Google has chosen Taiwan-based MediaTek as the strategic solution partner for the development of the Android One platform that will enable handset makers to build low-cost smartphones targeting nearly one billion potential users in emerging markets, according to sources in Taiwan's handset supply chain.
Under the Android One initiative, Google will offer a set of hardware and software guidelines, as well as reference design platforms, for device makers to build affordable smartphones more easily and faster.
Google has been in talks with MediaTek for the Android One in the past six months and has promised to offer its latest software and filmware of Android platform to the Taiwan-based IC design house for detailed development, indicated the sources.
In addition to announcing the Android One project at Google's 2014 I/O conference, Google also showcased an Android One smartphone built by India-based handset vendor Micromax. The Android One smartphone, which features a 4.5-inch display and dual-SIM slot, is powered by a MediaTek dual-core MT6575 processor, the sources indicated.
The turnkey development and production of the Android One smartphones from hardware specifications to software applications and to reference designs eventually shows traces of MediaTek's successful experiences on development of its reference designs for handsets, the sources commented.
If the Android One project goes smoothly, Google and MediaTek may extend their cooperation to include Android tablets and Android TVs, the source added.
