At the earlier Google I/O developer event, Sundar Pichai, Google’s senior vice president for Android, Chrome and Apps, has promised that they will unveil a pure android experience at affordable prices. Finally, they stand by their words by releasing Android One smartphone, the most debated topics in the last few days. Smartphones are already on sale in India. So, it’s a perfect time for you to explore the details of Android One. What it is, what it contains, which benefits it brings to you at what price.
Here is a sufficient read for anyone, looking to purchase an android device and for android app development company, looking to create great apps for next Android devices.
Android One: What it is?
Android One, a smartphone or a new family of Android devices or an initiative from Google, entered with an aim to help smartphone makers to create quality Android products at affordable prices. Android one devices are pure android experience, running the latest version of Android (Android v4.4.4 KitKat). Android one smartphone gets software updates directly from Google and comes with a hardware package tuned for Android.
Benefits for Users
- Quick and Constant Updates: All the softwares of Android One smartphones are in the hands of Google. Google is fully responsible to manage them all, so like Nexus, Android one devices also run the latest Android version. Being in the hands of Google, they will receive constant updates as quickly as possible.
- Affordable Price: As promised by Sundar Pichai, Android One is actually an affordable smartphone with a price around $100 and high quality functions for users, looking for good quality at low-budget.
- Selected and Certified Hardware Package: This is the great news for those, worrying about crappy components inserted in cheap priced smartphones. Google has already prepared a pre-vetted list of hardware components. The final device will contain hardware elements selected from this list only. There is no place for outside elements in Android one smartphones. Google has future plans to increase the number of elements in the list and deliver lots options for manufacturer’s and android app development company to choose from.
- Data Benefits: Google has tied-up with Airtel to provide 200 MB free data for six months to users of Android one smartphones. Users are allowed to download apps from Google play store and other android updates, exist within the next six months. For update downloads, Google has placed a limit of 100 MB.
Specifications
- Display: 4.5 Inch IPS Display
- Screen Resolution: FWVGA (854x480p)
- Processor: 1.3 GHz MediaTek quad-core MT6582 processor
- RAM: 1GB
- OS: Android 4.4.4 Kitkat
- Rear Camera: 5MP
- Front Camera: 2MP
- Flash: LED Flash
- Sim Support: Dual Sim
- 3G: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes
- GPS: Yes
- FM Radio: Yes
- Internal Storage: 4GB
- MicroSD Card Slot: Yes
- Battery: 1700 mAh
Current Availability
At presents, three Android One smartphones are available for sale:
- Micromax Canvas A1
- Spice Dream Uno
- Karbonn Sparkle V
Google has also partnered with HTC, Lava, Intex, Acer, ASUS, Alcatel Onetouch, Xolo, Lava, Panasonic, and Lenevo with a plan to release next Android one smartphone with them, in upcoming months.
After-sales Service and Support
The particular company will provide after-sales service and support for your Android one smartphone. For instance, you have purchased Spice Dream Uno; the Spice Company will be responsible for after-sales service and support.
By the end of 2014, Google has more plans for Android one to explore with Indonesia, Philippines, and other South Asian countries. While in India, more devices from more companies will enter in the coming months.
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