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Android One, the Google-developed platform designed to bring its mobile operating system to developing countries around the world, is expanding outside of India, the company announced Monday.
At some point in the next several weeks — Google didn’t provide an exact date — Android One smartphones will start popping up in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. The launch will bring Android One to potentially over 200 million more people in the world.
Launched in India in September, Android One is Google’s initiative to bring affordable smartphones to emerging markets. The smartphones run an unmodified, or “stock,” version of Google’s mobile operating system. Android One is aimed at people who have so far been left out of the smartphone market due to issues with connectivity, cost or government regulation.
Google, along with Facebook, Qualcomm and many others, believe the next step in the mobile revolution is getting those people in developing countries online and using mobile devices. Most major companies in the space are finding ways to attract more mobile users.
Android One devices are available in several Indian cities across the country. Just last week, one of Google’s hardware partners, Spice, launched a device made specifically for Hindi speakers.
According to Google, it has partnered with carrier Banglalink, as well as device makers Micromax, Karbonn and Spice, to launch Android One devices. Bangladesh-based Symphony will launch its Roar A50 Android One handset when the platform is made available in that country.
Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
