teases September 15 announcement, likely Android One launch

BY GreenBot Staff

Published 2 Sep 2014

is hosting an event September 15 in India for a likely launch of its Android One initiative, a plan to bring low-cost Android hsets to the nation of more than a billion people.

Senior Vice esident Sundar chai unveiled Android One at the I/O conference in ne, detailing a partnership with Indian hardware makers MicroMax, Karbonn, Spice to build near-stock Android phones that cost around $100 non-subsidized.

google invite india

‘s press invite has colorful blocks, but is otherwise short on details.

According to an IDC report in ne, India is one of the fastest-growing smartphone markets in the Asia-cific region. Only 10 percent of the population owns a smartphone, creating wide open prospects for any company looking to make its way into the market. If can push smartphones that are affordable of sufficient quality it can hook an entire region on Android services—or at least that’s the theory.

At the I/O event detailed a device from MicroMax with a 4.5-inch display, dual-SIM support, an SD card slot, an FM radio. It is not known if will reveal more hsets at the September 15 event or just give more information about the Android One program.

arning from its fragmentation experience in the U.S., is taking a more direct h in building the phones, requiring Android One hset makers to build near stock Android hsets that get automatic updates.