Despite the adverse hype, 100,000 Aakash tabs delivered

25th May 2013
Despite the adverse hype,  100,000 Aakash tabs delivered

New Delhi, May 26, 2013: Maker DataWind says it has completed the supply of the first 100,000 Aakash low-cost computing access devices for IIT-Bombay (under the Indian Government’s Ministry of Human Resources Development’s National Mission for Education through Information Communication Technology).

The project won by DataWind in an international tender for the supply of Aakash1 devices at $49.98, was subsequently modified to 98,000 Aakash2 devices and 2,000 devices with DataWind’s recommendations for Aakash3, all at a price of Rs.2,263 (currently $41.61).
The Aakash2 devices are the world’s lowest cost computing access devices, delivered with 12 months warranty and accessories at only Rs.2,263 (competitively featured tablets are available in Indian market for around Rs.5,000). The devices utilize multi-touch projective capacitive touch screens manufactured at India’s only touch-screen manufacturing facility, established by the company in Amritsar. The devices are powered by a Cortex A8 – 1Ghz processor, of the same calibre as the original iPad, and contain 512MB of RAM (twice that of the original iPad). Flash memory of 4GB can be supplemented by upto 32GB through its micro-SD card slot. In addition to embedded WiFi, the Aakash2 tablet computers support external 3G and EVDO dongles for mobile broadband data connectivity. Supporting Google’s Android 4.0 operating system, VGA camera, G-sensor, internal microphone, speakers and headphone jack, the Aakash2 is a full-featured tablet computer intended to break the affordability barrier with the mission of bridging the digital divide. Commercially the device is sold as the UbiSlate 7Ci.
DataWind’s recommended specifications for Aakash3 contain an embedded quad-band Edge modem allowing for both cellular voice and data functionality. While external dongles provide limited coverage and can cost as much as 50% of the cost of Aakash devices, an internal cellular modem at no additional cost which allows the device to be used both as a mobile smart phone and also for ubiquitous internet connectivity with a basic SIM, will help herald India’s internet revolution. The devices also provide an accelerated web experience, using DataWind’s breakthrough web delivery platform covered by 18 U.S. and international patents.DataWind has delivered 2,000 units to IIT-Bombay with these specifications, as part of the 100,000 unit project. Commercially this device is sold as the UbiSlate 7C+.