en launched its Android One program in 2014 it was designed for one main reason: to create a system of stards for phones in developing countries. Targeting emerging markets in kistan, India, the pines, Indonesia, others, the program dictated minimum hardware stards limited software tweaks to insure people everywhere had access to low-cost phones that still provided regular security updates the latest Android features.

Now it looks like the program is on its way to the U.S.

According to a report in The Information, is looking to launch its first Android One phone in the States “before the middle of the year,” is eyeing as a potential manufacturer. Yesterday, VentureBeat divulged that would be partnering with on the release of its first Android ar watch, but The Information’s report doesn’t say whether the two companies would be collaborating on the development of the Android One hset.

As Amir Efrati explains, the U.S. launch of Android One is backed by “major new promotional dollars” for phone makers that play by ’s rules. The first hset is expected to be priced between $200 $300, all subsequent models will need to adhere to ’s strict guidelines “to ensure that they’re fast responsive— that they stay that way over time.”

ile hasn’t divulged the terms of its specifications, the phones highlighted on ’s Android One site all feature a minimum of a Cortex A7 1.3 GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, a 1,700 mAh battery. It’s unclear whether the requirements of the U.S. phones would need to adhere to different stards than those made for overseas markets. 

The story behind the story: One of the biggest problems facing low-cost Android phones in the U.S. is that they are often bogged down by carrier manufacturer bloatware, as well as a lack of timely security OS updates. A push by into the U.S. with Android One would be an interesting move, especially if it’s backed by a strong advertising campaign.

th the xel, introduced a mainstream phone that enjoys timely updates. Bringing that kind of attention to budget phones in the U.S. could begin to shake up the low-end of the market. The truth is, many people don’t know that they won’t be getting the latest version of Android after they purchase their phone, so anything can do to stress the importance of regular updates will be an important step.