14 DAY TRIAL // Android is bound to get a new face soon. While Google’s platform continues to dominate the mobile environment, more and more device makers are looking to develop alternate operating systems in order to provide more choices to consumers. For example, Samsung has its own Tizen OS and Xiaomi has also been rumored to embark on a similar endeavor soon.
Now, a recent report coming out of the Economic Times claims that Indian device maker Micromax might also be looking to start developing its own OS. The product manufacturer already signed an exclusive deal in the country with custom ROM maker Cyanogen, which puts its software on some of the company’s phones, but it seems that Micromax has bigger plans.
Micromax’s co-founder Vikas Jain has revealed in an interview with the above mentioned publication that the company is planning to develop its own forked version of Android.
Micromax working on its own Android
He explains that the new OS will come bundled with a suite of services and apps (some might call it bloatware) that will also be found on tablets, phones, televisions and smartwatches coming out of the company.
These apps and services will eventually be making their way into the YU series of smartphones. Micromax is setting out to provide a differentiated user experience to customers willing to jump on board with its smartphones and tablets, but only time will tell if the company manages to live up to expectations.
Micromax has already started work on the forked Android version, and according to the report, the company has managed to lure over 75 people from Nokia’s R&D center in Beijing.
Jain also mentions that the first smartphone coming with the new OS will be available as soon as the end of this year.
He also says we should expect the models to be affordable, so they will probably arrive in the wild with moderate specs. Like Samsung’s Tizen Z1 smartphone, the Micromax phones will not be high-end affairs and will be aimed at budget customers.