Google to launch handset under $50 after conceding Android One 'didn't meet expectations'

Google will release phones under $50 in a bid to revamp the underwhelming Android One.

The new model, aimed at developing markets, has failed to take off since the launch last September with a $100 price cap.

Now, the firm's South East Asia managing director Rajan Anandan reveals they are going back to the drawing board, starting with a cut-price version in India.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Mr Anandan conceded the product has 'not delivered to expectations' but said, 'it is like any company when you try to launch a new initiative – we had a few hiccups.' 

Google will launch phones under $50 to revamp the underwhelming Android One in developing markets

Though no details have been released about the new version, being announced 'in the next few weeks', Mr Anandan said it will be priced between $31 and $47.

And the firm will also look at providing offline maps and services such as YouTube for the vast swathes of South East Asia with poor internet connection. 

This step comes as Google rolls out its Project Loon - balloons built to carry internet connection to remote regions - in places such as Sri Lanka.

It is a fighting attempt at keeping a shoe in the door of a soon-to-be crucial market for mobile phone manufacturers and network providers.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3192813/Google-launch-handset-50-conceding-Android-One-didn-t-meet-expectations.html#ixzz3iaeSBEU1
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