Google invitation hints at Android One launch in India on September 15, 2014.
The much-awaited low-cost smartphone by Google is expected to be launched in India on September 15, 2014. Google sent an invitation that read “Block your date for an exciting announcement from Google.” Sources say it is most likely going to be the launch date for the Android One program that Google had announced at their I/O that was held on June 25, 2014 in San Francisco. The phone is set to be under $100.
Google has already entered into a partnership with 3 domestic Indian mobile companies – Micromax, Karbonn and Spice. These manufacturers will run the stock Android software that was specifically built by Google and will receive automatic updates. While these are the primary manufacturers, more Indian companies are partnering with Google now to build the hardware for the Android One phones.
The phones under the Android One program will be under $100, which was announced at the Google I/O held earlier this year. Google launched Android One with the aim of “next 5 billion” where it is targeting emerging markets like India.
While the phone specifications are not official yet, the California-based tech giant did leave some hints at the I/O about a Micromax phone that was in the works. It would have:
- 4.5-inch display
- dual-SIM support
- FM Radio
- SD card slot
Google’s Android is the current leader in smartphone operating softwares. However, other OS’ like Apple’s iOS and Microsoft’s Windows are also gaining popularity. Newer platforms like Tizen and Firefox also are a potential threat to Google, who is doing all it can to maintain its position as the market leader.
