Android One is a program launched by Alphabet with the objective to provide low cost smartphones to people living in developing countries. Alphabet has designed the new line of devices powered by Android operating system. But it requires the smartphones to be manufactured by the partnering original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The company has been rolling out Android One program in phases. It has already launched the low-cost smartphone program in various developing countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, Ivory Coast and Philippines. However, the features and specifications of Android One are different from Alphabet’s mobile operating system.

Understanding Key Features of Android One Program

Encourage New Customers to Use Smartphones

The primary objective of Android One program is to encourage more people to use smartphones. The initiative also aims to make more people access internet on their mobile devices. The low-cost smartphones are designed by Google, but manufactured by partnering original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). But Google helps the OEMs to build and manufacturer these low-cost smartphones by targeting customers residing in various developing countries.

Option to Use the Latest Version of Android OS

Alphabet allows OEMs to create low-cost smartphones that run on the most recent version of Android operating system. At present, the Android One devices are running on Android 5.1 Lollipop. But Google will make the latest version of its mobile operating system available to OEMs immediately after its official release.

Quality Certified by Google

Alphabet further aims to make people living in emerging markets access fast and responsive smartphones. So the company tests the design of Android One phone thoroughly to enhance their speed and responsiveness. The tests conducted by Google ensure that the users can easily perform multitasking, switch from one app to another smoothly, and enjoy long-term performance.

Battery Saver

The Android One phones are designed with battery saver feature. The feature extends the battery life of the devices by up to 90 minutes. Also, the battery saver feature automatically enables the device’s power saver mode once the battery starts running low.

Quick Settings

The quick settings of Android One phones make it easier for users to conserve both data and bandwidth. The users have option to set the data usage limit, and set alarms to track the data usage. At the same time, they can simply swipe the device twice to turn the data off or check the current data usage.

Smarter Features

Alphabet has further designed the Android One phones with several advanced features to boost their performance and user experience. The users can use priority notifications to indicate ensure that their downtime is not disrupted. Likewise, they can simply give voice commands to initiate web searches, find text or get directions quickly. Also, Android One phones come with built-in flash lights.

Offloading Control

Initially, Alphabet required OEMs to adopt the original Android One design. But the company gradually stopped pushing the original Android One design to manufacturers. Most OEMs currently manufacture Android One devices with varying features and functionality. Many websites have also reported that the recently launched Android One phones look just like regular Android Phones.

Online Distribution

Most OEMs distribute Android One phones through web stores and online portals. But the program aims to make smartphones popular among new customers. Further, only a small percentage of users living in developing countries buy products online. So the online distribution model is affecting the adaption of Android One phones adversely. These devices further have to compete with other Android smartphone models produced by the same OEMs.

Though Android OS has maintained its dominance in the smartphone market consistently, a number of websites recently reported a slowdown in the Android One project. As the low-cost smartphones are manufactured by third-party companies, Alphabet does not have full control over the devices’ design and features. However, Alphabet is reportedly designing custom chips for these smartphones. Also, many partnering companies are still launching new devices as part of the Android One initiative.