Creo Mark 1 smartphone to be launched in India on April 13

CREO is banking on its customized Android skin with regular updates and features which according to the company are not available for other Android devices.

CREO is banking on its customized Android skin with regular updates and features which according to the company are not available for other Android devices. (Creo)

Indian smartphone startup Creo has announced that its first smartphone -- the Mark 1 will be launched in India on April 13. The main highlight of the smartphone is its customized Android operating system with the company also promising monthly updates, which will not only fix bugs, but will also come with new features.

"At CREO, we're committed to #MakeBetter Android. And because we want to leave no stones unturned, we're building both, the operating system and the smartphone. With our OS, we'll send to our user's super relevant updates that'll keep Mark 1 running just as new," said the company in a press release.

( )

( )

The smartphone's software features will essentially focus on providing an improved calling experience, device security, smooth running of apps along with cellular data management. Something similar to the approach that Xiaomi and Cyanogen have towards creating their custom Android skins.

Creo is also giving users the option to add a 'personal touch' to the smartphone. As you can engrave a 40 character message on the metal edges that stays forever.

( )

( )

"Your name, motto, quote, a special date. You tell us and we'll engrave it your Mark 1 so that its stays there forever, making it truly yours!," said Creo.

As of now, the company hasn't revealed the specifications of the device, apart from its unibody structure featuring thick flat chamfered edges with two speaker grills at the bottom. As far as pricing is concerned, the company says it will be more than the sub-₹10,000 smartphone, which apparently makes up for a major chunk of the overall Indian smartphone market.

The Bengaluru-based company announced has reportedly raised $3 million from Sequoia India, Beenext Ventures, and India Quotient, to manufacture its own smartphones.