While Android One is rumored to expand to the US later this year, the initiative will likely continue to focus on the rest of the world. At MWC 2017, General Mobile has announced their latest Android One device meant for Turkey. Running Nougat, notable specs include a fingerprint sensor and selfie flash.
Launched in 2014, Google’s plans to have developing markets use a more controlled and stock version of Android have yet to really take off. According to The Information, Android One is now pivoting to the US with a launch later this year of a device in the $200-300 range.
Google’s Android One program has been pretty quiet over the past couple months. The last device released, the Sharp 507SH, landed in Japan but with Android Marshmallow out of the box. Since then Nougat has been released and now General Mobile has announced the GM 5, the first Android One device to launch with the latest version of Google’s mobile OS…
It’s been a few weeks since Android 7.0 Nougat went official and since the source code went public developers over at XDA have been hard at work creating ROMs for various devices based on the OS. Just a week ago we saw builds pop up for older devices such as the Nexus 4, OnePlus One, and even the Raspberry Pi 3.
No one enjoys getting random, unwanted phone calls, especially on their mobile phone. Thankfully Google is doing something about it, at least for Nexus and Android One users. As long as caller ID is enabled on your device, Google will now give you a clear warning if an incoming call is potentially a spam call.
Android One has yet to take off since its announcement in 2014 with Google loosening restrictions for manufactures late last year. Now, the effort to make low cost hardware with stock software is coming to Japan with the Sharp 507SH for local carrier Y! Mobile. The phone features a water and dust proof design, 13MP camera, and 3,010 battery rated at three days of usage.
In a statement, Google told us it’s “proud to partner with OEMs around the world, such as Softbank, to offer high quality phones that are fast, responsive and run pure Android as Google intended.”
Last we heard of Android One, Google was reportedly loosening hardware restrictions placed on manufacturers and planning a re-launch in the coming months. At MWC, General Mobile is releasing a GM 5 Plus Android One device that costs nearly $300 and has high-end specs like USB Type-C and fast charging.
It’s not exactly just AOSP, but Oppo has today introduced Project Spectrum, a flavor of Android for its line of phones that combines what the company says is the best of stock Android and its own in-house built features. At first glance, you might think you’re using a Nexus or Motorola handset, which is definitely a great thing, but Spectrum adds some add-ons from its ColorOS that add a little bit to the experience…
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Google first tried to penetrate the Indian phone market with its Android One lineup of affordable devices, but after deeming that project less-than-successful, the company is reportedly planning to adjust its plans. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Google plans to relax the requirements it originally had on Android One devices, giving manufacturers more freedom when it comes to features and price.
Google yesterday announced that Android Marshmallow is coming over-the-air to Nexus devices in the coming days and weeks, but now we have confirmation that Google is also pushing the update to Android One devices. Google promised when it launched the Android One program that these phones would get update priority and offer the latest and greatest much like Nexus phones, and it looks like the company is delivering on that promise…
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We’ve seen Android One devices land in a couple Middle East countries already, but now the program is coming to the United Arab Emirates. The Infinix Hot 2, which you can see in the image above, is now available exclusively from Souq.com…
The 5-inch smartphone launches with a quad-core MediaTek processor, dual-SIM support, front and rear cameras (at 2 MP and 8 MP, respectively), 1 GB of RAM, and 16GB storage (expandable via microSD card). Out of the box, the phone runs Android 5.1 Lollipop, and the whole package will cost you AED 299 (or just about $80 in the equivalent US dollars). We saw the same phone launch in Africa earlier this year.
Interestingly, we have yet to see the official Android blog come out to brag about this launch. Android One has been introduced to many major markets this year, most recently including Europe with the BQ Aquaris A4.5, a new handset in India called the Lava Pixel V1, and a launch in Pakistan just a few months ago with the QMobile A1. According to a recent report, Google wants to halve the price of its Android One handsets in all of these markets.
Infinix Hot 2 becomes Middle East’s first Android One smartphone; launched exclusively onSouq.com
20 September 2015 Dubai, UAE– Infinix Mobility has announced the launch of the new Infinix Hot 2 phone in collaboration with Google™ to bring high-performance, low-cost Android™ experience to the Middle East. The device, which is the first smartphone on the Android One™ program in Middle East, will enable all users enjoy the latest version of Android with guaranteed software upgrades after release, premium hardware specs and a wide range of customized apps.
Speaking on the device, Benjamin Jiang, MD, Infinix Mobility, stated that the new Infinix Hot 2 will redefine the smartphone industry in Middle East. He said: “At Infinix we believe that Middle East end-users deserve to experience the latest smartphones at competitive price. That is why we are pleased to collaborate with Google to deliver this unique smartphone; the Infinix Hot 2. We are confident that the phone will push the frontiers of smartphone technology to the next level.”
