Today, the latest version of the budget Aakash 2 Android tablet has been unveiled in India, which will be sold to Indian students at a subsidised price of Rs 1,130, around $21.
The Aakash 2 is powered by a 1GHz Cortex A8 processor supported by 512MB of RAM and is equipped with a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen display. It will run Google’s Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) operating system.
Other features of the new Aakash 2 Android tablet include 4GB of onboard storage, a microSD card slot, USB port, and a 3,000 mAh battery. The Android OS website explains:
“According to Deccan Chronicle, the Indian Government has chosen 244 engineering colleges in the country that will work as remote centres for the “Aakash in Education” programme, coordinated by IIT-Mumbai under the National Mission on Education through ICT (NME-ICT). The programme will cover all engineering colleges in due course.”
Educational Impact and Accessibility
The introduction of the Aakash 2 tablet is a significant step towards enhancing digital education in India. By providing affordable access to technology, the government aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that students from all economic backgrounds can benefit from modern educational tools. The tablet’s subsidised price of Rs 1,130 ($21) makes it accessible to a large number of students who might otherwise be unable to afford such technology.
The Aakash 2 tablet is not just a device but a gateway to a plethora of educational resources. With the Android 4.0 ICS operating system, students can access a wide range of educational apps, e-books, and online courses. This initiative is expected to revolutionize the way education is delivered in India, making it more interactive and engaging.
Technical Specifications and Commercial Versions
The Aakash 2 tablet boasts a 1GHz Cortex A8 processor and 512MB of RAM, which ensures smooth performance for basic educational tasks and applications. The 7-inch capacitive touchscreen display provides a user-friendly interface, making it easy for students to navigate through various apps and resources. The 4GB of onboard storage, expandable via a microSD card slot, offers ample space for storing educational content, assignments, and multimedia files.
In addition to the subsidised version for students, the commercial Aakash 2 tablet will be available with SIM data and smartphone support. The retail price for the GPRS version is Rs.2,999 (around $54.52), while the 3G version will be priced at Rs.4,499 (around $81.80). These commercial versions are expected to attract a broader audience, including professionals and tech enthusiasts who are looking for an affordable yet functional tablet.
The inclusion of a USB port and a 3,000 mAh battery further enhances the tablet’s usability, allowing students to connect peripheral devices and ensuring long hours of uninterrupted usage. The Aakash 2 tablet is designed to be a versatile tool that can cater to various educational needs, from accessing online lectures to participating in virtual classrooms.
The “Aakash in Education” programme, coordinated by IIT-Mumbai, is a testament to the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for educational advancement. By involving 244 engineering colleges as remote centres, the programme aims to create a robust network of digital learning hubs across the country. This initiative is expected to foster a culture of innovation and digital literacy among students, preparing them for the demands of the modern workforce.
Source: AndroidOS : Engadget : VentureBeat, Deccan Chronicle, Yahoo
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