Android One model, described as an "affordable Nexus," launching in India on July 17th

A report published on Friday says that a new Android One handset will be unveiled in India on July 17. A local handset manufacturer, Lava International, is producing the model which will be priced at the equivalent of $189 USD. According to those familiar with Google's thinking, version 2.0 of Android One will be aimed at those who have used a smartphone before. Previously, the low priced Android One models were designed for first-time smartphone buyers in emerging markets.

The original models, made by companies like Karbonn, Micromax and Spice, were priced at the equivalent of $99 USD. Another change with the new version of Android One is that Lava has a huge say over the hardware and software related to the phone. Google's original Indian partners for Android One merely re-branded phones they received from China.

The buzz around the water cooler is that Google improved the specs for the Android One handsets, with apps and services developed by both the search giant and Lava. The new Android One handset will have a 5-inch display, feature a MediaTek chipset and will come with 2GB of RAM inside. Google is also making sure that the new phone will be available in physical stores in addition to online stores. The original Android One was hard to find in brick and mortar locations, and was mostly purchased online.

While Google is spending $10 million to $15 million to market the device, what is more interesting is that the phone will be positioned as an "affordable Nexus," receiving software updates often.

source: EconomicTimes via AndroidCentral