Micromax could launch first Android One smartphone today

Micromax is expected to unveil a new smartphone today, which could be the first Android One device to launch in India. With Android One, we can expect low-cost smartphones that will perform better than existing low-cost Androids, since the software will be coming straight from Google. The phone is expected to be priced around Rs 7,000 and will be selling exclusively on Snapdeal from 2PM onwards. Ironically, Snapdeal says the phone won't 'discriminate' in a video teasing the phone's launch.  India is a huge market for low-cost devices and with Firefox OS and Android One foraying into this market, the race to bringing the most cost-effective smartphones is only going to get hotter. Google has been working with Indian vendors to reduce costs in smartphone development by identifying parts that go into Android One smartphones and pre-selecting suppliers for the components. What really steals the deal is the fact that these phones will get the similar privileged treatment as Nexus devices when it comes to automatic software updates, and are nearly guaranteed to get the Android L update when it becomes available. Not only are Micromax and Karbonn part of Google’s plans, but Android One devices will also be produced by Intex, Celkon and Spice. Google is aiming for a sub-$100 price tag for Android One, though eventually this may be stretched a little more.