Can’t afford an iPad?  Still confused about whether RIM is or isn’t discontinuing the BlackBerry tablet (er, or as a technology company generally)? You may be interested in the Aakash. It means ‘sky’ in Hindi – and it’s been launched today in India under the tagline “the cheapest tablet computer in the world”.

The Aakash is produced by a British company, assembled in India and will be available the Asian country next year at the government-subsidised price of $35 (about R250). Until then, a pilot run will see 100 000 free units being tested by students. The device is intended to expand digital access in India and bridge the digital divide between rich and poor, developed and developing nations.

The Aakash uses the Google Android operating system, and resistive LCD displays rather than a full touch screen. While critics are still skeptical of its mass market appeal in India, largely due to the country’s currently limited broadband access, future versions of the Aakash may present interesting opportunities in other developing countries.

[Source: Times Live]