Google on Monday sent out invites for a media event On September 15. It is expected that the company and its hardware partners -- Spice, Karbonn and Micromax -- will launch Android One phones at the event. The phones, which will run the stock version of Android optimized for low-cost hardware, will be targeted at budget shoppers. They will cost around Rs 10,000 each.
In its invite Google says that "more details (will be available) closer to date". we had earlier reported that the Android One phones would launch in September.
With Android One phones Google is not only attempting to woo millions of consumers who still use feature phones in emerging markets but is also trying to take back the control of Android ecosystem. Unlike the normal Android phones, where the user experience is largely controlled by the phone manufacture even though the devices run Google's Android, on Android One phones Google will control the software and user experience.
Google's hardware partners, who are part of the Android One platform, cannot modify software on the phone. They have to use stock Android. Also, Google and not the phone makers will be responsible for the operating system updates. This means users can expect timely updates for their phones.
The Android One program was announced by Sundar Pichai, the head of Android division in Google, in June this year. Given that India is the first country where Google is launching the Android One phones, it is expected that Pichai will come here for the event.