Google to partner with MediaTek on the Android One project

Android One, Google's latest initiative that aims to “reach the next 5 billion” users, will most probably be the result of the collaboration between the search giant and the second largest mobile chip manufacturer in the world, MediaTek. In line with the rumors we heard a couple of months ago, the two giants will work together so that they can bring a wide array of affordable smartphones to the emerging markets, such as India. The devices in question will be running stock Android and Google itself will take care of the firmware updates.

It is said that Google will provide the latest Android software and firmware to MediaTek, as the latter will be extensively using these in order to develop compatible chipsets. The first MediaTek-powered Android One device already got showcased at the stage of Google's I/O developer event two days ago. The sub-$100 smartphone in question is made by Micromax and is most probably powered by a MediaTek MT6575 SoC. The entry-level device has a 4.5-inch display, dual-SIM support, an SD card, and FM radio in store.

So, with all being said, Android One is what appears to be an entry-level version of the much-rumored Android Silver program. Just as we told you yesterday, Google neither acknowledged nor denied the existence of the latter, but it has been somewhat confirmed that the Nexus program is here to stay. Which is a good thing, isn't it?


source: DiGiTimes