Google is pushing its affordable Android smartphones to the US market.
According to Android Central, Android One smartphones are expected to be released in the US by the middle of this year.
In 2014, Google first introduced Android One smartphones. Android One smartphones were developed with a focus on developing markets across the globe such as India and Africa. These smartphones have been manufactured by regional or local companies such as QMobile, Cherry, Micromax etc.
Although they are affordable, Android One devices have not met the expectations of smartphone users. The first wave of Android One smartphones did not have powerful features to compete with other affordable smartphones, especially in the Indian smartphone market.
Google has been trying to increase the customer base for its Android One smartphones. The company is now releasing the latest updates for the device by itself, instead of relying on OEMs. By doing so, Google also ensures that the applications installed on the smartphones are its own rather than bloatware from OEMs.
Unlike iOS, Android users often need to wait for months (for years sometimes) for updates from OEMs. With Google taking a firm stand by getting into the hardware industry to manufacture its Pixel smartphones, the company looks set to change things in the market.
With Android One, Google is looking at capture a large chunk of the Android market. Google has reportedly promised Android One manufacturers that it will fund the marketing of their smartphones as long they comply with its plan.
According to Eoto Tech, Android One smartphones are likely to be priced between $200 and $300 in the US.
Google is looking to bring affordable smartphones to the US and other markets across the globe, and the company could be planning a major campaign for the Android One platform - perhaps something similar to its Pixel smartphones. With the Nexus brand gone and Pixel positioned for the high-end segment, Android One smartphones could fill the void in the affordable segment in the US market.