Android One program makes its way to Thailand with the new i-mobile iQ II smartphone
Following the recent announcement of the India-bound Lava Pixel V1 handset, the Android One program has added yet another device to its lineup. Residents in Thailand can now get their hands on the new i-mobile iQ II smartphone for 4,444 THB (~$126 USD) from the manufacturer’s website.
See also: Android One Lava Pixel V1 now official
The i-mobile iQ II comes with a 5.0-inch 720p display, a Snapdragon 410 processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 32GB, an 8MP rear-facing camera and a 2MP front facer. It also comes with a 2500mAh battery, dual-SIM functionality, and runs Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. Just like other One handsets, the i-mobile iQ II runs a stock version of Android and will continue to receive timely updates from Google over the next couple of years.
The device available now from i-mobile’s website as well as select retail locations in Thailand. Although it’s not the most high end Android One device we’ve seen, we’re sure users in Thailand will be happy to have yet another affordable smartphone option.
Android One Lava Pixel V1 now official
Following yesterday’s leak, the Lava Pixel V1 smartphone has now been made official. The handset is the latest phone in the Android One line-up and boasts some rather decent specifications that should help Android One compete with new low-cost handsets arriving in countries like India.
One of the biggest features is the handset’s a nice metal back and sides, along with a rather sleek looking design, which is a marked improvement in build quality over Android One’s previous range of low cost smartphones. The Lava Pixel V1’s specifications match up with yesterday’s leaks, including a 5.5-inch 720p display, 2GB of RAM, and a quad-core processor. Here is the full list of specifications:
- 5” HD IPS display
- 13 MP rear camera images (software-enhanced 8 MP sensor)
- 8 MP front camera images (software-enhanced 5 MP sensor)
- 3 GHz quad-core processor (Mediatek MT6582)
- Full HD (1080p) recording and playback
- 2GB RAM, 32GB internal storage (expandable to 32GB)
- 2650 mAh Li-Polymer battery
- 3G dual-SIM
- Android 5.1 Lollipop
The lack of 4G LTE support is a little disappointing. The camera specifications are also a little interesting. It’s an 8 megapixel rear sensor and 5 megapixel front camera, but a software implementation seems to be laying two images over one another for a higher resolution image. We’ll have to wait and see how the actual quality turns out. Of course, the big selling point is fast updates directly from Google as soon as a new version of Android become available.
Google also has a new ad to go along with the launch of the Lava Pixel V1, check it out below.
The Lava Pixel V1 is now available from a selection of retailers in India, including FlipKart and The Mobile Store. The retail price is Rs. 11,349 ($175), which puts the handsets right up against the likes of the popular Moto G and handsets from Xiaomi. Time will tell if the Pixel V1 has done enough to stand out from the pack.
Is anyone buying one?
New Android One device to be introduced on July 27 in India
Google introduced the Android One program back at Google I/O in 2014 in attempt to bring reliable, affordable devices to emerging markets. Google’s ultimate goal is to bring Android to more places around the world. The program began in India and has now expanded to many countries. Most recently, Android One arrived Myanmar and Pakistan. Android One is not going away any time soon. The company is proud to announce that today it has added Lava to its list of partners.
The new mid-range device by Lava International will be India’s latest Android One smartphone, and it’s coming on July 27. It will come with a 5-inch display, 2GB of RAM and be powered by a MediaTek processor. It’s still unknown whether the handset will come with 4G LTE but it’s more likely than not.
Android 5.1 Lollipop will be running upon startup and the price tag from Lava is set at Rs. 12,000.
Source: TechOne3
Come comment on this article: New Android One device to be introduced on July 27 in India
Google launches its first Android One smartphone in Pakistan
Earlier today, Google launched its latest Android One smartphone in Pakistan. The QMobile A1 is available to purchase right now from the Play Store in either black or white for 11,500 PKR ($110).
With regards to internals, the handset packs a 4.5-inch IPS display, a 1.3GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of expandable internal storage, a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera and a 1,700mAh battery.
Straight out of the box, the QMobile A1 runs the latest version of Android (Lollipop 5.1.1), so users have access to the new Material Design user interface, smarter notifications and quick access to data controls.
If you’re based in Pakistan, like the sound of the QMobile A1 and would like to pick one up — hit the source link below.
