During the Google I/O 2014, Sundar Pichai had announced Micromax, Spice and Karbonn as their official partners, for manufacturing the sub $100 Android One phones.
Economic Times reports that Celkon Mobiles, has already signed contracts with Google and are expected to launch their devices soon.
Celkon’s Executive Director Murali Retineni, told ET in an interview that they are planning to launch devices that are 20-30% cheaper than previous products. He also said, that they would be launching some Android One devices around Diwali (October 23rd). So, that is “devices”, in the plural form, and the ETA is just over 3 months away. This could also be a hint, that the other Android One Phones could be launched in October. Google may even want to launch all the devices simultaneously.
Intex is still in talks with Google, but their Business Head of Mobile, Sanjay Kumar Kalirona, is positive and said that the company would be able to give more information in about 15 -20 days.
With Google guaranteeing OS updates for the Android One devices, this would be an excellent move for both Celkon and Intex to make a mark in the market.
Now, this may come as a surprise, but HTC is reportedly interested in the Android One programme as well. HTC’s President of Global Sales and Chief Financial Officer, Chia-Lin Chang, told ET that they are in talks with Google, regarding the same.
