Google Dilutes Android One Restrictions

Google’s Android One Program that aims to launch low-cost smartphones in emerging markets such as India hasn’t lived up to expectations The Wall Street Journal reported.

The search engine giant is now trying to revive the program again by relaxing its rules and offering phone makers more freedom regarding features and price.

Android One is a line of consumer electronics devices that run the Android Operating System. It is a standard created by Google for Android systems, mainly targeting customers in the developing world. Google manages the design, development, marketing, and support of these devices while all manufacturing are carried out by partnering original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

In its new approach, OEMs will be able to choose from a greater variety of each component, buy the parts from their own approved vendors and even use other suppliers for the main processor, such as Qualcomm Inc., people familiar with the matter told the WSJ.

Android One launched in India in September last year and since then it has expanded to 19 additional countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkey, Egypt and Morocco.

With relaxing of the restrictions, Forbes pointed out that Google has weakened Android One to the point where OEMs would not benefit much if they go with an Android One production over regular Android.