Speaking in the same vein, Caesar Sengupta, Vice President, Product Management at Google said “Google is pleased to collaborate with Infinix Mobility on Android One — a program designed to help bring high-quality, low-cost Android devices to everyone. We’re looking forward to working with Infinix Mobility to put a great smartphone into the hands of people in the Middle East.”.
Ronaldo Mouchawar, CEO & Co-Founder of Souq.com commented, “Souq.com is committed to the development of e-commerce in the MENA region of which consumer electronics (smartphones specifically) is the biggest industry sector. Today, Souq.com is championing the factory-to-consumer model through its unique partnerships by opening the market up and providing product diversity for our customers as well as making high-spec, world-leading technology more accessible. Infinix Mobility’s high-performance, great value Android Hot 2 could be a significant turning point in the smartphone ecosystem. We are excited to be exclusive partners and supporting Infinix Mobility in this launch.”
As with other phones running the latest Android Lollipop, users of the Infinix Hot 2 can automatically enable the new battery saver feature to extend battery life by 90 minutes. Users can also see the estimated time left before they need to recharge. And when charging, they can also see the estimated time for the battery to become fully charged. The operating system offers users more control over data usage by offering a two-quick swipe control to turn data on or off; they can also easily check data usage.
The Infinix Hot 2 is made of glossy materials that give users a luxury experience. Its cutting edge style was precisely designed to fit in the palm of a user; its style, display and architecture give it a unique design.
Powered by a Mediatek 1.3GHz Quad-Core Processor and a 1GB RAM, users can play 3D games on the Infinix Hot 2 in addition to an extraordinary experience while watching videos in high-definition (HD). The smartphone has a 2200mAh battery that allows users to enjoy the device for longer hours. The device runs on Android Lollipop and there will be automatic update to the latest version of Android when it becomes available.
The Infinix Hot 2 also comes with a 5.0 inch display and high-definition (1280 x 720 pixels) resolution that allows users to read and respond to messages directly from the lock screen and provides quick access to tools like the flashlight, Bluetooth, WI-Fi, and more- also standards available on the latest Android Lollipop.
Infinix Hot 2 has an 8.0 MP rear camera in addition to 5P Lens and 2MP front-facing camera. The metal camera decorative design makes the camera a bright spot on the back. It comes with true flash+ BSI. And even in dark light, users can still capture best shots. Camera not only allows you to take photos of things and people you love but also of you through the front camera. Infinix Hot 2 also comes with a beauty face option which captures a portrait and automatically adjusts the photo to create a more visually pleasing photo, making face smoother and brighter.
In addition to improved high dynamic range and low-dark current, the device perfectly complements the 5P lens which increases light sensibility by 30% thus making it possible for users to take high quality photos anywhere and anytime.
Exclusively available on Souq.com No.1 Middle East e-commerce retailer for 299AED only
http://uae.souq.com/ae-en/ae-infinix-hot-2/c/
Full Device Specifications
Network: 2G/3G
OS: Lollipop 5.1
Dimensions: 145 x 71.86 mm x 88 mm
Display: 5” HD screen
Resolution: 720 x 1280
Processor quad core: 1. 3 GHz
Battery: 2200mAh
Camera: 8MP rear + 2MP front
Premium Accessories
Double-Side PU screen protector
Stylish Leather Cover
*Terms and conditions apply
1Users will be able to receive updates for the latest Android operating system up to two years
Google Spain took to its official Twitter handle to announce the news we’ve been waiting on for some time: Android One has finally landed in Europe. Having seen a rollout in several Asian and African countries, this marks the first time we’ve seen Google’s budget-friendly stock Android effort within the EU. The first European Android One handset is the BQ Aquaris A4.5, which is available to buy now direct from BQ in Spain and Portugal…
Google Play gift cards, a familiar sight at supermarkets across the United States, have now arrived in India. This comes a few months after Google first introduced prepaid vouchers in the country, and according to the official Google India blog, the new cards will be coming to a total of five retail outlets at launch…
Following the launch of Google Play prepaid vouchers in June, we have now rolled out physical gift cards in retail outlets across India. You can now find Google Play Gift Cards in the stores of Spice Hotspot, Vijay Sales, Planet M, Planet Mobile and Sangeetha Mobiles.
Following the recent expansion to Pakistan, Thailand and Myanmar, Google is continuing to roll out its Android One devices to more countries. Today marks the first day of the program’s availability in Africa. Google announced this morning that Android One is making its way to North Africa with the budget-friendly Infinix HOT 2 smartphone in Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya and Morocco.
Google is making a “massive” investment in its Android One program, designed to make pure Android devices available to customers in developing markets at affordable prices, reports the FT. It hopes “over the next few years” to bring down the retail price of Android One handsets in countries like India from the equivalent of $100 to somewhere in the $30-50 range.
Rajan Anandan, managing director in India and Southeast Asia, told the Financial Times that the company [recognized that the] much-hyped mobile standard had “not delivered to expectations” …
Update: Google has now announced the expansion to India on its blog.
