Jump to content

Aakash (tablet): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m punct
Rescuing 16 sources and tagging 1 as dead. #IABot (v1.4beta3)
Line 66: Line 66:
The aspiration to create a "Made in India" computer was first reflected in a prototype "[[Simputer]]" that was produced in small numbers. Bangalore based CPSU, Bharat Electronics Ltd manufactured around 5,000 Simputers for Indian customers from 2002–07. In 2011, [[Kapil Sibal]] announced an anticipated low-cost computing device to compete with the [[One Laptop per Child]] (OLPC) initiative, though intended for urban college students rather than the OLPC's rural, underprivileged students.<ref>http://www.ubislate.com</ref>
The aspiration to create a "Made in India" computer was first reflected in a prototype "[[Simputer]]" that was produced in small numbers. Bangalore based CPSU, Bharat Electronics Ltd manufactured around 5,000 Simputers for Indian customers from 2002–07. In 2011, [[Kapil Sibal]] announced an anticipated low-cost computing device to compete with the [[One Laptop per Child]] (OLPC) initiative, though intended for urban college students rather than the OLPC's rural, underprivileged students.<ref>http://www.ubislate.com</ref>


A year later, the MHRD announced that the low-cost computer would be launched in six weeks. Nine weeks later, the MHRD showcased a tablet named "Aakash", not nearly what had been projected and at US$60 rather than the projected $35. "[[NDTV]]" reported that the new low-cost tablet was considerably less able than the previously shown prototype and was going to cost about twice as much.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/new/Ndtv-Show-Special-Story.aspx?ID=647&StoryID=GADEN20110185457 |title=Show » The Aakash: Not $35 But Still India’s Cheapest Tablet » $35 tablet: From prototype to reality |publisher=NDTV |date=5 October 2011 |accessdate=1 November 2011}}</ref>
A year later, the MHRD announced that the low-cost computer would be launched in six weeks. Nine weeks later, the MHRD showcased a tablet named "Aakash", not nearly what had been projected and at US$60 rather than the projected $35. "[[NDTV]]" reported that the new low-cost tablet was considerably less able than the previously shown prototype and was going to cost about twice as much.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/new/Ndtv-Show-Special-Story.aspx?ID=647&StoryID=GADEN20110185457 |title=Show » The Aakash: Not $35 But Still India’s Cheapest Tablet » $35 tablet: From prototype to reality |publisher=NDTV |date=5 October 2011 |accessdate=1 November 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016090202/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/new/Ndtv-Show-Special-Story.aspx?ID=647&StoryID=GADEN20110185457 |archivedate=16 October 2011 }}</ref>


While it was once projected as a laptop computer, the design has evolved into a [[tablet computer]]. At the inauguration of the national Mission on Education Programme organised by the Union HRD Ministry in 2009, joint secretary N. K. Sinha had said that the computing device is 10&nbsp;inches (which is around 25.5&nbsp;cm) long and 5&nbsp;inches (12.5&nbsp;cm) wide and priced at around $30.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/feb/02/india-computer-cheapest India to unveil the £7 laptop], ''[[The Guardian]]'', 2 February 2009</ref>
While it was once projected as a laptop computer, the design has evolved into a [[tablet computer]]. At the inauguration of the national Mission on Education Programme organised by the Union HRD Ministry in 2009, joint secretary N. K. Sinha had said that the computing device is 10&nbsp;inches (which is around 25.5&nbsp;cm) long and 5&nbsp;inches (12.5&nbsp;cm) wide and priced at around $30.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/feb/02/india-computer-cheapest India to unveil the £7 laptop], ''[[The Guardian]]'', 2 February 2009</ref>
Line 76: Line 76:
The device was developed as part of the country's aim to link 25,000 colleges and 400 universities in an e-learning program.<ref name="bbc_10740817" /> Originally projected as a "$35 laptop",<ref name="PIB" /> the device was planned to be sold to the Government of India and distributed to university students – initially at US$50<ref name="nyt" /> until further orders are received and projected eventually to achieve the target $35 price.
The device was developed as part of the country's aim to link 25,000 colleges and 400 universities in an e-learning program.<ref name="bbc_10740817" /> Originally projected as a "$35 laptop",<ref name="PIB" /> the device was planned to be sold to the Government of India and distributed to university students – initially at US$50<ref name="nyt" /> until further orders are received and projected eventually to achieve the target $35 price.


A commercial version was eventually released online as the UbiSlate7 tablet PC at {{INRConvert|3000|nolink=yes}} and the Ubislate7+ tablet PC at {{INRConvert|3500|nolink=yes}}<ref name="et_cheapest_60" /><ref>[http://ubislate.com/device-specification/index.html UbiSlate device specifications] ubislate.com, Retrieved on 1 March 2013.</ref> on 11 November 2012<ref name="pib.nic.in"/> with plans to offer it at a subsidised cost for students of {{INRConvert|1130|nolink=yes}}.<ref name="ibnlive.in.com"/> As of February 2012, DataWind had over 1,400,000 pre-orders, but had only shipped 10,000 units – 0.7% of orders.<ref>[http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/aakash-stalls/ Aakash lurches toward another crisis as India loses patience with DataWind] Engadget, Retrieved on 1 March 2013.</ref> As of November 2012, many customers who put in orders still had not received their computers and were offered refunds.<ref>[http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/info-tech/datawind-to-clear-all-paid-orders-for-aakash-in-6-weeks/article4108396.ece Datawind to clear all paid orders for Aakash in 6 weeks] The Hindu Business Line, Retrieved on 1 March 2013.</ref>
A commercial version was eventually released online as the UbiSlate7 tablet PC at {{INRConvert|3000|nolink=yes}} and the Ubislate7+ tablet PC at {{INRConvert|3500|nolink=yes}}<ref name="et_cheapest_60" /><ref>[http://ubislate.com/device-specification/index.html UbiSlate device specifications] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120075221/http://ubislate.com/device-specification/index.html |date=20 January 2013 }} ubislate.com, Retrieved on 1 March 2013.</ref> on 11 November 2012<ref name="pib.nic.in"/> with plans to offer it at a subsidised cost for students of {{INRConvert|1130|nolink=yes}}.<ref name="ibnlive.in.com"/> As of February 2012, DataWind had over 1,400,000 pre-orders, but had only shipped 10,000 units – 0.7% of orders.<ref>[http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/aakash-stalls/ Aakash lurches toward another crisis as India loses patience with DataWind] Engadget, Retrieved on 1 March 2013.</ref> As of November 2012, many customers who put in orders still had not received their computers and were offered refunds.<ref>[http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/info-tech/datawind-to-clear-all-paid-orders-for-aakash-in-6-weeks/article4108396.ece Datawind to clear all paid orders for Aakash in 6 weeks] The Hindu Business Line, Retrieved on 1 March 2013.</ref>


==Specifications==
==Specifications==
Line 83: Line 83:
The processor runs at 366&nbsp;[[clock frequency|MHz]]; there is a graphics accelerator and HD video coprocessor. The tablet has 256&nbsp;MB RAM, a [[micro SD]] slot with a 2&nbsp;GB Micro SD card (expandable to 32&nbsp;GB), two USB ports, a 3.5&nbsp;mm audio output and input jack, a 2100&nbsp;[[mAh]] battery, [[Wi-Fi]] capability, a browser developed by DataWind, and an internal cellular and [[Subscriber Identity Module]] (SIM) modem. Power consumption is 2&nbsp;watts, and there is a solar charging option.
The processor runs at 366&nbsp;[[clock frequency|MHz]]; there is a graphics accelerator and HD video coprocessor. The tablet has 256&nbsp;MB RAM, a [[micro SD]] slot with a 2&nbsp;GB Micro SD card (expandable to 32&nbsp;GB), two USB ports, a 3.5&nbsp;mm audio output and input jack, a 2100&nbsp;[[mAh]] battery, [[Wi-Fi]] capability, a browser developed by DataWind, and an internal cellular and [[Subscriber Identity Module]] (SIM) modem. Power consumption is 2&nbsp;watts, and there is a solar charging option.


