Google came up with its Android phone to revolutionize the low-end smartphone market by offering an operating system that is sophisticated enough and improves the overall quality of smartphones that can be purchased for less than $100.
Earlier this year in September Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) launched its Android One in India where the devices powered by the operating system created quite a buzz; however it remains to be seen whether this hype will lead to any success in terms of generating revenues for the internet giant; we will have to wait and see Google’s next earnings reports. Ever since their launch in India, Android One devices are being sold both online and through brick and mortar retailers.
After India now Google is ready to expand its Android One to other parts of the world as well. The operating system is now all set to be launched in Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh – all these three countries have a fairly successful low-end smartphone market. Android One is expected to be launched in these three regions in the coming weeks and with this expansion Google hopes to reach a collective population of 200 million users.
Google will collaborate with Spice, Micromax and Karbonn to introduce its Android One in the above mentioned countries. All these three names are responsible for making devices powered by Android One in India as well. In Bangladesh, however, these three companies will also be joined by Bangladesh’s own Symphony for manufacturing of Android One devices. Google has worked with Symphony before when the company arranged an Internet Bus Tour in Bangladesh.
Devices powered by Android One went on sale outside of India before this expansion was announced; these devices were sold for as low as 70 pounds in the United Kingdom. The main focus, however, of Android One is the emerging markets where it hopes to establish a strong footing.
Currently Android driven low-end phones are powered by older versions of Androids and do not offer many important features such as Google Maps and Google Play. Android One hopes to change low-end phones and promises its users complete updates of Google services and latest apps. Moreover the operating system also aims to improve specs for low-end phones and make them better and more user friendly. The main objective of Android One devices is to give the users a high quality experience through low-end phones.
With its expansion into Asia, Google will be issuing a challenge to Samsung and local devices manufacturers that currently rule the low-end market in the region. However it will also force its competitors to improve their game and offer better services and software to their users – it will create a win-win situation for the buyers.
Android One devices will have to work hard to make their mark in India and other countries because the low-end market in these regions offer phones that are well below the $100 mark and are favored by buyers who are on a budget.
It is believed that in the year 2015 Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) will add more countries to its list.
