Google is taking things into its own hands by introducing its line of budget-conscious smartphones into the United States market. The idea is not exactly unique, as several companies provide the option of mid-tier handheld, but there is wisdom to the search engine giant's decision. The project has been successful in areas such as India and Pakistan and it is now ready to take in a new group of consumers.
According to Computer World, Google introduced the Android One to areas such as Pakistan and India because it was hard for individuals to get smartphones of good quality. Furthermore, the tech giant considered these areas to be emerging markets - and the gamble has since paid off. Android One is Google's take at a cost-friendly handheld with all the possible fixings, as well as the necessary sacrifices.
But as the publication points out, there is so much more to Android One that just budget smartphones. Reportedly, Google is looking forward to fixing Android as a whole and not just provide hardware. With the units, the company is promising reliable and timely updates, both in terms of security patches and actual OS releases.
Google's attempt to get a firm grasp on Android once again may have internationally begun with the introduction of the Pixel and the Pixel XL. Theoretically, it is the search engine giant's attempt at an iPhone. Much like Apple's flagships, the Pixel and Pixel XL is made and manufactured completely by one company.
With Pixel and Pixel XL - and now with Android One - Google can provide loyalists and fans and the curious an experience that is 100 percent Google. The existence of Android has thus far relied heavily on the fact that it could be altered by third party providers. Google's fully created smartphones are as expensive as they come, thereby eliminating the company's geographic. Theoretically, the company could only offer a pure Android experience to those that are willing to spend upwards of US$650 for a handheld.
Android One invites smartphone manufacturers and allows them to create their own self-branded devices with the promise of following Google's guidelines - very similarly like Nexus. Third party companies could brand the hardware as they want it, but the search engine giant will be in control of the actual user experience. Arguably, the operating system of a smartphone is what drives this all important aspect of the smartphone anyway.
The publication goes to explain why Google would prefer this level of participation in a very competitive tech market. The move makes sense because manufacturing a device for each tier in the market could be costly and time consuming for the company. Allowing others to shoulder the cost while reaping the benefits of each sale is ideal for any branding - and Google has a footprint large enough to demand such deals.
The Information notes that the very first handheld under the Android One project will reach United States' soil by the middle of the year. At this point, however, it is unknown what smartphone manufacturer will debut the technology outside of the initial markets. The benefit really is a clean operating system that has timely updates - and the handheld itself will cost an average of US$200.
