Two Spice smartphones in the form of an Android One device and a Firefox OS handset will hit India before Diwali bursts into the picture. The former may be priced at around Rs 6000, while the latter could cost approximately Rs 1500.
Research firm IDC reports that smartphone sales in India increased by more than 100% in 2013, out of which over 70% consisted of shipments of phones pegged below $200. With developed markets at the saturation point, OEMs are apparently eager to find the next two billion users in new markets such as India, Brazil and China. It’s no wonder that companies like Google, Mozilla, Gionee and Xiaomi are looking to grow their businesses here.
Mozilla already named Spice and Intex as the brands which would introduce Firefox OS phones in the Indian market. The only bit of detail we know in terms of specifications is that the handset from Spice may carry a 3.5-inch touchscreen. You can find the specs of Intex’s Cloud FX by following this link.
Also read: Google to ditch Nexus line for high-end Android Silver devices
As for Google, it’s Android One project is actually a reference platform or a set of guidelines device makers can follow in order to build low-cost phones. The tech giant has partnered with Micromax, Karbonn and Spice to launch handsets costing less than $100, that’s below Rs 6000.
The Economic Times cites a PTI report as saying that the two Spice smartphones we’ve mentioned will reach India before Diwali is upon us. But the company’s CEO, TM Ramakrishnan, has refused to give out any information with regards to the specs of these devices.