Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal has said that an upgraded version of Aakash, the low cost tablet billed as the cheapest computer in the world, will be launched soon. He said, the improved version, Akash 2, is fitted with a faster processor and enhanced battery life among other features. He said, it will have a battery life of three hours, 800 MHz processor, providing internet access everywhere and it has a capacitive screen. Addressing the convocation of the Birla Institute of Technology and Science in Hyderabad yesterday, Mr Sibal said, the process to distribute this device has begun.
Stressing the need for frugal innovation, Mr Sibal said even the R&D and technical centres of Fortune 500 companies in India are adopting the technique to reach wider markets. He said, these companies have succeeded only because they have challenged conventional thinking and techniques.