The Aakash is designed to support various document (DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX, XLS, XLSX, ODT, ODP,PDF), image (PNG, JPG, BMP and GIF), audio (MP3, AAC, AC3, WAV, WMA) and video (MPEG2, MPEG4, AVI, FLV) [[file format]]s and includes an application for access to YouTube video content.<ref name="bbc_10740817"/><ref name=ndtvGadGuru1/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://browserfame.com/289/ubisurfer-browser-aakash-india-tablet-android |title=UbiSurfer Browser of India’s Aakash Android Tablet |publisher=Gary, Mark}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/indias-35-tablet-is-here-for-real-called-aakash-costs-60/ |title=India's $35 tablet is here, for real. Called Aakash, costs $60 |publisher=Engadget |accessdate=5 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hungrynfoolish.com/2011/10/06/aakash-tablet-product-review-specs-pics-price-and-insights-from-the-maker-himself/ |title=Aakash Tablet Hands on Review |publisher=Hungry N Foolish |accessdate=6 October 2011}}</ref><ref name="Guardian">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jul/23/india-unveils-cheapest-laptop |title=India unveils cheapest laptop |work=The Guardian |location=London |accessdate=25 July 2010 |first=Josh |last=Halliday |date=23 July 2010| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100725003802/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jul/23/india-unveils-cheapest-laptop| archivedate= 25 July 2010 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
The Aakash is designed to support various document (DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX, XLS, XLSX, ODT, ODP,PDF), image (PNG, JPG, BMP and GIF), audio (MP3, AAC, AC3, WAV, WMA) and video (MPEG2, MPEG4, AVI, FLV) [[file format]]s and includes an application for access to YouTube video content.<ref name="bbc_10740817"/><ref name=ndtvGadGuru1/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://browserfame.com/289/ubisurfer-browser-aakash-india-tablet-android |title=UbiSurfer Browser of India’s Aakash Android Tablet |publisher=Gary, Mark |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313041523/http://browserfame.com/289/ubisurfer-browser-aakash-india-tablet-android |archivedate=13 March 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/indias-35-tablet-is-here-for-real-called-aakash-costs-60/ |title=India's $35 tablet is here, for real. Called Aakash, costs $60 |publisher=Engadget |accessdate=5 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hungrynfoolish.com/2011/10/06/aakash-tablet-product-review-specs-pics-price-and-insights-from-the-maker-himself/ |title=Aakash Tablet Hands on Review |publisher=Hungry N Foolish |accessdate=6 October 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007032608/http://www.hungrynfoolish.com/2011/10/06/aakash-tablet-product-review-specs-pics-price-and-insights-from-the-maker-himself/ |archivedate=7 October 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Guardian">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jul/23/india-unveils-cheapest-laptop |title=India unveils cheapest laptop |work=The Guardian |location=London |accessdate=25 July 2010 |first=Josh |last=Halliday |date=23 July 2010| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100725003802/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jul/23/india-unveils-cheapest-laptop| archivedate= 25 July 2010 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:auto;"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:auto;"
Line 243: Line 243:


====Browser====
====Browser====
DataWind announced that their browser will use [[data compression]] technology to speed up data transmission. While pre-compressed data such as ZIP files, JPEG images, MP3 audio, MPEG video will not show significantly improved transmission speeds, uncompressed data will be transmitted in as little as one sixth the time, depending upon how efficiently it can be compressed. If and when successfully combined with [[HTTP compression|Server-side web compression]], [[1G]] Analog Internet service might actually be able to compete with [[2G]] or [[3G]] digital internet service. Datawind claims that their browser can give up to 30 times faster speeds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://datawind.com/pressrelease.html |title=Datawind press release |publisher=Datawind.com |date=5 October 2011 |accessdate=31 July 2012}}</ref>
DataWind announced that their browser will use [[data compression]] technology to speed up data transmission. While pre-compressed data such as ZIP files, JPEG images, MP3 audio, MPEG video will not show significantly improved transmission speeds, uncompressed data will be transmitted in as little as one sixth the time, depending upon how efficiently it can be compressed. If and when successfully combined with [[HTTP compression|Server-side web compression]], [[1G]] Analog Internet service might actually be able to compete with [[2G]] or [[3G]] digital internet service. Datawind claims that their browser can give up to 30 times faster speeds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://datawind.com/pressrelease.html |title=Datawind press release |publisher=Datawind.com |date=5 October 2011 |accessdate=31 July 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628150126/http://datawind.com/pressrelease.html |archivedate=28 June 2012 }}</ref>


===In the Box===
===In the Box===
Line 258: Line 258:


In June 2011,the HRD announced that it received a few samples from the production process which are under testing. Also it mentions that each state in [[India]] provided 3000 samples for testing on their functionality, utility and durability in field conditions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=72584 |title=HRD press release |accessdate=30 December 2011}}</ref> The Government of India announced that 10,000 (Sakshat) tablet will be delivered to schools and colleges by late June and over the next four months 90,000 more would be made available at a price of {{Indian Rupee}}2500 device.
In June 2011,the HRD announced that it received a few samples from the production process which are under testing. Also it mentions that each state in [[India]] provided 3000 samples for testing on their functionality, utility and durability in field conditions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=72584 |title=HRD press release |accessdate=30 December 2011}}</ref> The Government of India announced that 10,000 (Sakshat) tablet will be delivered to schools and colleges by late June and over the next four months 90,000 more would be made available at a price of {{Indian Rupee}}2500 device.
The government will subsidise the cost by about 50%, so a student would have to pay less than {{Indian Rupee}}1,500 for the device.<ref name=" ">{{cite web |url=http://www.pluggd.in/35-laptop-launch-date-297 |title=News Article about launch |publisher=Pluggd.in |accessdate=30 December 2011}}</ref> Indian Ministry of Education is releasing educational videos in conjunction with IGNOU and at [http://www.sakshat.ac.in/ sakshat.ac.in]. This preparation of content is meant for students with access to the Internet, India's first law-biding Online Video Library.
The government will subsidise the cost by about 50%, so a student would have to pay less than {{Indian Rupee}}1,500 for the device.<ref name=" ">{{cite web|url=http://www.pluggd.in/35-laptop-launch-date-297 |title=News Article about launch |publisher=Pluggd.in |accessdate=30 December 2011 }}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Indian Ministry of Education is releasing educational videos in conjunction with IGNOU and at [http://www.sakshat.ac.in/ sakshat.ac.in]. This preparation of content is meant for students with access to the Internet, India's first law-biding Online Video Library.


'''Software Development'''
'''Software Development'''
Line 266: Line 266:
'''Hardware Development'''
'''Hardware Development'''


