NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Aakash: World's Cheapest Tablet to Enhance Quality Education

By Lemuel Cacho  

And just when we thought Kindle Fire made a blaze and threatens iPad 2 dominance, another tablet from across the globe unveils - Aakash.

Aakash, which means sky in Sanskrit, is the world's cheapest tablet computer that was developed by DataWind, a small British-based company and is manufactured in the southern city of Hyderabad, India. It comes at a subsidized price of US$35.00 and a maximum retail price of US$60.00, with every intention to expand to giant regions such as Asia and Latin America.

The government of India says it will initially run 100,000 units before it is rolled out to millions of students in the coming months. One of the main motivations for developing the tablet and selling it at floor price is to help enhance the quality of learning for children.

It took two years to develop Aakash, as assembly took place in India. The government is trying to incorporate information technology in education although it met criticisms that it would not live up to its expectations.

It is estimated that there are almost 19 million Indians who subscribe to mobile phone services per month. This number shows that India is the world's fastest growing market. However, a majority of the subscribers belong to the more affluent segments of the population.

India comes along the ranks of countries like Brazil, Russia and China as these countries try their best to help billions of people to get technologically connected.

The use of communications technology for development makes the budget tablet the most accessible means to deliver distance learning in rural areas and among students in India.

In terms of operating system, Aakash, like the Kindle Fire, uses the Google Android. The Aakash tablet was launched on Wednesday, October 5, 20011.

Lemuel Cacho is a versatile writer specializing in business, technology and science. Contact Lem through NewsBlaze.