Google is not ready to give up on its Android One initiative, inspite of less than stellar sales for the handsets it’s launched under the project so far. Speculations suggest the tech giant is partnering with Lava to launch a new low-cost smartphone in the coming months.
This time round, Google plans to relax its rules regarding hardware specs. To recall, the company had launched the Android One venture in 2014 as a way to sell inexpensive handsets running a pure version of the OS. It joined hands with various manufacturers in developing countries and imposed a strict system to ensure all the phones were up to its standards.
This move considerably restricted the freedom of the companies, with the result being similar offerings with little to distinguish the smartphones in terms of features or price. According to NDTV (via the Wall Street Journal), Google is now allowing brands to pick its own vendors to supply parts. For instance, the makers can choose between 5 different cameras.
The OEMs could even opt to source its processor from Qualcomm. So far, Google, Karbonn, Lava and Micromax have declined to confirm the development. Spice asserted that the company has no plans to manufacture a 2nd Android One device. Even with the potential changes, industry insiders are skeptical of demand for the new handsets.
Also See: Google to renew its push for Android One
One executive thinks Google’s newfound flexibility regarding hardware will result in an Android One phone that is not much different from regular smartphones running a forked version of the software. Furthermore, many Indian manufacturers reel customers in by offering a customized platform with its own applications.
As per research firm Counterpoint, shipments of the 1st 3 Android One models came to only 1.2 million in its 1st year in India. The products held a 3.5% market share for devices that cost $50 to $100, paltry compared to Xiaomi’s Redmi series which had a 7.5% share. The Google initiative apparently sold just 3 million units worldwide.