Google Teams With China's Xiaomi to Win a Billion New Users in India
- CEO Pichai’s signature project again targets emerging users
- Xiaomi’s dual-camera Mi A1 will go after mid-range consumers
Travelers stand and use their mobile devices on a platform at Mumbai Central railway station.
Photographer: Dhiraj Singh/BloombergGoogle is teaming up with China’s Xiaomi Corp. to resurrect its Android One smartphone program for India, revamping a stalled effort to showcase its mobile software for users in emerging markets.
Xiaomi’s Mi A1 dual-camera device goes on sale Tuesday for 14,999 rupees ($234) and will be its first under the Android One banner. Alphabet Inc.’s search giant started the project in India three years ago to get affordable phones in circulation sporting the latest features, a persistent weakness when compared with Apple Inc.’s pricier and often beefier iPhones. But early partners, particularly in India, couldn’t sell enough of the devices and interest waned.