Google’s intentions to rule the emerging markets is clear with the Android Oreo (Go edition) launch late last year. One of the first manufacturers to launch a Go Edition phones will be one of Google’s original Android One partners Micromax with a $30 (₹2,000) handset called the Bharat Go.
Details on the phone are scarce at best, with Android Central speculating that the phone could potentially run on either a Mediatek or Qualcomm platform, with both vendors signed on to supply components compatible with Android Go. It’s likely the phone will have either 512MB or 1GB of RAM, and around 8GB of storage (no word on MicroSD card).
The specs may not announced, but the Android Go phone definitely is real, with Micromax saying:
Taking its mission of connecting the unconnected ahead, and providing the best in class mobility devices, Micromax will introduce BHARAT GO to deliver optimized Android experience as an entry level smartphone to millions of Indian consumers.
There will be other Android Go edition handsets launched as well, with HMD Global, the company behind the re-emergence of the Nokia brand in the market rumoured to be set to launch a Nokia 1 handset under the Android Go banner. That handset would likely match specs of around 1GB RAM, 8GB storage as well.
At this early stage, Android Go is seemingly making more of a dent in bringing down the price of mobile phones than Android One ever did, but for now it’s a matter of wait and see.
