Now, Google has go back to the drawed board for Android One and come up with a new version 2.0 as it were. But it is said that Google will change that with this time around, as the handset will be sold through retail outlets across the country in addition to e-commerce sites online.
While we don’t know the name of the device, the report claims the Lava smartphone will be powered by a MediaTek processor and 2GB of RAM. Google, which is expected to spend around $10 million-15 million on marketing and promotion during the second phase of the Android One project in India this year only.
Unlike the first iteration when Indian handset makers were not involved in the design process, this time around Lava and Mediatek will collaborate on hardware on software.
Reportedly, the upcoming Android One smartphone by Lava will have Lava having complete say in deciding the hardware and software inside the phone.
The first wave of Android One devices launched in India in September 2014. The company is pegged to launch a new Android One smartphone later this month. In all likelihood, expect the phone to become a cheaper version Nexus device which, unlike the first variant, will be available across all channels i.e. online as well as offline. And for the first time, it seemed that Google was interested to clear up the mess that was crippling the Android experience in the low echelon segment, the userbase of which largely consisted of first-time smartphone users.
The aim was to deal with fragmentation of its software as well as provide consumers a Google-sanctioned authentic Android smartphone alternative to the rampant gray market handsets in the emerging economies.
Google is now working with close to 20 smartphone vendors to offer Android One smartphones in seven countries. “12,000 ($190) in India market”, according to a “person with knowledge” of the plan. These planned 4G smartphones will have greater-than-average memory and storage capacity apart from high-resolution displays and be priced upward of Rs 12,000.
We’re talking about the Google’s much maligned Android One project and the same is now set for a wholesome revamp. Google initially partnered up with three India-based OEMs to release Android One handset, and since then, the sales numbers haven’t been all that impressive. Intex said it’s not now developing a device.
