Tech giant plans to revive famed Android One project, targets $50 price band

folarin okunola

August 10, 2015 11:14 AM

When its was being launched last year, Google revealed Android One handsets from Indian companies like Micromax, Karbonn and Spice Mobile.

Google Android One project is aimed at cracking the potential in emerging markets.

According to several media reports, Google is relaunching its much-hyped Android One project that's supposed to bring low-priced smartphones to emerging markets.

Engadget reports that Rajan Anandan, the company's managing director in India, told the Financial Times that the program has "not delivered to expectations," due to shortages of the devices.

In addition, theses devices have cost as much as $100, limiting their appeal in the price-sensitive region. Google's ultimate goal is to increase its search business in huge emerging markets by getting connected devices into consumers' hands. And that's why it's now going to focus on hitting the pricing "sweet spot" in India -- between $30 and $50.

When its was being launched last year, Google revealed Android One handsets from Indian companies like Micromax, Karbonn and Spice Mobile. The devices were basic, but decent with 4 to 5-inch displays, 5-megapixel cameras and recent versions of Android.

According to Engadget, the search giant is also planning "very large-scale" investment in content designed for India's culture and language. As a result of all language barriers and such issues, Anandan said that local search is one of "several battlegrounds where we are not winning" in the nation.

folarin okunola