Looks like global search engine giant Google’s much-ambitious Android-One project is gradually and steadily picking up steam. Homegrown manufacturers Celkon and Intex are all set to join the ranks of Micromax, Karbonn and Spice to create and sell Android One phones for which hardware reference points, software and subsequent updates will be provided by Google. While Celkon Mobiles has already signed a agreement with Google for the Android One initiative, Intex is hoping to seal a deal soon.
“With Android One, we are planning to introduce devices that are 20-30 per cent cheaper than earlier products,” Celkon executive director Murali Retineni was quoted by ET as saying. Intex on the other hand is reportedly in the final stages of discussion and is hoping to build its brand image in the cut-throat competetive domestic market through the partnership. “We are in talks with Google for the Android One initiative. In 15-20 days, I would be able to give more information on the same,” Sanjay Kumar Kalirona, business head, mobile, Intex Technologies was quoted by ET.
Even as Sundar Pichai, the senior VP at Google who is in charge of Android, Chrome and Apps, is all set to launch the first batch of low budget Android smartphones (to the tune of 100$) in India, sometime in October this year buzz has it that Google is planning to splurge in excess of a whopping Rs 1,000 milllion with its official partners on advertising and marketing for the platform. Up until now, Google’s OEM partners were forced into launching a new smartphone every nine months to stay ahead in the cut-throat competition. However, thanks to Google’s new Android hardware and software reference platform, its partners will now be able to save money and get enough time to choose the right components, before pushing their smartphones into the market. Android One will also permit them to push updates to their Android devices, offering optimised stock Android experience. With Android One platform coming in place, Google will be able to make sure a minimum set of standards for Android-based smartphones.
