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Earlier this summer Google introduced a new initiative called Android One. The idea is to partner with device makers to offer low-cost, high-quality Android phones that run Google approved software. The first Android One devices are expected to be offered in India and they could sell for around $100.
Now Google has started sending out invitations to an event in India scheduled for September 15th. It looks like Android One is imminent.
Here’s a roundup of tech news from around the web. You can keep up on the latest headlines by following Liliputing on Twitter, Google+ and Facebook.
- First Android One phones could launch in India on Sept 15th
Some of the phone makers expected to launch Android One devices include Micromax, Karbonn, and Spice. [NDTV] - Kobo Aura H20 waterproof, dustproof eReader is now available for pre-order for $180
The device supports eBooks with Adobe DRM, has a 6.8 inch E Ink display, and should begin shipping in late September or early October. [Kobo] - Epson launches Pulsense activity track, Pulsense “fitness watch” for $129, $199 respectively
The company’s first wearable devices are aimed at the fitness set and aren’t designed to be all-purpose devices like a Samsung, LG, Motorola, or Pebble smartwatch. [Epson] - Samsung unveils “Swarosvski for Samsung” crystal-laden wrist strap for the Samsung Gear S smartwatch
Everything looks classier with some shiny bling on it, right? [Samsung Tomorrow] - Report: gaming micro-console maker Ouya is in acquisition talks with a number of Chinese and US companies
There was a time when everyone was really excited about Ouya’s $99 mini video game console with an NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and Android-based operating system. But that time was pretty much the time before the console actually went on sale. While the company’s software is interesting, the game console has received mixed reviews to put it generously. Perhaps partnering with a bigger name could help revive the Ouya dream of an affordable, accessible game platform. [Recode] - Epiphany web browser optimized for the Raspberry Pi, offers speedy performance on low-power hardware
The Raspberry Pi may have a relatively slow 700 MHz ARM11 processor, but when you tap into the graphics and video drivers for things like hardware-accelerated video decoding you can do some pretty impressive things… like releasing a web browser that handles modern websites and web apps just about as well on a Raspberry Pi as it would on much more powerful hardware. [Raspberry Pi]
“Block your date” must be some sort of expression in India. I assume this is the same as “mark your calendar” or something.