Google's Android One platform for emerging markets makes it debut today in India.
The first phones, from hardware partners Micromax, Karbonn, Spice, and MediaTek, are available now for 6,399 Rupees ($105).
Today's launch paves the way for additional devices from partners like Acer, Alcatel OneTouch, Asus, HTC, Lenovo, Panasonic, and Qualcomm; the industry heavyweights are expected to develop affordable phones—with varying screen sizes, colors, and hardware configurations, as well as customizable software—for markets where most people cannot afford high-priced devices.
The Android One program, unveiled at this year's Google I/O conference, will also reach Indonesia, the Philippines, and South Asia (Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) by the end of the year, with more locations in 2015.
"Knowledge is a game changer. I've long been inspired by the Internet and how it opens the doors to opportunity," Sundar Pichai, senior vice president of Android, Chrome & Apps, said in a blog post. "It doesn't matter if you're a Nobel Laureate at a world-class research center or a young student at a rural school in Indonesia, with Google Search, you have the same information at your fingertips as anyone else."
According to the Web giant, some Asian countries continue to miss out on the tech so many take for granted because of factors like affordability, limited reach, and a lack of network support.
Despite the Western world's embarrassment of riches—a smartphone in nearly every hand, a tablet in almost as many homes—there are still more than 5 billion people who don't have access to advanced technology.
"That means most people are only able to make simple voice calls, rather than connect with family through a live video chat, use mapping apps to find the closest hospital, or simply search the Web," Pichai said. "We want to bring these experiences to more people."
Via Android One, Google makes it easier for developers to build phones that tackle international challenges, and add some bells and whistles, like plenty of processing power, high-quality front- and rear-facing cameras, and expandable storage. The platform also features dual SIM cards, a replaceable battery, and built-in FM radio.
It will also receive the latest versions of Android directly from Google, which means no lag time for overseas users, who will be some of the first to be updated to Android L later this year.
Those Indian customers with an Airtel SIM card get the added bonus of free software updates for the first six months, and the ability to download up to 200MB per month in Google Play apps without taxing mobile data usage.
"Access for access's sake is not enough," Pichai said. "With Android One, we not only want to help people get online, we want to make sure that when they get there, they can tap into the wealth of information and knowledge the web holds for everyone."
For more, see How Android One Helps, Hurts Google's Hardware Partners.