IIT-Rajasthan's specifications were 1.2&nbsp;GHz CPU and 700 MB RAM. It wanted the tablet to work after steep falls and in [[Monsoon]] season, making the cost over Rs 5000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lightreading.in/document.asp?doc_id=216561& |title=Light Reading India – 4G/LTE – Is the Aakash Dream Over? – Telecom |publisher=Lightreading.in |date= |accessdate=31 July 2012}}</ref> So responsibility of drafting specifications will be shifted to IIT Mumbai, IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur<ref>{{cite web|url=http://truthdive.com/2012/02/03/aakash-tablet-3-more-iits-to-work-for-making-it-cheaper.html |title=Aakash Tablet: 3 more IITs to work for making it cheaper &#124; TruthDiveTruthDive |publisher=Truthdive.com |date= |accessdate=31 July 2012}}</ref> while [[Public Sector Undertaking#India|PSU]]s are being considered for procurement of the Aakash Tablet.<ref name="Clouds of doubt over Aakash">{{cite web|last=Nigavekar |first=Arun |url=http://www.mydigitalfc.com/op-ed/clouds-doubt-over-aakash-680 |title=Clouds of doubt over Aakash |publisher=Mydigitalfc.com |date= |accessdate=31 July 2012}}</ref>
IIT-Rajasthan's specifications were 1.2&nbsp;GHz CPU and 700 MB RAM. It wanted the tablet to work after steep falls and in [[Monsoon]] season, making the cost over Rs 5000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lightreading.in/document.asp?doc_id=216561& |title=Light Reading India – 4G/LTE – Is the Aakash Dream Over? – Telecom |publisher=Lightreading.in |date= |accessdate=31 July 2012}}</ref> So responsibility of drafting specifications will be shifted to IIT Mumbai, IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur<ref>{{cite web|url=http://truthdive.com/2012/02/03/aakash-tablet-3-more-iits-to-work-for-making-it-cheaper.html |title=Aakash Tablet: 3 more IITs to work for making it cheaper &#124; TruthDiveTruthDive |publisher=Truthdive.com |date= |accessdate=31 July 2012}}</ref> while [[Public Sector Undertaking#India|PSU]]s are being considered for procurement of the Aakash Tablet.<ref name="Clouds of doubt over Aakash">{{cite web|last=Nigavekar |first=Arun |url=http://www.mydigitalfc.com/op-ed/clouds-doubt-over-aakash-680 |title=Clouds of doubt over Aakash |publisher=Mydigitalfc.com |date= |accessdate=31 July 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419165129/http://www.mydigitalfc.com/op-ed/clouds-doubt-over-aakash-680 |archivedate=19 April 2012 }}</ref>
Aakash 2 could have the 1 GB RAM, Capacitive TouchScreen Panel and a front-facing camera of VGA Quality (0.3&nbsp;MP), capable of capturing video, that was announced earlier by Kapil Sibal. This version of tablet may be announced only after October 2012, because of low funds in procuring the raw material for assembling and also setting up of assembling plant at Noida and Coimbatore. The Govt. officials say that the tablet may not be realised due to the pressure from various institutes and meagre support from the Indian Government in regard to the funds regarding the process of the tablet procurement and assembly of the same.
Aakash 2 could have the 1 GB RAM, Capacitive TouchScreen Panel and a front-facing camera of VGA Quality (0.3&nbsp;MP), capable of capturing video, that was announced earlier by Kapil Sibal. This version of tablet may be announced only after October 2012, because of low funds in procuring the raw material for assembling and also setting up of assembling plant at Noida and Coimbatore. The Govt. officials say that the tablet may not be realised due to the pressure from various institutes and meagre support from the Indian Government in regard to the funds regarding the process of the tablet procurement and assembly of the same.


35% of hardware components were sourced from South Korea, 25% from China, 16% from the USA, 16% from India and 8% from other countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Akash-tablet-s-commercial-variant-in-November/Article1-754092.aspx |title=Aakash Tablet's commercial variant in November |work=Hindustan Times |accessdate=30 December 2011}}</ref>
35% of hardware components were sourced from South Korea, 25% from China, 16% from the USA, 16% from India and 8% from other countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Akash-tablet-s-commercial-variant-in-November/Article1-754092.aspx |title=Aakash Tablet's commercial variant in November |work=Hindustan Times |accessdate=30 December 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111109064441/http://www.hindustantimes.com/akash-tablet-s-commercial-variant-in-november/article1-754092.aspx |archivedate=9 November 2011 }}</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==
Problems such as low [[RAM|memory]], frequent system freezes, poor sound quality, absence of support for all formats and inability to install free software available online were also cited by users.<ref name="HT1">{{cite web
Problems such as low [[RAM|memory]], frequent system freezes, poor sound quality, absence of support for all formats and inability to install free software available online were also cited by users.<ref name="HT1">{{cite web
|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/technology/PersonalTech-Updates/Better-faster-Aakash-2-to-be-launched-in-Feb-2012/SP-Article1-764394.aspx
|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/technology/PersonalTech-Updates/Better-faster-Aakash-2-to-be-launched-in-Feb-2012/SP-Article1-764394.aspx
|title=Better, faster Aakash-2 to be launched in Feb 2012
|title=Better, faster Aakash-2 to be launched in Feb 2012
|last=Chauhan |first=Chetan
|last=Chauhan
|first=Chetan
|date=3 November 2011
|date=3 November 2011
|publisher=Hindustan Times, New Delhi
⚫
|publisher=Hindustan Times, New Delhi}}</ref> Technical commentator Prasanto Roy criticised issues such as a low battery life, an insufficient 7" screen and absence of training and support infrastructure, especially in rural areas.<ref name="PCQuest1">{{cite news|url=http://pcquest.ciol.com/content/editorscolumn/2011/111103102.asp|title=Why India's Cheap Tablet May Not Work Out|date=31 October 2011}} The cheapest mobile handset doesn't compromise on the basics: calls, SMS, battery life. Nor does the Tata Nano. The Aakash does</ref> UbiSlate 7+ will be released by 2012. The producer has finalised the improvements of Aakash.<ref name="HT1" />
|deadurl=yes
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106205038/http://www.hindustantimes.com/technology/PersonalTech-Updates/Better-faster-Aakash-2-to-be-launched-in-Feb-2012/SP-Article1-764394.aspx
|archivedate=6 November 2011
⚫
}}</ref> Technical commentator Prasanto Roy criticised issues such as a low battery life, an insufficient 7" screen and absence of training and support infrastructure, especially in rural areas.<ref name="PCQuest1">{{cite news|url=http://pcquest.ciol.com/content/editorscolumn/2011/111103102.asp |title=Why India's Cheap Tablet May Not Work Out |date=31 October 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102140500/http://pcquest.ciol.com/content/editorscolumn/2011/111103102.asp |archivedate=2 November 2011 }} The cheapest mobile handset doesn't compromise on the basics: calls, SMS, battery life. Nor does the Tata Nano. The Aakash does</ref> UbiSlate 7+ will be released by 2012. The producer has finalised the improvements of Aakash.<ref name="HT1" />


After receiving feedback of the early release model from over 500 users from educational institutions, DataWind announced the next iteration that will have a new microprocessor of 700&nbsp;MHz versus the original 366&nbsp;MHz processor. This will improve the speed of the tablet and solve the existing problems of quick overheating, frequent system freeze, poor sound quality, absence of support for all formats and the inability to install free online software.<ref name="HT1" /> The amount of memory, storage, and USB ports will remain the same.
After receiving feedback of the early release model from over 500 users from educational institutions, DataWind announced the next iteration that will have a new microprocessor of 700&nbsp;MHz versus the original 366&nbsp;MHz processor. This will improve the speed of the tablet and solve the existing problems of quick overheating, frequent system freeze, poor sound quality, absence of support for all formats and the inability to install free online software.<ref name="HT1" /> The amount of memory, storage, and USB ports will remain the same.


