FYI.

This story is over 5 years old.

Tech

Android One, Google's Cheap Smartphone Program, Is Launching in African Markets

Low-cost smartphones will be available in Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Ivory Coast, and Morocco.
Image: Google

Google announced Tuesday that it's bringing its low-cost smartphone service, Android One, to Africa.

The Infinix HOT 2—with the up-to-date version of Android (5.1 Lollipop)—is currently available in Nigeria at a retail price of $88, and will be made available in Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Ivory Coast, and Morocco soon.

Launched in 2014, Google's Android One project aims to bring "the next five billion" people online, and improve those people's experience of the internet by allowing them to use mapping apps, search for information on the web, or connect with family members on live video chats.

The initiative began when the tech giant partnered with three hardware manufacturers, Karbonn, Micromax, Spice, and chipmaker MediaTek. The goal was to bring affordable Android smartphones, first to India, then roll out the service to Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. In India, prices from retailers started at 6,399 RS (about $97).

In a blog post, Cesar Sengupta, Google's VP of Product Management, said that YouTube offline would also be made available in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Egypt within the coming months. This allows viewers to cherry pick and store their favourite content for 48 hours, so that they can be watched later on in areas with spotty wireless coverage.