Google reboots Android One program to boost Indian sales, new low-cost Lava-made smartphone coming soon

Google announced the Android One program back in September last year, and partnered with Indian manufacturers- Micromax, Karbonn and Spice to out the first Android One devices- Micromax Canvas A1, Karbonn Sparkle V and Spice Dream UNO Mi-498. 

Ever since the launch in India, the initiative has expanded to more than 19 countries. The initiative never did well and the blame was on Google due to its strict rules about the choice of hardware and limited manufacturing options. The first attempt can be called a failure with just 1.2 million units being sold in India in the first year of its launch which makes it 3.5% of the total market share.

However,  it seems that Google isn't giving up on the Android One initiative. According to a published report on WSJ, Google will be giving Android One, another shot in the country and has already started working with Lava international for a new sub-Rs. 3,000 smartphone which will launch in the next few months.

With the reboot, Google will do away with its strict hardware requairements, which made it difficult for smartphone manufacturer to differentiate their device. This time Android One Partners will have more options in each component aso allowing them to buy their own parts from vendors and will also give them freedom to decide how much they cost

With Google's new approach we can expect Android One devices with not just the OS updates to look forward to, but also the specifications.