On 16 December 2011, [[DataWind]] opened Aakash ordering online in their official website at {{Indian Rupee}}2500 with one week delivery time and cash on delivery facility and its upgraded version Ubislate 7+ is available for pre-order at {{Indian Rupee}}2999.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skoolboyz.in/2011/12/worlds-cheapest-tablet-aakash-goes-on.html |title=World's cheapest tablet Aakash goes on sale for Rs 2500 Online with One week Delivery- www.aakashtablet.com |accessdate=17 December 2011}}</ref> On 19 December 2011, [[DataWind]] reported that the first phase of Aakash tablet had been sold out completely,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skoolboyz.in/2011/12/worlds-cheapest-tablet-aakash-sold-out.html |title=World's Cheapest Tablet – Aakash sold out |accessdate=19 December 2011}}</ref> just three days since it was opened for Online order. UbiSlate 7+ production capacity of January, February and March has already been sold. Now, April production is open for pre-Booking.<ref>Ubislate official website. Retrieved 31 December 2011.</ref> By 3 January 2012 1.4 million orders had been received since the UbiSlate 7+ was put up for sale online.<ref name="1.4 million orders">{{cite news |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hIKVGIAbegcoKZJ7UCkQmmBtLPKg |title=1.4 million orders for world's cheapest tablet in India |agency=AFP |date=3 January 2012 |accessdate=4 January 2012}}</ref> By the end of January 2012 pre-orders for UbiSlate 7+ have crossed two million.<ref name=Tuli>{{cite web|last=Tuli|first=Suneet Singh|title=UbiSlate 7+|url=http://www.ubislate.com/index.html|work=http://excel www.ubislate.com|publisher=DataWind Ltd|accessdate=7 February 2012}}</ref> By 13 April 2012, Datawind severed connection with its supplier Quad,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/hardware/datawind-breaks-ties-with-supplier-aakash-delayed/articleshow/12665454.cms |title=Datawind breaks ties with supplier, Aakash delayed |publisher=Economictimes.indiatimes.com |date=14 April 2012 |accessdate=31 July 2012}}</ref> further delaying the assembly of UbiSlate 7+. While Quad claims DataWind hasn’t paid it, the Canadian company alleges that its former partner infringed its intellectual property rights by trying to sell directly to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Rajasthan.<ref name="livemint">{{cite web|url=http://www.livemint.com/2012/04/13004709/New-twist-in-Aakash-tablet-con.html |title=New twist in Aakash tablet controversy |publisher=Livemint.com |date=13 April 2012 |accessdate=31 July 2012}}</ref>
On 16 December 2011, [[DataWind]] opened Aakash ordering online in their official website at {{Indian Rupee}}2500 with one week delivery time and cash on delivery facility and its upgraded version Ubislate 7+ is available for pre-order at {{Indian Rupee}}2999.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skoolboyz.in/2011/12/worlds-cheapest-tablet-aakash-goes-on.html |title=World's cheapest tablet Aakash goes on sale for Rs 2500 Online with One week Delivery- www.aakashtablet.com |accessdate=17 December 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107185025/http://www.skoolboyz.in/2011/12/worlds-cheapest-tablet-aakash-goes-on.html |archivedate=7 January 2012 }}</ref> On 19 December 2011, [[DataWind]] reported that the first phase of Aakash tablet had been sold out completely,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skoolboyz.in/2011/12/worlds-cheapest-tablet-aakash-sold-out.html |title=World's Cheapest Tablet – Aakash sold out |accessdate=19 December 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107201457/http://www.skoolboyz.in/2011/12/worlds-cheapest-tablet-aakash-sold-out.html |archivedate=7 January 2012 }}</ref> just three days since it was opened for Online order. UbiSlate 7+ production capacity of January, February and March has already been sold. Now, April production is open for pre-Booking.<ref>Ubislate official website. Retrieved 31 December 2011.</ref> By 3 January 2012 1.4 million orders had been received since the UbiSlate 7+ was put up for sale online.<ref name="1.4 million orders">{{cite news |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hIKVGIAbegcoKZJ7UCkQmmBtLPKg |title=1.4 million orders for world's cheapest tablet in India |agency=AFP |date=3 January 2012 |accessdate=4 January 2012}}</ref> By the end of January 2012 pre-orders for UbiSlate 7+ have crossed two million.<ref name=Tuli>{{cite web|last=Tuli|first=Suneet Singh|title=UbiSlate 7+|url=http://www.ubislate.com/index.html|work=http://excel www.ubislate.com|publisher=DataWind Ltd|accessdate=7 February 2012}}</ref> By 13 April 2012, Datawind severed connection with its supplier Quad,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/hardware/datawind-breaks-ties-with-supplier-aakash-delayed/articleshow/12665454.cms |title=Datawind breaks ties with supplier, Aakash delayed |publisher=Economictimes.indiatimes.com |date=14 April 2012 |accessdate=31 July 2012}}</ref> further delaying the assembly of UbiSlate 7+. While Quad claims DataWind hasn’t paid it, the Canadian company alleges that its former partner infringed its intellectual property rights by trying to sell directly to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Rajasthan.<ref name="livemint">{{cite web|url=http://www.livemint.com/2012/04/13004709/New-twist-in-Aakash-tablet-con.html |title=New twist in Aakash tablet controversy |publisher=Livemint.com |date=13 April 2012 |accessdate=31 July 2012}}</ref>


In the November 2012 issue of ''[[PCQuest (magazine)|PCQuest]]'', some letters described Datawind to be a fraud company and the users want to sue the company in consumer court. {{Why|date=December 2013}}
In the November 2012 issue of ''[[PCQuest (magazine)|PCQuest]]'', some letters described Datawind to be a fraud company and the users want to sue the company in consumer court. {{Why|date=December 2013}}


==Plans==
==Plans==
On 26 April 2012 Datawind launched UbiSlate 7+ and Ubislate 7C tablet in physical stores at Delhi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.teletechnology.in/ubislate-7c-tablet-specification-features-and-price/ |title=Ubislate 7C |publisher=Teletechnology.in |date=25 April 2012 |accessdate=31 July 2012}}</ref> [[Reliance Industries Limited]] (RIL) has announced the plan to launch LTE(4G) Tablet between {{Indian Rupee}}3500–5000, with low-cost Internet service.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://reliance-industries.com/2011/12/ril-to-hit-data-services-market-with-4g-technology-on-rs-3500-tablet/ |title=RIL to Hit Data Services Market with 4G Technology on RS. 3500 Tablet |publisher=Reliance Industries |accessdate=30 December 2011}}</ref> This tablet will be an upgraded version of Aakash developed by DataWind.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/datawind-ril-talkcheapest-tab/453933/ |title=Datawind,RIL talk on Chepaset Tab |publisher=Business-Standard |accessdate=30 December 2011}}</ref> Indian Govt. HRD has revealed that Aakash 2 will be announced in May 2012. [[HCL Enterprise|Hindustan Computers Limited]] (HCL), [[Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited]] (BHEL), [[DataWind]], Wishtel, and Telmoco Development Labs are Interested in bidding at the Aakash 2 contract auction.
On 26 April 2012 Datawind launched UbiSlate 7+ and Ubislate 7C tablet in physical stores at Delhi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.teletechnology.in/ubislate-7c-tablet-specification-features-and-price/ |title=Ubislate 7C |publisher=Teletechnology.in |date=25 April 2012 |accessdate=31 July 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501133446/http://www.teletechnology.in/ubislate-7c-tablet-specification-features-and-price/ |archivedate=1 May 2012 }}</ref> [[Reliance Industries Limited]] (RIL) has announced the plan to launch LTE(4G) Tablet between {{Indian Rupee}}3500–5000, with low-cost Internet service.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reliance-industries.com/2011/12/ril-to-hit-data-services-market-with-4g-technology-on-rs-3500-tablet/ |title=RIL to Hit Data Services Market with 4G Technology on RS. 3500 Tablet |publisher=Reliance Industries |accessdate=30 December 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108072248/http://reliance-industries.com/2011/12/ril-to-hit-data-services-market-with-4g-technology-on-rs-3500-tablet/ |archivedate=8 January 2012 }}</ref> This tablet will be an upgraded version of Aakash developed by DataWind.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/datawind-ril-talkcheapest-tab/453933/ |title=Datawind,RIL talk on Chepaset Tab |publisher=Business-Standard |accessdate=30 December 2011}}</ref> Indian Govt. HRD has revealed that Aakash 2 will be announced in May 2012. [[HCL Enterprise|Hindustan Computers Limited]] (HCL), [[Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited]] (BHEL), [[DataWind]], Wishtel, and Telmoco Development Labs are Interested in bidding at the Aakash 2 contract auction.


