In the person of Xiaomi Google has found a powerful supporter of its initiative Android One ..
Original material
Google's ambitious attempt to flood the world with cheap smartphones Android One was called a failure just a year after its launch. Android One is Google's desperate attempt to move more phones to stock version Android. All of the top device manufacturers with Android, such as Samsung, Huawei and Oppo, have made their own modifications to the OS on their devices. The result is a very fragmented ecosystem.
Due to differences in the strategies of manufacturers, Android – devices around the world are not updated as often as iOS – gadgets. Due to complex fragmentation Android – devices are more vulnerable to security breaches and less protected from viruses and malware. Android One was created to help mitigate the dangerous fragmentation of the operating system from Google. These devices are always guaranteed to have the latest OS version and the latest security policy updates.
The diagram illustrates the importance of the program Android One for the OS ecosystem. The latest version Android is currently running less than 14% of devices. Compare this to platform iOS: penetration rate iOS 10 is 87%.
Fragmentation Android must be annoying enough since Google is rumored to be interested in buying a distressed manufacturer HTC. After selling its mobile division (Motorola), Google wants another smartphone maker to make and sell 'clean' smartphones Android One or Pixel.
And it is through direct sales of smartphones with a 'clean' OS in competition with other manufacturers (Xiaomi, Huawei) Google will be able to start getting rid of fragmentation Android by version. I will definitely buy Xiaomi Mi A1 when it goes on sale in my country. I used to use Cherry Mobile G1, a smartphone from the Android One app. I bought it for less than $ 100. Unfortunately, the smartphone was out of order last February due to excessive use as a gaming device. And so, there are users who, like me, appreciate the advantages of the stock version Android without preinstalled software.
Distressed HTC is an obvious acquisition target, I don't think Chinese regulators will allow Google to acquire Xiaomi or Oppo. To this day, echoes of the notorious conflict between Google and Chinese politicians are heard.
On the other hand, Xiaomi is trying to help develop Android One.
Why Xiaomi can change the fate of Android One
Android One's initial failure was due to a lack of support from major device manufacturers. Google had no choice and made an unsuccessful attempt to partner with the Indian manufacturer under the Android One program.
Xiaomi, the global leader in smartphone sales, has become the new partner of Google, giving the initiative a second chance. Companies are focusing on the middle price segment, not budget devices. Xiaomi Mi A1 Android One is a metal clone iPhone 7. The smartphone is made in India and runs on stock Android 7.0. Google allows the company to pre-install its app store on devices, because the company sells phones at such nice prices because it makes money from its application catalog.
Much of its success Xiaomi owes its own ability to copy designs Apple in their smartphones. Initiative Android One is an additional 'tailwind' for Xiaomi as more people will buy Android – smartphones that look and feel like iPhone .
Also, this step should please the management of Google, because the abundance of 'iPhone-like' devices Android One can indirectly reduce sales iPhone. In Mountain View, anything that in any way disrupts the main 'profit generator' for Apple is perceived in a highly positive way. The more people buy smartphones for Android, the more eyes will be poured into Google's advertising business. And of course, the number of users who will make in-app purchases through the Google Play Store will increase.
My bold prediction is that the inclusion of Xiaomi in the program of Android One will finally ensure that the initiative is at least something like a success. The $ 235 price tag for the Mi A1 is absolutely bargain considering the advanced specs and hardware. The Android One platform now has a smartphone in the under $ 250 range that can compete with the best Samsung smartphones or Huawei for $ 350-400.
The characteristics and 'chips' of Mi A1 on paper are better than those of the Samsung Galaxy A7 ($ 500).
Conclusion
Android One represents another attempt to increase the overall target market for targeted mobile advertising from Google. Reducing fragmentation Android is only a minor task. Xiaomi saved Android One by focusing on the middle price range. The prosperity of Chinese Android smartphones under $ 50 makes it useless to sell budget phones Android One. Vendors won't be able to make a profit by selling Android One smartphones for $ 99. The previous variation Android One was clearly done only for the benefit of Google, which turned away device manufacturers. By allowing Xiaomi to pre-install its app catalog on devices alongside its existing Play store, Google has enlisted the support of one of the world's leading smartphone sellers to help push the initiative forward.
Author – Motek Moyen
The author believes that the transition to a new price range for Android One will help everyone: both Google and Xiaomi. For some, this step is another attempt to promote the vision of their OS to the maximum number of users, for others it is an additional opportunity to earn money. Will he be successful? It all depends on the activity of Google in the promotion. If everything again comes down to separate markets, then the likelihood decreases.
Fragmentation is now mostly a concern only for Google, while users are mostly worried about security. And Google, in my opinion, has long been out of place to hide behind good intentions in order to gain an even more extensive base of potential customers.
Do you think Android One will be able to 'take off' this time?