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Google Expands Low-Cost Phone Program in 6 African Countries

Google is introducing a low-priced smartphone in six African countries where most people still can't afford an Internet-connected device.
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Google is introducing a low-priced smartphone in six African countries where most people still can't afford an Internet-connected device.

The phone announced Tuesday is made by Infinix and will cost about $87. It will be sold in stores in Nigeria and offered by online retailer Jumia in five other countries: Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, and Morocco. Infinix worked with Google on the "Hot 2" phone as part of a program called Android One that made its debut in India last year.

Android One represents Google's push to lower the prices of smartphones in less developed parts of the world where computers are considered a luxury. Google consults with device makers to build cheap phones that can still run the latest version of its Android software.

Infinix's phone will be sold with an Android release that came out last year under the nickname "Lollipop." It will be capable of running the next upgrade of Android, called "Marshmallow," due out this fall.

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The price for the Hot 2 is a steep markdown from other smartphones equipped with Android's newest software. For instance, prices for Samsung Electronics newest Android phones to be released this month will cost from about $700 to more than $800 without a wireless contract.