While the first two iterations of India’s low-cost Aakash tablet
have been a ‘flop show’, it’s manufacturer DataWind has said that it is
now ready to supply Aakash 3 tablets to the government, at a tentative
price of Rs.2,500 per unit.
Last week, DataWind announced
the completion of Aakash project, and said that as per the deal,
the company has shipped 100,000 units of the tablet to the government.
While talking to the media regarding Aakash 3, Datawind CEO Suneet Singh Tuli said,
"As per my information, the committee on Aakash tablets is looking to
higher version of the device at Rs 2,500 a piece and we are ready to
match the price on order for every 10 lakh units."
The Canadian firm has recommended higher specifications for Aakash 3, including a SIM card slot, to provide voice calling facility as well.
The recommended specifications
for Aakash 3 include a 1GHz Cortex A8 CPU paired with 512MB of RAM, 4GB
on-baord storage along with a micro-SD card slot, a multi-touch capacitive screen, a VGA camera at the front, Wi-Fi and GPRS for connectivity.
Commenting on the localization of the upcoming tablet, Tuli said,
"We have set up an LCD touchscreen unit in Amritsar. Therefore, Datawind will comply with the
norms of 30 per cent value addition in the product from India. I would
like government to strictly implement it. It is good for the country and
will encourage electronics manufacturing in the country."
Aakash 3 is expected to be unveiled by the middle of this year and we
hope that this time, the tablet does reach the masses, unlike the
previous two iterations.
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