Google announces the Android One initiative for the developing market

Google I/O 2014 - The developing markets are going to be massive over the coming years, with Google announcing at Google I/O that it is going to be pushing into the developing markets with a new initiative dubbed "Android One".

Android One is a set of hardware reference platforms for OEMs that will have "high-quality, low-cost" smartphones being pushed out to developing markets. These devices will come in multiple flavors, with stock Android - but Google Play OEMs and carriers can play around with this, adding their own apps.

One example of an Android One-powered smartphone is the dual-SIM smartphone from Micromax in India. This smartphone will feature a 4.5-inch screen, FM radio and a price of under $200. Google's goal with Android One is providing "at scale, high-quality, affordable smartphones" for "the next billion" smartphone owners.