Google expected to soon launch a $50 Android smartphone

Aiming to further penetrate in key emerging markets, Google is mulling over revamping its Android One initiative that seeks to rev up demand for low-priced smartphones.

According to a Financial Times report, the company is going to unveil a new plan for Android One in the next few weeks. Though there are a few details available as yet, the report quotes Rajan Anandan, Google's managing director in Southeast Asia, as saying, that the company is aiming to hit the "sweet spot" of USD 50 smartphones.If the report is to be believed, Google is also creating new apps and services specifically for the Indian market. This hints at the company's efforts to make its products even more friendly in areas with low-bandwidth Internet access.

After launching a couple of Android One smartphones last year with Spice, Karbonn, and Micromax, the company recently launched a new Android One phone in association with Lava. Priced at Rs 11,349, the Android One-based Lava Pixel V1 didn't seem to be in line with the original idea of the Android One initiative that attempts to get a firm hold on the low-cost segment of the smartphone market.

With Android One, Google aims to improve the quality of hardware and software by giving handset makers a frame of reference.