Google is in talks with third party app developers and mobile carriers to launch 'zero rating' apps on Android One.
Google is planning to make data free for some apps on Android One devices. According to reports, Google aims to felicitate transition from feature phones to smartphones by providing “zero rating” data usage for some applications.
The Android One smartphones are aimed at emerging markets where data coverage is unreliable as well as expensive, which deter consumers from purchasing smartphones. Reportedly, Google is in talks with third party developers and carriers to launch the 'Zero rating' apps that will allows users to access the apps without any data charges. Google is collaborating with e-commerce retailers Snapdeal and Flipkart among others in India to get their apps zero-rated.
Facebook and WhatsApp have been offering Zero rating apps for a while now, these are typically one-off deals between a wireless carrier and an individual app developer. Google's initiative will allows any app developer to Zero Rate the mobile data used by their apps.
Google launched the Android One program in India in September last year. The internet giant tied up with India smartphone manufactures Karbonn, Micromax and Spice to launch affordable Android One devices starting from Rs 6399. Under the initiative the internet giant will provide guidelines and specifications to manufacturers for the affordable devices and the internet giant will be responsible for software updates. Google has announced the latest Android 5.0 update to Android One devices this month.
The internet giant has also expanded its Android one program in other emerging markets like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal and plans to reach approximately 200 million people with the launch.
Source: The Information
Follow Us
Silky Malhotra
Silky Malhotra loves learning about new technology, gadgets, and more. When she isn’t writing, she is usually found reading, watching Netflix, gardening, travelling, or trying out new cuisines. View Full Profile
