Micromax forms alliance with Airtel to unveil Bharat Go smartphone

Micromax Informatics has announced the launch of its first Android Oreo (Go Edition) smartphone – Micromax “Bharat Go” in collaboration with Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”)
 
The launch is part of a partnership to bring low-cost smartphones powered by Android Oreo (Go edition) to the Indian market and enable more Indians to get online. Android Oreo (Go edition) is a configuration of the Android operating system specifically optimized for devices with 1GB of RAM or less. Android Oreo (Go edition) comes with a new range of apps designed to run faster while using less data. Devices running Android Oreo (Go edition) will also come with twice as much storage out of the box.
 
Micromax Bharat GO will be available to customers at an effective price of just Rs.2,399/-, making it one of the most affordable smartphone options in the Indian market. The Android Oreo (Go edition) device, which has an MOP of Rs.4,399 comes with a special cashback of Rs.2,000 as part of Airtel’s “Mera Pehla Smartphone” initiative.    
 
The VoLTE-ready Dual-SIM Bharat Go comes pre-loaded with apps like Gmail Go, Maps Go, Files Go, Chrome, YouTube Go, Assistant Go, Play Store and GBoard which will enable the device to run faster while using less data. It will also come with a vast storage option enabling users to have a seamless and enriching mobile experience.
 
Delivering amazing value and a powerful smartphone experience at the entry level category, Bharat Go comes with a 4.5” screen and its compact size creates an ergonomic grip that enables comfortable one-handed operation. It boasts of a smart key that will enable the users to take screen shots, click pictures and switch the phone into silent mode.
 
On camera front, it incorporates 5MP rear camera + 5 MP front camera setup. To live up to power-efficient legacy, the phone comes with MediaTek Quad Core processor, that supports quality camera images and graphics with optimum speed. It has an optimization of power consumption that saves up to 30% power and users can seamlessly multitask. The phone packs 1GB DDR3 RAM and 8GB of internal storage that promises better performance at low power and lag free multi-tasking experience. Bharat Go is powered by 2,000mAh battery and the OTG support on the phone provides the users with mass storage, serial communications, keyboards/mice, game controllers, ethernet connectivity, camera controller and importing photos from a camera.
 
Commenting on the launch, Shubhodip Pal, Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, Micromax, said, “Android Oreo (Go Edition) is a compelling proposition for the mobile first economy like India. We are proud to announce the launch of Bharat GO, a smartphone powered by the Android Oreo (Go Edition) today. Micromax Started the journey of empowering users a year ago with the launch of Bharat series. If we look at the statistics, there is still a huge gap when it comes to smartphone adoption all over the country owing to the lack of affordable smartphones in the sub 5k category. Micromax has always believed in massifying and democratising technology, be it through launching the first phone with qwerty keyboard or the first phone with dual SIM. And today we are extremely proud to partner with Airtel and Google for the launch of BharatGo, which will further bridge the need gap of the consumers.”
 
Vani Venkatesh, Chief Marketing Officer, Bharti Airtel, said, “Along with Google, we look forward to collaborating with device manufacturers to leverage the power of Android Go and bring highly affordable smartphone options to the market. Android Go powered devices like Bharat Go, will offer customers an opportunity to upgrade to affordable smartphones that also deliver a great experience.”
 
Commenting on the launch, Sagar Kamdar, Product Director, Google India, said, “Android's mission has always been to bring the power of computing to everyone, and part of that is ensuring a great experience across a broad range of devices. Android Oreo (Go edition) is specifically optimised to bring an easy, powerful software experience to devices with 1GB of RAM or less. We're excited to see Micromax further that mission by launching the Bharat Go."