14 DAY TRIAL // Indian handset manufacturer Micromax has recently announced the release of its first Android-based smartphone, the Andro A60. According to the company this is the cheapest Android device available in India and can be purchased for Rs. 6,999 (about $152).
Micromax is the largest Indian mobile handset company in terms of units shipped during the quarter ending March 31, 2010 and the third largest mobile handset seller in India since the same date.
“Our marketing strategy focuses on the unique functionalities of our products to further develop our reputation for innovation. Since our entry into the Indian mobile handset market in March 2008 we have introduced more than 40 distinct mobile handset models and as of August 31,2010 we have sold more than 30 distinct mobile handset models,” said Vikas Jain, Business Director, Micromax Informatics.
It looks like Micromax's Andro A60 is a rebranded ZTE Penguin, which was announced back in July
Micromax Andro A60 is powered by a 600 MHz processor and runs on the Android 2.1 (Eclair) platform. It comes with a 2.8-inch QVGA resistive touchscreen with 62k colors support and 320x240 pixels resolution.
The A60 embeds a 3.2-megapixel camera with autofocus, as well as microSD card slot for memory expansion (up to 32GB, 2GB card included).
Other key features of the smartphone include: Swype virtual keyboard, HSDPA 7.2 Mbps, HSUPA 5.76 Mbps, Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP support, 150 MB internal memory and GPS with A-GPS support.
The device measures 106.8 x 59.2 x 14.0mm and weighs 105g (battery included). The manufacturer has rated the 1280 mAh Li-ion Battery for up to 10 days standby time or up to 4 hours talk time.
“We believe that consumers in India have unique preferences with respect to mobile handsets such as long battery life, dual GSM capability, low-cost QWERTY phones, universal remote control and gaming phones,” said Vikas Jain, Business Director, Micromax Informatics.