It’s a platform created by Google where it brings hardware, software and connectivity solutions together to enable high quality but affordable smartphones. These phones will run on a standardised Android OS on which the handset makers can customise.
How many phone-makers are part of this programme?Micromax, Karbonn and Spice have launched devices under this programme priced at ₹6,399. Google will roll this out to other countries including Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan. Other brands - Lava, HTC and Lenovo - are expected to join soon.
Why this platform?At present, different versions of Android are being used by multiple phone-makers in different handsets. Under the Android One programme, handset brands will be given a standardised hardware and software design. Users will get faster updates of the OS. Google apps such as Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, Google Search, and Google Translate will come pre-loaded on the phones.
What else?In coming weeks much of YouTube will be available offline in India, meaning that people can store videos in the YouTube app when they are on Wi-Fi and watch them later — a great benefit for times with a slow connection or re-watching videos without using up the data plan.