Eric Schmidt: We'll Have 2 Billion People Using Android Thanks To Cheap Phones

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eric schmidt at allthingsd mobile conference

Steve Kovach/Business Insider

According to Google's executive chairman Eric Schmidt, Android's future growth lies in the success of cheaper phones sold in emerging markets.

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Speaking at AllThingsD's mobile conference today, Schmidt said there are about 750 million Android phones running right now. He expects that number to reach 1 billion by the end of 2013 and 2 billion in another year or two.

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In two to four years, Schmidt says today's technology will be so cheap that manufacturers will be able to sell Android phones for next to nothing, opening up a big opportunity for poorer emerging markets to get connected.

"Our goal is to reach everybody," Schmidt said. "A new generation of low-cost Android manufacturers will enter the market, especially in Asia."

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"These devices today, in two years are going to be significantly cheaper," Schmidt continued, referring to the current generation of top-tier Android phones. "In four years they'll be phenomenally cheaper. A relatively inexpensive smartphone with a browser is all you need to get the world's information."