As Google I/O 2014 kicked off, Sundar Pichai, Senior VP at Google, introduced Android One, a new project that will allow Google to introduce low cost devices to emerging markets. While other companies have been racing to introduce low cost Android handsets for quite some time, this will be a different effort, one that will have a hands-on approach from Google.
By providing the schematics for the hardware, Google will be able to provide a consistent experience and insure that each Android One handset works in the same way. The Android One project will bring handsets that will be catered to each specific regions needs. The devices will also have a stock Android experience, receive automatic updates, and have the ability to auto-install applications from the Play Store.
Google will bring this project to India where it has partnered with different carriers to introduce the device and offer special data packages. Micromax, Karbonn, and Spice will the first partners that will launch an Android One device. Pichai did not provide any details about when these handsets would be coming to market, but did mention that the price of the device would around $100 USD.
Source: Google I/O