Google May Launch Android One Phones In The US In The Coming Months

According to a report by The Information, Google will be launching the Android One programme soon in the United States. Android One smartphones are powered by stock Android and get software updates directly from Google, including the monthly security patches.

Just like in the case of Nexus devices, Google partners with manufacturers (sometimes local manufacturers) to develop Android One phones. The Information claims that LG is likely to be the partner for United States' first Android One handset. This is strange by no means as Google has had chosen LG for many of it's previous projects including that of the Nexus 4, 5 and the 5X. The hardware used for powering the Android One phones is also supervised by Google.

Unlike the first array of Android One devices which were priced under $100, Google will reportedly be pricing the Android One phone for the US in the $200-$300 bracket. To promote the Android One campaign and to encourage the sales of the phone, Google will be backing it up with an ad campaign too. The device is slated to be launched before the middle of this year. We can thus assume that Google will be officially dropping some light on this project at I/O 2017 in May. 

Although the Android One phones have failed to make a mark in India, the story might be entirely different for the US. With phones like the OnePlus 3, Redmi Note 3 and the Moto G4 doing extremely well in the United States lately, there is a clear indication that users are indeed willing to look beyond the usual Apple and Samsung flagships. The launch of Android One in US should also mark the onset of the fourth generation of the Android One phones. 

This move, if true, is definitely great news for stock Android lovers. Google had earlier confirmed that it will no longer be working on any Nexus branded devices. If one intends to get a device with pure version of stock Android, one will have to shell out at least $649 (INR 44221) for the Google Pixel. However, through the means of the Android One programme, we can get stock Android experience at about half the cost of the Google Pixel.

Krittin Kalra

Krittin Kalra is a 20 year old Android freak. Striving for passions, chasing down his dreams and living a life without regrets is his sole mantra. A bit moody, he also does custom ROM reviews for AndroGuider. Currently pursuing his B.Tech, he aspires to follow his heart.