The low-cost Akash tablet is under trials in IIT Bombay and is being tested against the new specifications.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-13/hardware/32214034_1_aakash-2-iit-bombay-datawind | title= Aakash: IIT-Bombay testing upgraded version| date=13 June 2012 | work=The Times Of India}}</ref>
The low-cost Akash tablet is under trials in IIT Bombay and is being tested against the new specifications.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-13/hardware/32214034_1_aakash-2-iit-bombay-datawind | title= Aakash: IIT-Bombay testing upgraded version| date=13 June 2012 | work=The Times Of India}}</ref>
Line 311: Line 316:
|'''Company'''
|'''Company'''
|[[HCL Enterprise|HCL]]<ref>{{cite web|title=HCL ME Tablet|url=http://www.hclmetablet.com/#home|publisher=HCL|accessdate=27 July 2012}}</ref>
|[[HCL Enterprise|HCL]]<ref>{{cite web|title=HCL ME Tablet|url=http://www.hclmetablet.com/#home|publisher=HCL|accessdate=27 July 2012}}</ref>
|[[Karbonn Mobiles]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Karbonn Smart Tablet|url=http://www.karbonnmobiles.com/karbonn-ST1-proid-48.html|publisher=Karbonn|accessdate=27 July 2012}}</ref>
|[[Karbonn Mobiles]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Karbonn Smart Tablet |url=http://www.karbonnmobiles.com/karbonn-ST1-proid-48.html |publisher=Karbonn |accessdate=27 July 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731033647/http://www.karbonnmobiles.com/karbonn-ST1-proid-48.html |archivedate=31 July 2012 }}</ref>
|[[Micromax Mobile]]<ref>{{cite web|title=MIcromax Tablets|url=http://micromaxfunbook.com/index.html|publisher=Micromax|accessdate=27 July 2012}}</ref>
|[[Micromax Mobile]]<ref>{{cite web|title=MIcromax Tablets|url=http://micromaxfunbook.com/index.html|publisher=Micromax|accessdate=27 July 2012}}</ref>
|[[Reliance Industries|Reliance]]<ref name=Suneedh>{{cite web|title=Reliance Tab|url=http://www.rcom.co.in/Rcom/personal/Tab/HTML/3G_V9A_Overview.html|publisher=Reliance communications|accessdate=1 August 2012}}</ref>
|[[Reliance Industries|Reliance]]<ref name=Suneedh>{{cite web|title=Reliance Tab |url=http://www.rcom.co.in/Rcom/personal/Tab/HTML/3G_V9A_Overview.html |publisher=Reliance communications |accessdate=1 August 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731035410/http://www.rcom.co.in/Rcom/personal/Tab/HTML/3G_V9A_Overview.html |archivedate=31 July 2012 }}</ref>
|[[Samsung]] India<ref>{{cite web|title=Samsung Tab 2|url=http://www.samsung.com/in/consumer/mobile-phone/mobile-phone/tablet-smartphone/GT-P3100TSEINU|publisher=Samsung India|accessdate=1 August 2012}}</ref>
|[[Samsung]] India<ref>{{cite web|title=Samsung Tab 2|url=http://www.samsung.com/in/consumer/mobile-phone/mobile-phone/tablet-smartphone/GT-P3100TSEINU|publisher=Samsung India|accessdate=1 August 2012}}</ref>
|Wicked Leak<ref>{{cite web|title=Wicked Leak's Wammy 7|url=http://www.wickedleak.org/tablets-and-e-readers/96-wammy-7-inch-capacitive-android-40.html|publisher=Wickedleak India|accessdate=10 August 2012}}</ref>
|Wicked Leak<ref>{{cite web|title=Wicked Leak's Wammy 7 |url=http://www.wickedleak.org/tablets-and-e-readers/96-wammy-7-inch-capacitive-android-40.html |publisher=Wickedleak India |accessdate=10 August 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618190436/http://www.wickedleak.org/tablets-and-e-readers/96-wammy-7-inch-capacitive-android-40.html |archivedate=18 June 2012 }}</ref>
|-
|-
|'''Price'''
|'''Price'''

Revision as of 17:35, 24 June 2017

Aakash (Asec Internationals as1753)
Image of the Ubislate7 – initial version of Aakash.
ManufacturerVMC Systems, Hyderabad[1]
TypeTablet computer
Introductory priceUS$35 / ₹2,250
MediaGSM Device
Operating systemAndroid 2.3 Gingerbread
CPUARM 11 Cortex A8 @ 800 MHz processor
Memory256 MB RAM
StorageFlash memory
Internal: 2 GB flash
External: 2 to 32 GB microSD slot
Display800 × 480 px
7 in (18 cm) diagonal
SoundBuilt in microphone; stereo earphones; 3.5mm jack
InputMulti-touch touch screen
CameraNone
TouchpadResistive
ConnectivityWi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n)
Power3000 mAh li-po battery
Online servicesGetJar Market
Dimensions190.5 mm (7.50 in) H
118.5 mm (4.67 in) W
15.7 mm (0.62 in) D
Mass350 g (12 oz)
PredecessorSakshat
SuccessorAakash 2
RelatedUbiSlate 7+
Websitewww.akashtablet.com

Aakash a.k.a. Ubislate 7+,[2] is an Android-based tablet computer promoted by the Government of India as part of an initiative to link 25,000 colleges and 400 universities in an e-learning program.[3] It is produced by the British-Canadian company DataWind.[4] It is manufactured by the India-based company Quad, at a new production centre in Hyderabad,[5] with a planned trial run of 100,000 units.[6] The tablet was officially launched as the Aakash in New Delhi on 5 October 2011. The Indian Ministry of Human Resource Development announced an upgraded second-generation model called Aakash 2 in April 2012.[7]

The Aakash is a low-cost tablet computer with a 7-inch touch screen, ARM 11 processor and 256 MB RAM[8] running under the Android 2.2 operating system. It has two universal serial bus (USB) ports[6] and delivers high definition (HD) quality video.[8] For applications, the Aakash will have access to Getjar, an independent market, rather than the Android Market.[6][9]

Originally projected as a "$35 laptop",[10] the device will be sold to the Government of India and distributed to university students – initially at US$50[6] until further orders are received and projected eventually to achieve the target $35 price. A commercial version of Aakash is currently marketed as UbiSlate 7+[11] at a price of $60.[12] The Aakash 2, codenamed UbiSlate 7C, was released on 11 November 2012[13] and has a configuration that is an improvement over previous versions. The tablet will be sold to MHRD at a cost of Rs.2263 and subsidised to Rs.1130 for students.[14]

Etymology

The device was initially called the Sakshat tablet, later changed to Aakash , which is derived from the Sanskrit word Akasha (Devanagari आकाश) with several related meanings, aether, empty space, and outer space. The word in Hindi means "sky".[8][15]

History

The aspiration to create a "Made in India" computer was first reflected in a prototype "Simputer" that was produced in small numbers. Bangalore based CPSU, Bharat Electronics Ltd manufactured around 5,000 Simputers for Indian customers from 2002–07. In 2011, Kapil Sibal announced an anticipated low-cost computing device to compete with the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) initiative, though intended for urban college students rather than the OLPC's rural, underprivileged students.[16]

A year later, the MHRD announced that the low-cost computer would be launched in six weeks. Nine weeks later, the MHRD showcased a tablet named "Aakash", not nearly what had been projected and at US$60 rather than the projected $35. "NDTV" reported that the new low-cost tablet was considerably less able than the previously shown prototype and was going to cost about twice as much.[17]

While it was once projected as a laptop computer, the design has evolved into a tablet computer. At the inauguration of the national Mission on Education Programme organised by the Union HRD Ministry in 2009, joint secretary N. K. Sinha had said that the computing device is 10 inches (which is around 25.5 cm) long and 5 inches (12.5 cm) wide and priced at around $30.[18]

India's Minister of Human Resource Development, Kapil Sibal, unveiled a prototype on 22 July 2010, which was later given out to 500 college students to collect feedback.[19] The price of the device exhibited was projected at $35, eventually to drop to $20 and ultimately to $10.[3][20][21] After the device was unveiled, OLPC chairman Nicholas Negroponte offered full access to OLPC technology at no cost to the Indian team.[22]

The tablet was shown on the television program "Gadget Guru" aired on NDTV in August 2010,[23] when it was shown to have 256 MB RAM and 2 GB of internal flash-memory storage and demonstrated running the Android operating system featuring video playback, internal Wi-Fi and cellular data via an external 3G modem.[24]

The device was developed as part of the country's aim to link 25,000 colleges and 400 universities in an e-learning program.[3] Originally projected as a "$35 laptop",[10] the device was planned to be sold to the Government of India and distributed to university students – initially at US$50[6] until further orders are received and projected eventually to achieve the target $35 price.

