We’re super excited for Android One!

Earlier today Google officially detailed the pricing for the devices under its Android One initiative, as well as confirming that it will also launch in the PH later this year. So why exactly are we excited? Well……

5) These devices have been given the Google seal of approval

There are very few devices that have Google’s nod when they launch. And for those devices that do have Google’s blessing, virtually none of them are aimed at the budget segment of the market. Android One devices are different. To be certified as part of the Android One initiative, manufacturers need to adhere to the rules that Google has set to make low-cost devices. In a nutshell, Google is doing all the leg work for these manufacturers, figuring out materials cost and all the important stuff including figuring out how to run its software, and run it well in these low-end devices. Building a low-cost device that runs Android is easy – building one that runs Android, and runs it well, is hard.

4) Timely updates

If there’s one thing that local brands need to improve on, it’s providing timely e-updates to the devices that they sell. While most local brands are now selling Android smartphones with KitKat in them, a majority of budget Android devices are still running on Android 4.3 and 4.2. Devices running under the Google Android ne initiative will not have that problem, with Google saying that they will be the ones to push updates to the devices. That’s sort of like how Google’s Nexus line of devices get preferential treatment when it comes to updates – it’ll be the same story here.

3) No unnecessary software

One of the things that you can expect from Android One phones is that it will be running mostly a pure Android experience, so little to no bloatware. Finally, you’ll be able to use all of the storage in your device without having to uninstall unnecessary software!

2) Competitive Pricing

In India, the first batches of Android One devices are priced pretty competitively, around Php 4,600. You can expect our Android One devices to be priced on par, if not cheaper. I mean, you already have good Android devices that have better specs than the ones being sold in India by Micromax in the form of the Flare 3, so it stands to reason that our Android One devices will be along that price range as well.

1) Distribution and localization

When Android One finally reaches our shores, almost all pinoys will be able to partake in Google’s newest initiative, thanks to the wide reach of local brands that they’re liable to partner with. We’re also going to see more localization, since India’s Android One smartphones shipped with support for more languages like Hindi (imagine using your smartphone with Cebuano) as well as more local publications in Google Play Newsstand. Google has also announced a special version of YouTube for Android One which allows users to download videos and re-watch them multiple times without incurring any data charges.

We’re pretty pumped for Android One. We’ve reached out to local brands to get their official comment regarding the announcement, and we’ll update the post when we hear back.