Aakash-3 to woo users!

As the Ministry of Human Resource and Development's (MHRD) ambitious project to supply 220 mn ultra low-cost tablets invited many controversies in 2012, the year 2013, would bring glee to many users. Thanks to Aakash-3 version. With global tender to be introduced early next year, MHRD plans to sell 5 mn such tablets in 2013.

Taken over from IIT-Jodhpur, the new version will be powered with many innovations from IIT-Bombay. The institute is working on subsequent versions (Aakash-3 and Aakash-4) that would have higher processing capabilities; an array of relevant apps; SIM slot; and enhanced memory.

IIT-Bombay is also working on Linux and Android OS. Open source apps would include: Spoken Tutorials, Clicker, Scilab, and ProxyMITY.

Professor Deepak Phatak of IIT-Bombay, who is also heading the project informed PTI, that the versions 3 and 4 would have higher processor speed and support both - Linux and Android OS.

Several engineering students together with Professor Ashok Jhunjhunwala of IIT-Madras and IIT-Bombay faculty are closely working to make Aakash-3 feasible with host of new features.

The ministry's National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (NME-ICT) plans to produce 100,000 Aakash-3 tablets by March 2013. 40 such tablets would be given to each of 250 colleges already identified on a pilot basis.

IIT-Bombay has however delivered hands-on training to more than 10,000 teachers, so far. With interest from many vendors worldwide, the MHRD will roll out global tender in February, although it will stick to indigenous manufacturing.