Google continues its roll-out of Android One devices in Asia today, with the launch of i-mobile’s iQ II in Thailand. This is the first Android One smartphone to be available in Thailand and costs 4,444 THB (roughly $126 USD).
The i-mobile iQ II has a 5-inch 1280 x 720 resolution display, an 8MP rear camera, 2,500mAh battery and 16GB internal storage with the option to expand up to 32GB. What’s more, it has dual-SIM support, 1GB RAM and a 2MP front facing camera.
As an Android One phone, the i-mobile iQ II combines hardware that’s been tested by Google with the latest version of Android (Lollipop 5.1.1). Android Lollipop offers Google’s new Material Design interface, up to 2x better performance, a battery saver feature, and smarter notifications.
For those unaware, the program is intended to create high quality, affordable smartphones for developing markets using readily available parts to keep cost down. Most recently, Google announced that a new generation of hardware, in the form of the Lava Pixel V1 is making its way to the original Android One market: India. Other countries have also recently been introduced to Android One, including Pakistan and Myanmar.
Customers in Thailand can buy the phone direct from i-mobilephone.com in black or white.
When Google launched the Android One program, its goal was to bring reliably-updated devices at affordable prices to developing countries. We’ve seen the program make its way to nine countries, most recently Pakistan and Myanmar, and now it’s bringing a new device to India. It’s called the Lava Pixel V1, and it has some decent specs and a modest price tag…
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Android One has arrived in Pakistan at long last, and does so with the launch of the QMobile A1 smartphone. In a blog post this morning, Google announced that consumers will be able to snag one of these new handsets for just 11,500 PKR (around $110 USD) starting today.
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Following last month’s launch in Turkey, Google has today announced that Android One is now expanding to its eighth country: Myanmar. Cnsumers will be able to buy the Cherry Mobile One in the country, and like all Android One phones, it runs the latest version of Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. The hardware is definitely in the budget range, however, and starting June 26, the device will be available for purchase at retail in Myanmar, starting at Ks 109,000.
Since they’re such an important part of our lives, the experience of a smartphone matters a lot. Last year, Googlelaunched the Android One program to help put high-quality, up-to-date devices into the hands of as many people as possible. Following the launch in India nine months ago, Android One has expanded to six additional countries: Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Turkey — and today, we’re excited to add Myanmar to that list, working in partnership with Cherry Mobile. That makes eight.
Google originally launched the Android One initiative in India followings its announcement at Google I/O 2014. Following that, Android One made its way to Bangladesh, Nepal, Sir Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Turkey. You can find the official announcement of Android One’s entrance in Myanmar over at the Google Asia Pacific blog. Google says it hopes to “put great smartphones into the hands of more people across Myanmar,” and that more devices will launch soon.
Sundar Pichai announcing Android One at Google I/O last year
Ten months after Sundar Pichai announced Android One at Google’s I/O developer conference last year, the program to bring quality and affordable smartphones to developing markets is expanding outside of Asia for the first time. Android One’s latest expansion into Turkey marks the seventh market for the program as it moves into Europe.
General Mobile will offer the first Android One smartphones, the company shared today, albeit at a higher price than Google has targeted for other Android One hardware…
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Google has released several Android ads via the main Android YouTube account, but it appears that the company has now published the first cartoon Androidify-themed ad aimed specifically at India. The ad has appeared this morning on the Google India YouTube account, and features several Androidify cartoons playing what assumably is Indian-inspired music.
It appears that the ad is directly promoting the fact that even the low-end Android One devices are getting the latest version of Google’s mobile OS. “Things just got even better,” the ad says. “Android One upgrades to Lollipop 5.1.” The ad finishes out with a “Always the latest from Google” tagline, furthering the point that the company wants to fully support Android One in terms of software.
Check it out:
Thanks, Fedor!
Google this morning has revealed that it is expanding its Android One initiative to the Philippines. The company announced on its Asia Pacific blog that two affordable Android devices from Cherry Mobile and MyPhone will be available in the coming weeks. Android One was originally unveiled at Google I/O last year and is the company’s attempt at bringing Android devices to countries at affordable price points. The Philippines is the sixth country in which Android One is available.
Google is reportedly working on a way for users of Android One devices to get free data when using some apps, as data plans are expensive and can sometimes prevent potential customers from getting online. Zero rating is most commonly done in deals between carriers and third-party apps that will let users of those apps use them without it tolling their data usage. But Google has a bigger plan, bringing zero rating to many third-party apps in developing markets like India.
The company may go as far as to make it possible for any developer to zero-rate the mobile data used by their application…
Android One, Google’s program focused on bringing high quality smartphones to developing markets at affordable price points, is expanding to Indonesia later this month, the company announced today. Indonesia will become the fifth country in which Google has rolled out the Android One program since the initiative was first introduced at Google I/O last year.
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