Google likely to launch new smartphone Sep. 15
By Dileep Thekkethil
BANGALORE: Tech-war between Samsung and Apple is not something new to the industry, but Samsung has a new rival: this time unfortunately it’s Google, one of its thickest friends.
Google has sent invitations to media houses in India for an event on September 15, which is presumed to be the launch of the much sought-after low budget android smartphone, Google Android One, says reports.
In the last two years, Indian mobile industry got flooded with cheaper ‘Made in India’ smartphones offering high-end specifications. As this trend progressed some of the prominent manufacturers like Micromax, Karbon, Spice, etc. gained control of the budget level smartphone market which until then belonged to Samsung.
Now, putting Samsung in more trouble, Google has partnered with Micromax, Karbon and Spice to bring out Google Android One phones in India. Even though these companies will maintain their brand name, Google will provide hardware for Android One smartphones. A few smartphones in this series will hit the market later this month.
Google decided to release Android One primarily in India because the country has the third largest growing market for smartphones, with guaranteed good sales.
If the new Google device create a wave in the country, offering higher-standard but low-cost smartphones, it can hit hard at the market of the South Korean smartphone maker. Currently, Samsung is focused on providing phones with similar specifications but at higher prices.
Samsung has largely survived in the smartphone industry by making stunning customizations in Android OS. When Google comes up with Android One, they will have a tough time maintaining their relationship.
Samsung has already shown signs of splitting away from Google and its Android OS. They have come up with smartphones running on Tizen, an OS that Samsung self-engineered.
Manufacturers are planning for a strategic rethinking when it comes to Indian smartphone market as companies like Xiaomi and Google has created hype for their smartphones causing troubles for companies like Apple and Samsung who top the list of bestsellers.
This story was updated on 04-09-2014