A commercial version was eventually released online as the UbiSlate7 tablet PC at ₹3,000 (US$36) and the Ubislate7+ tablet PC at ₹3,500 (US$42)[12][25] on 11 November 2012[13] with plans to offer it at a subsidised cost for students of ₹1,130 (US$14).[14] As of February 2012, DataWind had over 1,400,000 pre-orders, but had only shipped 10,000 units – 0.7% of orders.[26] As of November 2012, many customers who put in orders still had not received their computers and were offered refunds.[27]

Specifications

As released on 5 October 2011, the Aakash features an overall size of 190.5 x 118.5 x 15.7 mm with a 180 millimetres (7.1 in) resistive touchscreen,[28] a weight of 350 grams (12 oz) and using the Android 2.2 operating system with access to the proprietary marketplace Getjar (not the Android Market), developed by DataWind.

The processor runs at 366 MHz; there is a graphics accelerator and HD video coprocessor. The tablet has 256 MB RAM, a micro SD slot with a 2 GB Micro SD card (expandable to 32 GB), two USB ports, a 3.5 mm audio output and input jack, a 2100 mAh battery, Wi-Fi capability, a browser developed by DataWind, and an internal cellular and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) modem. Power consumption is 2 watts, and there is a solar charging option.

The Aakash is designed to support various document (DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX, XLS, XLSX, ODT, ODP,PDF), image (PNG, JPG, BMP and GIF), audio (MP3, AAC, AC3, WAV, WMA) and video (MPEG2, MPEG4, AVI, FLV) file formats and includes an application for access to YouTube video content.[3][23][29][30][31][32]

Comparison of past and present Aakash tablets
Tablet name Company Price (INR) CPU speed Internal Storage (RAM) External Storage (SD Card) Battery Operating system Network Phone Call Screen Android Store Launch Date Manufactured in
Sakshat HCL 2,200 366 MHz 256 MB 2 GB 2100 mAh Android 2.2 Froyo Wi-Fi only VoIP only 800x480 px Resistive screen No Canceled India
Aakash / Ubislate 7 Datawind 2,500 ARM11, 366 MHz 256 MB 2 GB (expandable up to 32 GB) 2100 mAh Android 2.2 Froyo Wi-Fi only VoIP only Resistive No December 2011 China
UbiSlate 7+

(discontinued)

Datawind 3,000 ARM 11, 366 MHz 256 MB 4 GB (expandable up to 32 GB) 3000 mAh Android 2.3 Gingerbread Wi-Fi + GPRS phone network Yes Resistive No April 2012 China
Ubislate 7Ri

(discontinued)

Datawind - ARM Cortex-A8, 1 GHz 512 MB 4 GB (expandable up to 32 GB) 3000 mAh Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich Wi-Fi VoIP only Resistive Yes April 2012 China
Ubislate 7R+

(discontinued)

Datawind - ARM Cortex-A8, 1 GHz 512 MB  4GB (expandable up to 32 GB) 3000 mAh Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich Wi-Fi + GPRS Phone Network Yes Resistive Yes April 2012 China[33]
Aakash 2, UbiSlate 7Ci Datawind 4500 ARM Cortex-A8, 1 GHz 512 MB 4 GB (expandable up to 32 GB) 3000 mAh, 3hrs battery time Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Wi-Fi only VoIP only 7-inch, 800×480 px capacitive display Yes 11 November 2012
Aakash 3, UbiSlate 7C+(EDGE) Datawind 4999 ARM Cortex-A8, 1 GHz 512 MB 4 GB (expandable up to 32 GB) 3000 mAh, 3hrs battery time Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich Wi-Fi + GPRS Yes 7-inch, 800×480 px capacitive display Yes 11 November 2012

[2]

Storage: Some of the above tablets will have a micro-SD slot, and a 2 GB micro-SD flash memory card, upgradable to 32 GB, to store user data and programs not run from ROM. In Android 2.3 some applications' data can be moved from the ROM to the memory card.

Memory: ROM size has apparently not been stated by Datawind, but is estimated to be either 256 MB or 2 GB.[34] Both tablets have graphics processing cards, but the graphics memory size and GPU speed have not been stated .

Google Android Market: Aakash has no SIM card and insufficient processing power to use Google's Android Market, and will instead use the GetJar Marketplace. Aakash 2 will have access to Google's Android Market confirmed by Google.

Network: Aakash supports wireless local area network (wireless LAN or Wi-Fi). It does not support any cellular networks. In addition to Wi-Fi, UbiSlate-7+ has GPRS Internet connection, a second generation Internet connection. External 3G USB modems are not supported.

Applications

Preloaded applications:

  • (Internet) Browser
  • Calculator
  • notepad
  • Calendar
  • Camera
  • Clock
  • Contacts
  • DatawindPkgeManager
  • DevTools
  • Email
  • Gallery
  • Messaging
  • Music
  • Note pad
  • Phone
  • Quick pic (?)
  • Search
  • Settings
  • Spare Parts
  • One-Learn (CBSE CLASS 8-12 )

Note: UbiSlate 7 Series Tablets are not pre-loaded with any File Explorer or Android Store.

Browser

DataWind announced that their browser will use data compression technology to speed up data transmission. While pre-compressed data such as ZIP files, JPEG images, MP3 audio, MPEG video will not show significantly improved transmission speeds, uncompressed data will be transmitted in as little as one sixth the time, depending upon how efficiently it can be compressed. If and when successfully combined with Server-side web compression, 1G Analog Internet service might actually be able to compete with 2G or 3G digital internet service. Datawind claims that their browser can give up to 30 times faster speeds.[35]

In the Box

  • Mobile Internet Device (Tablet)
  • AC Adapter (Charger)
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Welcome Card
  • Warranty Card
  • Welcome statement

Development and testing

Kapil Sibal has stated that a million devices would be made available to students in 2011. The devices will be manufactured at a cost of ₹1500 (€23 Euro) each, half of which will be paid by the government and half by the institutions that would use it.[23][36] In January 2011, the company initially chosen to build the Sakshat, HCL Infosystems, failed to provide evidence that they had at least ₹600 million ($12.2 million) in bank guaranteed funds, as required by the Indian government, which has allocated $6.5 million to the project. As a result, the government put the project out for bidding again.[37]

In June 2011,the HRD announced that it received a few samples from the production process which are under testing. Also it mentions that each state in India provided 3000 samples for testing on their functionality, utility and durability in field conditions.[38] The Government of India announced that 10,000 (Sakshat) tablet will be delivered to schools and colleges by late June and over the next four months 90,000 more would be made available at a price of ₹2500 device. The government will subsidise the cost by about 50%, so a student would have to pay less than ₹1,500 for the device.[39] Indian Ministry of Education is releasing educational videos in conjunction with IGNOU and at sakshat.ac.in. This preparation of content is meant for students with access to the Internet, India's first law-biding Online Video Library.

Software Development

DataWind, the maker of Aakash, has announced a contest for students wherein their best applications will be embedded in the Ubislate(Aakash Tablet). Top 5 application winners will be awarded Rs 100,000 each.[40] Nasscom Foundation has partnered with DataWind and announced a contest wherein 10 NGOs will have an opportunity to win 20 tablets each, mainly to improve their operations and programme implementation.

Hardware Development

IIT-Rajasthan's specifications were 1.2 GHz CPU and 700 MB RAM. It wanted the tablet to work after steep falls and in Monsoon season, making the cost over Rs 5000.[41] So responsibility of drafting specifications will be shifted to IIT Mumbai, IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur[42] while PSUs are being considered for procurement of the Aakash Tablet.[43] Aakash 2 could have the 1 GB RAM, Capacitive TouchScreen Panel and a front-facing camera of VGA Quality (0.3 MP), capable of capturing video, that was announced earlier by Kapil Sibal. This version of tablet may be announced only after October 2012, because of low funds in procuring the raw material for assembling and also setting up of assembling plant at Noida and Coimbatore. The Govt. officials say that the tablet may not be realised due to the pressure from various institutes and meagre support from the Indian Government in regard to the funds regarding the process of the tablet procurement and assembly of the same.

