There are a few weeks, Google unveiled a new program called One Android , designed for low cost smartphones sold in emerging markets. Today, mobile first using it have been launched in India. For the first launches, Google has signed with three local builders: Micromax, Karbonn and Spice Mobiles.
The three mobile are entry-level devices, with prices approaching 100 dollars and modest specifications (eg 1 Gb of RAM, processor clocked at 1.3 GHz, 5 megapixel camera etc.).
The real advantage that will bring the program to the entry-level mobile is the software part. Indeed, the operating system will be a stock Android from Google and no (or very little) overlay manufacturer.
In addition, updates will be managed directly by Google. According to our colleagues and Android Police, Android smartphones are all One in the 4.4.4 version of Android and they will all receive an update to Android L when it becomes available. In short, we can say that this is a low cost version of the "Google Play Edition".
For Google, it will reduce the fragmentation of its mobile OS while users will benefit from a recent version of Android without buying a medium or high-end smartphone (think of the applications). Of course, application developers will also find many advantages.
Moreover, India would be only a first step. Indeed, Android One should soon land in other Asian countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines. And other manufacturers such as Alcatel, Panasonic, Asus, Acer and HTC would provide them as part of this venture with Google.
Another surprise: YouTube switches to offline
There may be enough to make a little jealous. "In the coming weeks, much of YouTube will be available offline in India . This is huge, and our users will really love. You can upload a video once, save it to your phone and watch it again and again " would also announced Ceaser Sengupta, director at Google, according to local media MEDIANAMA. If you're struggling to imagine, think about the sync feature is already available on Dailymotion.