues from related apps flow directly into its coffers. Plus, it admires Apple’s way of having all iOS devices feeding off the newest version of the OS simultaneously and this is the right opportunity.

Karbonn Sparkle V

We assume developers would have an easier job of building or updating apps for Google’s mobile OS if all handsets and tablets running it were working on the same version. Mountain View is starting at the base level now, but we will surely begin seeing Android One venturing onto higher end devices in the future.

Also Read: Google’s Android One smartphones to spell doom for Samsung in India

The key goal is a consistent user experience and even though manufacturers will be able to customize the OS to a certain extent, the core software will stay the same. HTC, Panasonic, Alcatel Onetouch, Lenovo, Acer, Asus, Intex, Lava and Xolo as well as chip giant Qualcomm, have all hopped aboard.

Micromax Canvas A1

Coming to the Karbonn Sparkle V, Micromax Canvas A1 and Spice Dream Uno Mi-498, they have pretty much the same specifications. So it’s actually a matter of which brand you trust the most. These smartphones are available on Snapdeal, Amazon India and Flipkart for Rs 6399, Rs 6499 and Rs 6299, respectively.

Common specs of Spice, Karbonn and Micromax Android One phones:

– Android 4.4.4 KitKat OS
– 4.5-inch 854 x 480p touchscreen
– 5MP and 2MP cameras
– 1.3GHz quad core MediaTek processor
– 1GB RAM, 4GB ROM, 32GB expandability
– Dual SIM card slots
– 1700mAh removable battery

Spice Dream Uno Mi-498

Android One products will be amongst the first to be updated to Android L when it is rolled out later this year. Google has announced that Airtel customers will have the data cost for these software upgrades covered for the first sixth months. During this time, 200MB worth of Play Store apps can also be downloaded by users.

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