Source: Google
Come comment on this article: Google launches its first Android One smartphone in Pakistan
Android One QMobile A1 arrives in Pakistan
Android One may not have shot to success, but Google isn’t giving up on its long term plan for the project. Responding to requests from social media, Google has announced that the new QMobile A1 smartphone is now available to purchase in Pakistan.
In a bit of a change from previous Android One releases, the QMobile A1 will be available in retail stores up and down the country, rather than placing a heavy emphasis on e-commerce. The lack of a shelf presence is suspected to be one of the reasons why Android One hasn’t been able to grab a notable market share so far.
Hardware wise, the handset’s specifications remain firmly in the budget category, but that’s what we should expect for Rs. 11,500. The QMobile A1 comes with a 4.5-inch 854×480 display, unspecified 1.3GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 5MP rear camera with LED flash, 2MP front facing camera, and 8GB of storage with a microSD card slot for a further 32GB.
There’s also dual SIM support, a 1,700mAh battery and Android 5.1 Lollipop out of the box. Sadly the A1 is not 4G compatible, but the phone still matches up with other handsets at this price point.
The QMobile A1’s selling point is being touted as lightning fast updates to the latest version of Android as soon as they are available. A promise made with previous Android One phones. We’ll just have to see if updates appear faster this time around.
In other Android One news, a second wave is rumored to be heading to India. Local smartphone company Lava is expected to unveil a new smartphone on July 14th.
Do you think that the QMobile A1 will help Google shift more Android One smartphones this year?
New Android One phone rumored for India launch on July 14
According to a “person with knowledge” of the plan, Google and Lava are gearing up to launch the next Android One handset in India. The new smartphone is expected to launch on July 14, will feature renewed specifications and will have a retail price of Rs. 12,000.
The first wave of Android One handsets were not exactly what we would call a success, with less than 800,000 units in consumer hands in India at the last count. That’s considerably less than MediaTek’s ambitious target of two million handsets by the end of the first year.
There are probably two main factors that have held Android One back. Firstly, a lack of retail store presence prevented customers from being exposed to the products. This time around Google is apparently working more closely with Lava, to make sure that the next Android One phone is available online and in shops. Google is also expected to spend around 10 to 15 million in marketing and promotion.
“The first-phase partners took devices from original device makers (ODMs) in China and had no say over hardware and software. The latest device is controlled by Lava, which would be in a position to provide an enhanced experience,”
Secondly, the hardware wasn’t really competitive with other handsets that have shown up the country since. To address this issue, the next Android One phone is rumoured to arrive with better mid-range hardware. MediaTek will still be providing the SoC but the phone will also come with 2GB of RAM and a larger 5-inch display, although we don’t know at what resolution. Google and Lava are also said to be working on specific software features tailored to the region.
By working more closely with individual partners, perhaps the hope is that the next Android One phones provide a more refined experience, but this looks like it will come at a higher price point. The expected retail price of Rs. 12,000 is almost double what the first generation of handsets cost.
Perhaps more will be revealed at the rumoured launch event on July 14th in Delhi. Google India decline to comment.
Google’s preparing to launch a new Android One smartphone this month
According to a report published by The Economic Times, Google is currently preparing to launch a brand new Android One smartphone in India on Tuesday, July 14. The device is expected to be manufactured by a local company operating under the name Lava and will carry a price tag of around INR 12,000 ($190).
Whilst the first batch of Android One devices weren’t designed and developed in conjunction with Indian suppliers, this latest handset has been created in close collaboration with Lava and MediaTek — so it should be pretty well suited to the Indian market. Unfortunately, we don’t have a spec sheet for the device, but we do know that it will feature a 5-inch display and 2GB of RAM.
Despite demand for Android One devices never really taking off India, Google is determined to make this smartphone a success and has confirmed that it will be available from all channels, including retail stores.
Do you think Google should continue to add devices to its Android One lineup? Or should it just quit while it’s ahead? Be sure to let us know your thoughts below.
Source: The Economic Times
Come comment on this article: Google’s preparing to launch a new Android One smartphone this month
Myanmar welcomes Android One with the Cherry Mobile One
Google’s initiative to bring affordable, capable devices to emerging markets is not going away any time soon. The company announced on Tuesday that Myanmar would see its first Android One device in the form of the Cherry Mobile One.
