The next model of low-cost tablet under Aakash project will possess calling facility and high speed 4G services support, as per specifications released by government.
Aakash was the brain child of Telecom minister Kapil Sibal. He put forward the idea of providing low cost laptops to Indian students when he was the HRD minister. As Mr Sibal dreamt, Aakash hit the Indian market on October 5, 2011 with a cost of around Rs 2,276. Later, the government upgraded the tablet with some advance features without changing the price of the product.
Now, the government is planning to introduce next model, Aakash IV with multiple features. However, the price of this advanced tablet is not disclosed yet.
The specifications released by government suggest it will have "Driver for Phone Functionality with external dongle" and support "Data functionality with external 2G or 3G or 4G dongle".
The Aakash project was Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal's brainchild when he was the HRD Minister. The idea is to provide low-cost computing device at subsidised rate to students so that they can access Internet for educational purposes.
The first version of the tablet was launched on October 5, 2011. The tablet PC then launched had basic feature and costed government around Rs. 2,276. Government later upgraded the tablet with some advance features at the same price.
The latest version will have multiple new features but the the final price of the tablet has not been disclosed.
The new version of the tablet will have Bluetooth in-built which was missing in the previous versions. Other specifications included in the document posted online include minimum 1GB RAM, 4GB internal storage (expandable up to 32GB), 7-inch 800x480 display, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n.
The document says the Aakash IV tablet should be able to minimum 3 hours of 720p video on a single charge and the battery should be able to hold at least 90 percent of its charge after 30 days of standby time (tablet is turned off).
Software wise, the document mentions the tablet should come with Android 4.2.1 (Jelly Bean) or above, and should be able to dual-boot Linux stored on an external card.
Aakash 4 tablet: Top 5 things we want to see
1. Processor, battery and storage: Though it might be too much to wish for the Aakash 4 to be powered by a quad-core processor, a powerful dual-core processor will also suit the slate fine - as long as it is able to handle all of Android's multi-tasking with ease.
Aakash has traditionally been designed for students across the board, and nothing is more frustrating for students than a device that takes ages to boot and lags in its functions. For the same reason, we wish the slate could be built with a long lasting battery, 1 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage, along with support for external memory expansion.
2. Operating System: We would like to see the Aakash 4 run on the latest build of the Android operating system. With technology changing speedily, a device that is up-to-date with the newest innovations is always preferred to one that is out dated and lags behind in updates. The Aakash 4 should ideally be given software updates as soon as possible too.
3. Cameras: A good primary camera like a 5-megapixel one will serve the new Aakash slate well. Students using the tablet can click pictures and videos on the go and use them in projects and field trips. Not only will that make learning easy, it will make it fun. Additionally, a decent front snapper, like a 1.2-megapixel one, will aid kids in holding video conferences which in turn will facilitate quick and efficient team work.
4. Screen: If Aakash 4 launches with a clear HD screen, it will be a coup like no other! At its price point, however, it is unreasonable to expect the tablet to pack in a 1080 pixel display. If not a 720 pixel screen, the slate should be equipped with a screen that lends it decent clarity and sharpness. Since students are expected to spend long hours reading on the slate, it should be designed in a way that doesn't strain the pupils' eyes.
5. Connectivity: If students are to take the Aakash 4 everywhere they go and use it for everything from reading and researching to compiling assignments and project work, the tablet should be able to connect to the internet anywhere and at anytime. Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi, 3G and USB connectivity options are ideal for the device.
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