35% of hardware components were sourced from South Korea, 25% from China, 16% from the USA, 16% from India and 8% from other countries.[44]

Reception

Problems such as low memory, frequent system freezes, poor sound quality, absence of support for all formats and inability to install free software available online were also cited by users.[45] Technical commentator Prasanto Roy criticised issues such as a low battery life, an insufficient 7" screen and absence of training and support infrastructure, especially in rural areas.[46] UbiSlate 7+ will be released by 2012. The producer has finalised the improvements of Aakash.[45]

After receiving feedback of the early release model from over 500 users from educational institutions, DataWind announced the next iteration that will have a new microprocessor of 700 MHz versus the original 366 MHz processor. This will improve the speed of the tablet and solve the existing problems of quick overheating, frequent system freeze, poor sound quality, absence of support for all formats and the inability to install free online software.[45] The amount of memory, storage, and USB ports will remain the same.

On 16 December 2011, DataWind opened Aakash ordering online in their official website at ₹2500 with one week delivery time and cash on delivery facility and its upgraded version Ubislate 7+ is available for pre-order at ₹2999.[47] On 19 December 2011, DataWind reported that the first phase of Aakash tablet had been sold out completely,[48] just three days since it was opened for Online order. UbiSlate 7+ production capacity of January, February and March has already been sold. Now, April production is open for pre-Booking.[49] By 3 January 2012 1.4 million orders had been received since the UbiSlate 7+ was put up for sale online.[50] By the end of January 2012 pre-orders for UbiSlate 7+ have crossed two million.[51] By 13 April 2012, Datawind severed connection with its supplier Quad,[52] further delaying the assembly of UbiSlate 7+. While Quad claims DataWind hasn’t paid it, the Canadian company alleges that its former partner infringed its intellectual property rights by trying to sell directly to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Rajasthan.[53]

In the November 2012 issue of PCQuest, some letters described Datawind to be a fraud company and the users want to sue the company in consumer court. [why?]

Plans

On 26 April 2012 Datawind launched UbiSlate 7+ and Ubislate 7C tablet in physical stores at Delhi.[54] Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has announced the plan to launch LTE(4G) Tablet between ₹3500–5000, with low-cost Internet service.[55] This tablet will be an upgraded version of Aakash developed by DataWind.[56] Indian Govt. HRD has revealed that Aakash 2 will be announced in May 2012. Hindustan Computers Limited (HCL), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), DataWind, Wishtel, and Telmoco Development Labs are Interested in bidding at the Aakash 2 contract auction.

The low-cost Akash tablet is under trials in IIT Bombay and is being tested against the new specifications.[57]

Indian government hopes also to produce Aakash for export market. On a visit to Turkmenistan in September 2012, the Indian telecom Minister Kapil Sibal, suggested forming a joint venture company which may manufacture Aakash. In this joint venture, the Indian side would design the necessary hardware and software of the tablet fulfilling the Turkmen side needs. Besides supplying the low-cost tablets, the joint venture company could market the product to other international markets.[58]

According to allegations made in the Hindustan Times, the Tuli brothers "may have" procured these devices off-the-shelf from manufacturers in China and sold them to the Indian government at the purchase price.[33] Suneet Singh Tuli, CEO of DataWind however insisted that only the manufacture of the motherboards were subcontracted to Chinese manufacturers, following which the components were placed in DIY kits which DataWind assembled and sold to the Indian government HRD.[33][59] Chinese manufacturers allege that they sold "ready-to-use" tablets to Datawind, and that they manufactured the touch screens as well. Tuli, however, insists that the touch screens were manufactured by DataWind in Canada.

Competition

Other low-cost tablets compete against Datawind's UbiSlate 7 series tablets.

Specifications Me Tablet U1 Smart Tab 1 Funbook 3G Tab V9A Galaxy Tab 2(310) Wammy 7
Company HCL[60] Karbonn Mobiles[61] Micromax Mobile[62] Reliance[63] Samsung India[64] Wicked Leak[65]
Price ₹7,999 ₹6,990 ₹6,499 ₹14,499 ₹15,999 ₹5,249
Operating system Android 4.0 ICS Android 4.0 ICS Android 4.0 ICS Android 2.3 Gingerbread Android 4.0 ICS Android 4.0 ICS
Central processor unit speed Cortex A8, 1.2 GHz Cortex A8, 1.2 GHz Cortex A8, 1.2 GHz with Dual Mali-2D/3D Graphics Processor 1.4 GHz 1.0 GHz(Dual core) Cortex A8, 1.2 GHz with Dual Mali-2D/3D Graphics Processor
Random-access memory 512 MB 512 MB 512 MB 512 MB 1 GB 512 MB
Internal storage/external storage 4GB/expandable up to 32 GB 4GB/expandable up to 32 GB 4GB NAND/expandable up to 32 GB 4GB/expandable up to 32 GB 16GB/expandable up to 32 GB 4GB/expandable up to 32 GB
Screen 7" Display capacitive touch screen 7" Display Capacitive 5 Point Multi Touch Screen 7" Display Multi touch capacitive screen with pinch zoom(16:9 display ratio) 7" Display Capacitive 5 Point Multi Touch Screen 7" Display capacitive touch screen 7" Display Multi touch capacitive screen with pinch zoom(16:9 display ratio)
Pixel resolution 800x480 800x480 800x480 1024*600 1024*600 800x480
Battery 3600 mAh 3700 mAh 2800 mAh 3400 mAh 4000 mAh 3000 mAh
Network Wi-Fi + 3G dongle support via USB Wi-Fi + 3G dongle support via USB Wi-Fi + 3G dongle support via USB Wi-Fi + 3G Wi-Fi + 3G Wi-Fi + 3G dongle support via USB
Phone Call No No No Yes + video calling Yes + video calling No
Camera 0.3 MP Front Camera 2 Mega Pixel Front Camera VGA Front Camera Dual camera (0.3 MP front,3.0 MP Rear) Dual camera (VGA front,3.0 MP Rear) 0.3 MP Front Camera
User Interface G-sensor 3D G-Sensor G-sensor and accelerator sensor G-sensor G-sensor G-sensor and accelerator sensor
App Store ME App Store No info Google play Store Google play Store + reliance world Google play Store + Samsung APP store Google play Store
Other features 1- HDMI(out) port, 1- Full USB port, 1- Mini USB port, 3.5mm audio jack 1- HDMI port(out), 1- Full USB port, 3.5mm audio jack 1- HDMI port(out), 1- Mini USB port, 3.5mm audio jack 1- HDMI port(out), 1- Mini USB port, 3.5mm audio jack, FM Radio, GPS Receiver,Compass, Blue Tooth 2.1 1- HDMI port(out), 1- Mini USB port, 3.5mm audio jack, A-GPS, Accelerometer, Digital compass, Light Proximity, Blue Tooth 3.0 1- HDMI port(out), 1- Full USB port, 3.5mm audio jack, SD Card Slot
Launch Date July 2012 July 2012 July 2012 July 2012 July 2012 July 2012
Made – country No info Made in India Made in India No info No info China

