Android One's not dead

Google has confirmed it has repositioned its “Google One” platform aimed at taking control of the anarchic first-time-smartphone-buyer market in emerging economies.

Volume shipments in markets such as Bangladesh are Android, they’re just not Google’s Android, and feature OEM or rogue app stores. That means a lot of personal consumer data is being lost to Google. Few of the Android One devices have been a hit: retailing for $100 in markets where a ‘Droid can be picked up for $30.

Mike Hayes, Google’s new director of Android hardware relationships, says Google will retain the One brand but offer OEMs more choice in what they put in a phone. ®