Visitors looking at the Android One in New Delhi, Sept. 15. Source: cbc.ca

Often times, when we think of smartphones, we think of them as luxury that only citizens of developed nations can afford to buy. The average smartphone costs around $500 without the plan, and with giant companies like Apple and Samsung standing in the way, there doesn’t seem to be much market share left over.

However, Google has found a way to reach untapped markets in the developing world through their new “Android One” smartphones. Teaming up with three Indian phone manufacturers, Google launched its new family of phones for under $120 each. These phones feature a 1.3 GHz quad core processor, a 5 MP primary camera, 4GB of memory that is expandable to 32GB, and the ability to take two different SIM cards. It also comes loaded with Android Kit Kat (4.4) and will be given the free update to Android L once it’s released. With this affordable device, many more people will be able to join in on the digital world that is currently dominated by developed nations. This could mean a lot to Google’s competitors, namely Apple and Samsung. By reaching a greater population, Google is not only gaining more market share, it is also establishing its name in the developing world. By branching out and collaborating with international companies, it is gaining new insights and technology to continue to expand it’s business, as well as a larger customer base.