“The Mi A1 is an entirely new type of device.” said Xiaomi Senior VP Wang Xiang, “Google came to us in Q4 of last year as they were seeking to evolve their Android One program.”

Android One was started at the end of 2014 by CEO Sundar Pichai, who was at the time Android’s head. Pichai’s goal was to offer solid budget devices to people in emerging markets, thus getting a big foot in the door to increase user use of Google’s services.

The price point for these devices was in the $100 ballpark and three of India’s biggest mobile makers — Micromax, Spice, and Karbonn — all signed up for the Android One program. Unfortunately, the program gained little headway, as the market in the $100 range is hugely saturated with devices and carries little brand loyalty. Sales did not go well and the program had seemed abandoned.

Now, Google has re-envisioned the Android One program to hit the mid-market with mobiles priced in the $200-500 range. Xiaomi, whose area of expertise lies in this mid-range, and who is the number two manufacturers of mobiles in India was the perfect brand to re-launch Android One.

The first phone up, the Xiaomi Mi A1, will be a dual-camera, all aluminum mobile and will sell for $234 (14,999 rupees).

The M1 will carry AOSP Android as opposed to MIUI, which is a very interesting proposition, as many users stay away from Xiaomi simply for the fact of their mobiles carrying MIUI. However, MIUI users will still keep a taste of MIUI medicine, as the Mi A1 will come with several MIUI apps as part of the ROM — these include MIUI camera, social media, e-commerce, and other apps.

The M1 will be sold online, offline, from Mi.com, through 3rd party online shops such as GearBest, and brick & mortar retailers.

The Android One program is not limited to Xiaomi and forecasts bringing more manufacturers into the fray. Already, in addition to Xiaomi, General Mobile Inc. has committed to releasing a broad range of devices in Turkey.

https://gizbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/Xiaomi-Mi-A1-Android-One-phone-450x262.pnghttps://gizbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/Xiaomi-Mi-A1-Android-One-phone-150x150.pngDamian ParsonsFeaturedGoogleXiaomi'The Mi A1 is an entirely new type of device.' said Xiaomi Senior VP Wang Xiang, 'Google came to us in Q4 of last year as they were seeking to evolve their Android One program.' Android One was started at the end of 2014 by CEO Sundar Pichai, who was...



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