Micromax launches first Android One device in Sri Lanka

Tuesday, 20 January 2015 00:29 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shehana Dain Targeting first-time smartphone users, Micormax Informatics, through its strategic partnership with Google, launched Canvas A1, the first Android One device, to the Sri Lanka market yesterday. “Potential first-time smartphone users in the country amount to 80% which made them enter the Sri Lankan market,” Micromax India General Manager Business Development Savio Mendonza said.

The phone offers a high-quality experience, running Android’s 4.4 KitKat operating system. This will be one of the first phones in Sri Lanka to feature the new Android Lollipop release - an update that will offer Google’s new Material Design, improved battery life, enhanced security features and smarter notifications. It will continue to receive guaranteed updates for the next two years directly from Google. Commenting on the launch, Micromax International Business Head Amit Mathur said: “Users today are looking for smartphones that offer advanced and seamless functionality with regular OS updates. Our partnership with Google will ensure that Canvas A1 will get guaranteed updates for the next two years directly from Google.” International Business Sri Lanka Micromax Distribution Manager Sanjeewa Hewagamage said: “There is a connection between the hardware and software of the phone which majorly impacts the speed of the phone.” He further emphasised that Google has developed software in a way where data usage will be minimum. Furthermore, Micromax Canvas A1 is equipped with a 4.5 IPS screen, 2 MP front camera and 5 MP AF Rear camera, 1 GB RAM, 4 GB ROM, 1.3 GHz Quod Core processor, Dual SIM and an expendable additional storage slot, features seen as being particularly important to Sri Lankan customers. The phone is currently available only in black and possesses a1700 mAh battery with a talk time of six hours depending on usage. Metropoliton Telecom Services Ltd. Director Sanjeev Ariantnam emphasised the fact that “Micromax Canvas A1 will be distributed through its 30-plus regional distributors and 2000-plus retail shops in the country.” He also noted that after-sales service is being strengthened by having 15 after-sales outlets to serve customers.