Google has come up with its much-awaited Android One based mobile phones in collaboration with  Micromax, Spice and Karbonn, at prices starting Rs 6,399. Micromax will be launching Canvas A1, while Karbonn and Spice have launched Sparkle V and Dream Uno, all running on Android One.

There are many Android hardware makers who need to redesign their smartphones to manage a certain low price point. This is so true of the developing world, where minimizing the cost means a lot of effort on tweaking the devices. Under the Android One programme, its engineers will design economical hardware, and other companies will simply manufacture it. Google will be able to dictate the minimum standards for forthcoming Android handsets. For example, a standard Android One phone comes with with dual-SIM and SD card slots, a 4.5-inch display and FM radio priced at Re. 6000. Automatic software updates will be issued by Google directly.

The phones will be sold on Flipkart, Amazon and Snapdeal to begin with, to be followed by offline stores. India is the first market for the Android One devices. Google plans to launch handsets with phone makers like Intex, HTC, Lava, Xolo and Lenovo in the near future.