India Launches $35 Aakash Tablet

October 7, 2011

India has unveiled what it is calling the world's cheapest computer, aimed at bridging the digital divide between the nation's rich and poor.

The tablet computer is called "Aakash", or sky in Hindi, and will be sold to students at the government-subsidized price of $35.

Indian officials and the company that developed the computer, DataWind Limited, handed out the devices Wednesday to hundreds of students in New Delhi. The company is planning a pilot-run of 100,000 units.

The computer tablet provides word processing, Internet browsing and video conferencing. The device also has two USB ports.

DataWind Chief Executive Suneet Singh Tuli on Wednesday called for competition in order to get the price of the tablet computer down to $10.

Indian Human Resources Development Minister Kapil Sibal called the computer India's gift to all children, and a tool to help lift many out of poverty.

India has a reputation for creating affordable innovative products, including the compact "Nano" car, which sells for about $2,000.