Google is expanding Android One outside of India

Google has kicked off an expansion of the rollout of Android One, with the aim of taking the stock Android devices to most emerging markets across the Asia Pacific region. Following its launch in India this September, the Android One program will now move to Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, adding another 200 million potential Android One users to the billion-plus in India. Android One is Google’s attempt to improve the Android experience on sub-$100 smartphones, the handsets that some analysts believe will define the future of mobility.

At the moment, Android One may not be as successful in India as Google wants it to be. But this is just the beginning anyway, and, to push things forward, Google is now expanding the initiative to more Asian markets: Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Starting the next few weeks, customers in these countries will be able to buy Android One smartphones made by Micromax, Karbonn, and Spice. Moreover, Symphony (a Bangladesh-based handset maker) will launch its own Android One phone, called Roar A50. Just like in India, the handsets will be sold for prices around $100, running stock Android, and having updates guaranteed by Google. 2015 will definitely bring more Android One devices, from more manufacturers. The official list of Android One hardware partners includes names like HTC, Lenovo, Asus, Acer, Alcatel, and Panasonic – none of which has announced Android One devices yet. It’s not clear how far around the world Android One will spread next year. We’ve already seen an Android One handset being released in the UK, though it can’t be said that Google has officially launched the initiative there.