Key specifications:
- 4.5-inch display (854×480)
- MediaTek 6582 quad-core processor
- 5MP rear camera, 2MP front camera
- 1GB of RAM
- 8GB of internal storage (microSD card slot included)
- 1700mAh battery
- Android 5.1.1
The Cherry Mobile One will be available throughout the country in retail stores starting June 26 with a price of Ks109,000 (~$98).
This phone marks Myanmar as the eighth country to receive an Android One device. The others are India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Turkey.
Source: Google
Come comment on this article: Myanmar welcomes Android One with the Cherry Mobile One
Despite slow start, Google plans to stick with Android One
India is one of the largest emerging markets for smartphones on the planet and the potential there is a big reason so many manufacturers have specific strategies for India. One of those companies is Google which introduced the Android One standard as a way to help manufacturers get devices into the market quickly and at a price point that will be successful. However, the lofty goals of the program have not yet lived up to the promise with less than a million units sold. In a recent interview, Google’s Ceasar Sengupta says the company is not planning to back out on the project and is actually looking for ways to enhance it for future success.
In an interview with The Economic Times, Sengupta says Google is “not backing away from the program.” They have actually expanded to seven countries and continue to work with about 20 OEMs to produce devices for those markets. Sengupta also said Google wants to be “a catalyst and move the overall Android ecosystem forward in a way that helps and benefits users.” That may mean focusing on measures other than volume and not getting caught up in a release schedule in India that saw 1200 new devices launched last year.
One specific issue that Google did identify with the Android One program is the need to expand sales channels. The initial launch of Android One devices saw a distinct lack of retail sales locations for the devices as partners focused on on-line sales channels. Google has realized that was a mistake and that they need to be sure to work in the future to ensure Android One devices are “truly available everywhere.”
Another challenge that has surfaced in the Indian market for Android One is connectivity issues. That has translated into some benefits on a broader level though as Google has had to look at products like YouTube offline and Maps offline. Google is also finding pricing and the ability to tap into consumers with little disposable income is a challenge.
source: The Economic Times
Come comment on this article: Despite slow start, Google plans to stick with Android One
Android One is failing, but Google won’t let it die
Google announced Android One at Google IO 2014 with the biggest hopes and dreams. This platform was to take over emerging markets with the promise of affordable smartphones with reliable service and an acceptable user experience. It was the platform for the next billion smartphone owners. Fast-forward to today and things are not looking as bright.
Though MediaTek predicted up to 2 million Android One sales in India last year, those numbers were quickly proven wrong by the end of 2014. To say that was an over-estimation is really an understatement. Even today, sales have struggled to reach even half that number, with under 800,000 Android One units roaming around India.
Things are not doing great, but Google promises they are not giving up on the platform in an interview with the Economic Times. Caesar Sengupta, vice president of product management at Google, took the stage to give Android One users, manufacturers and developers reassurance that this platform was still marching onward.
Why is Google keeping an unsuccessful project around?
While Android One continues to be a major move by Google, it is only part of a much larger idea. It is an important piece of the puzzle for getting the next billion smartphone users on board. Along with projects like Google Maps offline, YouTube offline and a focus on emerging markets with little data accessibility, Android One aims to be at the forefront of affordable devices.
The plan is to learn from their previous mistakes and bring forth a stronger wave of Android One devices to try and take on the world. They go on to focus on the fact that Google is not always playing the numbers game, and such may be the case with Android One. Their goal is to provide a good experience for the user and build a road that could later on lead to a brighter future.
Caesar Sengupta partially credits low availability from retail channels for the lackluster sales. Is this the case? I wouldn’t be so sure, to be honest. Let’s keep in mind that competition is fierce in this industry. There is a plethora of affordable smartphones out there, especially in markets like India, where over 1200 handsets were announced in 2014. There is no shortage of $100 phones!
The solution?
Are timely updates really enough to keep customers forking out money for Android One phones? We can’t say for sure, but we do know Android One devices are pretty limited, and that could also be a factor in this issue.
Meanwhile, Google stresses the fight is not over and we hope this is the case. They promise next-generation devices coming from almost 20 OEMs and state they will come in both low and mid-end price points. In fact, Caesar claims $100-$200 devices are growing faster than $70-$120 devices, as people who buy a second phone tend to go for more powerful options. Yet he does fail to address those next billion users who are not getting their first $70-$120 phones yet.
It seems Google needs to do more than just sell phones at more retail locations, wouldn’t you agree? Please do sound off in the comments!
AIVAnet 