Google launches Android One-powered smartphones at Rs. 6,399
Google launched the phones in partnership with Micromax, Karbonn and Spice Mobiles
Google Inc. on Monday launched its Android One-powered smartphones, pricing them at around Rs. 6,399 to capture the low-cost segment of the world's fastest growing smartphone market.
Google launched the phones in partnership with Indian mobile phone makers Micromax, Karbonn and Spice Mobiles.
The U.S.-based company says it plans to expand Android One to Indonesia, Phillippines and other South Asian countries by the end of 2014 and in more countries in 2015.
Like Nexus and Google Play Edition products, Android One smartphones will get automatic software updates from Google.
During the firm’s developers conference in San Francisco earlier this year, Sundar Pichai, Google SVP (Android, Chrome and Apps), had said the Micromax device with would be a dual-SIM, 4.5-inch screen device with a removable SD card.
According to research firm IDC, smartphone sales in the country grew almost three-fold to over 44 million in 2013, buoyed by affordable devices made by local firms such as Micromax and Karbonn.
In the second quarter of 2014, 18.42 million smartphones were shipped in India. Though Samsung is the leader with a 29 per cent market share, Micromax (18 per cent), Karbonn (8 per cent) and LAVA (6 per cent) are close competitors.
Google’s attempts are also important as it aims to capture a larger share of the entry-level segment. Recently, Firefox (in partnership with Spice and Intex) launched two new smartphones, priced below Rs. 2,300, aimed at those looking to upgrade from feature phones to smartphones.
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