Google reveals Android One handsets for emerging markets

Google has detailed a new breed of Android phone that will be aimed at emerging economies.

Three handsets have been announced for the Android One range – the Spice Android One Dream UNO Mi-498, the Micromax Canvas A1 and the Karbonn Sparkle V.

All have 4.5-inch displays, 5MP rear cameras, quad-core processors, 1GB of RAM and 4GB of storage. Every handset runs the stock version of Android Kit Kat have and cost a mere 6,399 Indian Rupees (64).

They’ll also include some additional language support for specific markets – in this instance, Hindi. There are specific tie-ups with certain networks too, all of which guarantee free software updates as and when Google updates its platform.

A South Asian rollout is planned by the end of the year.

Android One is broadly intended to aid Google’s penetration into low-end markets, with its Nexus brand targeting the high-end sector.