Google’s Android One program was designed to bring the latest version of Android to a group of smartphone users that aren’t normally used to having such a thing made easily available. Entry-level smartphones priced around $100 generally tend to ship with older versions of Android, even if they are only one version outdated, and don’t often receive any kind of updates thereafter. Android One brings great hardware to users who don’t see the value in a more expensive phone or don’t have the means of affording a more expensive phone, all while receiving the latest updates straight from Google.
The program started off in India with the launch of the Micromax Canvas A1, Spice Dream Uno and Karbonn Sparkle V. The program has since expanded to six total countries including Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka, and covers nine total devices. Curiously enough the phones that launched in Indonesia just a few weeks ago came preloaded with Android 5.1 Lollipop, a version of Android that hadn’t even been announced yet at the time much less released for any other devices. Now that it’s finally been announced and sent to all Nexus devices, it looks like the rollout to Android One devices may have just started as well.
According to one Micromax Canvas A1 user the Android 5.1 Lollipop update has indeed begun its over-the-air rollout in India (or where ever you may be using the Micromax Canvas A1). The update, labeled as LMY471, comes in at 409.8MB and updates users to the absolute bleeding edge of existing versions of Android. The Micromax Canvas A1 shipped with Android 4.4 KitKat and this update to Android 5.1 Lollipop shows Google’s great support for the Android One program. Besides having great specs and an overall great user experience for the price, as we noted in our review of the phone, getting the latest updates straight from Google really adds to the overall value of the device. If you haven’t seen the notification on your Micromax Canvas A1 go ahead and head into the system settings, about phone and check for updates. Once it’s ready in your region you’ll receive the notification and the update process should begin automatically. As always feel free to report in and let us know about your experience with the latest version of Android!