See also

References

  1. ^ Harsimran Julka, ET Bureau (2 June 2012). "Aakash 2, the cheapest tablet PC, misses May-end deadline". The Economic Times. Retrieved 27 July 2012.
  2. ^ a b Android Tablet| Smartphone Tablet Pc With SIM Slot Price In India Archived 5 August 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Ubislate.com (2012-09-20). Retrieved on 2013-12-09.
  3. ^ a b c d "India unveils prototype for $35 touch-screen computer". BBC World news-South Asia. 23 July 2010. Archived from the original on 24 July 2010. Retrieved 25 July 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ Kurup, Saira (9 October 2011). "'We want to target the billion Indians who are cut off'". Times of India. Retrieved 9 October 2011.
  5. ^ Timmons, Heather (6 October 2011). "Aiming for the Other One Billion". New York Times.
  6. ^ a b c d e "Meet Aakash, India's $35 'Laptop'". New York Times, 5 October 2011, Pamposh Raina and Heather Timmons. 5 October 2011.
  7. ^ Budki, Sandeep (18 January 2012). "Datawind loses government edge". Themobileindian.com. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  8. ^ a b c "Aakash tablet will end 'digital divide'". Montreal Gazette, Jason Magder, 6 October 2011.
  9. ^ "Aakash: We want to target the billion Indians who are cut off, says Suneet Singh Tuli, CEO of DataWind". Economic Times, 9 October 2011, Saira Kurup. 9 October 2011.
  10. ^ a b "Low Cost access –Cum-Computing Device Unveiled by Kapil Sibal". Press Information Bureau. Retrieved 22 July 2010.
  11. ^ "DataWind rebrands UbiSlate 7 as UbiSlate 7+".
  12. ^ a b "Aakash: World's cheapest tablet launched; to be sold for $60 in retail". Economic Times. India. 5 October 2011.
  13. ^ a b "President Unveils Aakash Version 2.0 Tablet on National Education Day Launches Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development". Press Information Bureau, Government of India. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
  14. ^ a b "Low-cost Aakash 2 tablet launched in India at Rs 1,130". IBNLive.com. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
  15. ^ "India Announces World's Cheapest Tablet". India Real Time, viaThe Wall Street Journal, Tripti Lahiri, 5 October 2011. 5 October 2011.
  16. ^ http://www.ubislate.com
  17. ^ "Show » The Aakash: Not $35 But Still India's Cheapest Tablet » $35 tablet: From prototype to reality". NDTV. 5 October 2011. Archived from the original on 16 October 2011. Retrieved 1 November 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ India to unveil the £7 laptop, The Guardian, 2 February 2009
  19. ^ Aakash Tablet Hands On – Full Review, MashGeek, 18 May 2012
  20. ^ "Why India's $35 computer joke isn't funny". The Economic Times. New Dehli, India. 25 July 2010. Archived from the original on 28 July 2010. Retrieved 25 July 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ PIB Press Release PIB Retrieved 26 July 2010
  22. ^ "OLPC's Negroponte supports India's $35 tablet concept". 9 August 2010. Retrieved 14 August 2010.
  23. ^ a b c NDTV Gadget Guru Gadget Guru exclusive: ,5 laptop is here. Retrieved 13 August 2010
  24. ^ "Aakash: World's Cheapest Tablet is here". 5 October 2011. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
  25. ^ UbiSlate device specifications Archived 20 January 2013 at the Wayback Machine ubislate.com, Retrieved on 1 March 2013.
  26. ^ Aakash lurches toward another crisis as India loses patience with DataWind Engadget, Retrieved on 1 March 2013.
  27. ^ Datawind to clear all paid orders for Aakash in 6 weeks The Hindu Business Line, Retrieved on 1 March 2013.
  28. ^ "Hands On: India's $35 Aakash Android tablet lands in America (exclusive)". VentureBeat. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  29. ^ "UbiSurfer Browser of India's Aakash Android Tablet". Gary, Mark. Archived from the original on 13 March 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  30. ^ "India's $35 tablet is here, for real. Called Aakash, costs $60". Engadget. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
  31. ^ "Aakash Tablet Hands on Review". Hungry N Foolish. Archived from the original on 7 October 2011. Retrieved 6 October 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  32. ^ Halliday, Josh (23 July 2010). "India unveils cheapest laptop". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 25 July 2010. Retrieved 25 July 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  33. ^ a b c Conned: Aakash 2 made in China? Archived 27 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  34. ^ 2 GB internal flash memory in the specification could be the ROM.
  35. ^ "Datawind press release". Datawind.com. 5 October 2011. Archived from the original on 28 June 2012. Retrieved 31 July 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  36. ^ Guardin-India untiels cheapest laptop Retrieved 25 July 2010
  37. ^ Harsimran Julka & Gulveen Aulakh, "Tender for $35 laptop project cancelled", The Economic Times, 18 January 2011. News clipping by Pragadeesh Sekar on public interest
  38. ^ "HRD press release". Retrieved 30 December 2011.
  39. ^ "News Article about launch". Pluggd.in. Retrieved 30 December 2011.[permanent dead link]
  40. ^ "Develop apps for Aakash, get rewarded". Times of India. Retrieved 30 December 2011.
  41. ^ "Light Reading India – 4G/LTE – Is the Aakash Dream Over? – Telecom". Lightreading.in. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  42. ^ "Aakash Tablet: 3 more IITs to work for making it cheaper | TruthDiveTruthDive". Truthdive.com. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  43. ^ Nigavekar, Arun. "Clouds of doubt over Aakash". Mydigitalfc.com. Archived from the original on 19 April 2012. Retrieved 31 July 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  44. ^ "Aakash Tablet's commercial variant in November". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 9 November 2011. Retrieved 30 December 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  45. ^ a b c Chauhan, Chetan (3 November 2011). "Better, faster Aakash-2 to be launched in Feb 2012". Hindustan Times, New Delhi. Archived from the original on 6 November 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  46. ^ "Why India's Cheap Tablet May Not Work Out". 31 October 2011. Archived from the original on 2 November 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help) The cheapest mobile handset doesn't compromise on the basics: calls, SMS, battery life. Nor does the Tata Nano. The Aakash does
  47. ^ "World's cheapest tablet Aakash goes on sale for Rs 2500 Online with One week Delivery- www.aakashtablet.com". Archived from the original on 7 January 2012. Retrieved 17 December 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  48. ^ "World's Cheapest Tablet – Aakash sold out". Archived from the original on 7 January 2012. Retrieved 19 December 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  49. ^ Ubislate official website. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  50. ^ "1.4 million orders for world's cheapest tablet in India". AFP. 3 January 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
  51. ^ Tuli, Suneet Singh. "UbiSlate 7+". http://excel www.ubislate.com. DataWind Ltd. Retrieved 7 February 2012.
  52. ^ "Datawind breaks ties with supplier, Aakash delayed". Economictimes.indiatimes.com. 14 April 2012. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  53. ^ "New twist in Aakash tablet controversy". Livemint.com. 13 April 2012. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  54. ^ "Ubislate 7C". Teletechnology.in. 25 April 2012. Archived from the original on 1 May 2012. Retrieved 31 July 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  55. ^ "RIL to Hit Data Services Market with 4G Technology on RS. 3500 Tablet". Reliance Industries. Archived from the original on 8 January 2012. Retrieved 30 December 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  56. ^ "Datawind,RIL talk on Chepaset Tab". Business-Standard. Retrieved 30 December 2011.
  57. ^ "Aakash: IIT-Bombay testing upgraded version". The Times Of India. 13 June 2012.
  58. ^ "India Proposes JV with Turkmenistan to Manufacture Aakash". The Gazette of Central Asia. Satrapia. 19 September 2012.
  59. ^ Govt paid for specs, not Chinese parts in Aakash 2: Datawind. Firstpost. Retrieved on 2013-12-09.
  60. ^ "HCL ME Tablet". HCL. Retrieved 27 July 2012.
  61. ^ "Karbonn Smart Tablet". Karbonn. Archived from the original on 31 July 2012. Retrieved 27 July 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  62. ^ "MIcromax Tablets". Micromax. Retrieved 27 July 2012.
  63. ^ "Reliance Tab". Reliance communications. Archived from the original on 31 July 2012. Retrieved 1 August 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  64. ^ "Samsung Tab 2". Samsung India. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
  65. ^ "Wicked Leak's Wammy 7". Wickedleak India. Archived from the original on 18 June 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Aakash (tablet).

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aakash_(tablet)&oldid=787310233"