Yesterday there was a report that Celkon and Intex are the new handset partners for Google’s Android One project. Now, fresh reports are stating that Google will subsidize the handsets to give them a price tag below $100 (Rs 6000).
Aimed at emerging markets starting with India, the Android One program involves Google supplying reference hardware to handset makers, who can use the guidelines to manufacture smartphones that will retail for $100 or less. Initial partners of the Android One project are Micromax, Karbonn and Spice.
Micromax and Karbonn account for approximately 25% of smartphone shipments in India, trailing behind market leader Samsung, which has maintained a roughly 35% share. Google showed off Micromax’s first device Android One with a 4.5″ screen, Dual SIM functionality, FM radio and SD card support at the I/O developer conference.
The Android One project is a move from Google to urge people to make a shift from feature phones to smartphones and hence has decided to keep the price tag low. Earlier this week there were reports that Google will spend more than Rs. 100 crore with its partners on advertising and marketing for the $100 smartphone.
Via:Gigaom