Micromax invests in AI startup One Labs, creator of super app 'inOne'

Micromax handsets will come preloaded with the inOne app that bundles over 50 popular apps and services. For One Labs, this is a chance to reach Micromax’s 100 million users. 

Domestic mobile manufacturer Micromax has invested in consumer tech and artificial intelligence startup One Labs to strengthen its device ecosystem. Micromax handsets will henceforth come preloaded with ‘inOne’ — a clutch of apps across food, travel, shopping, transport, recharges, deals, etc.

inOne is the flagship product of One Labs and it bundles over 50 apps in a 10MB suite. Some apps included in inOne are Flipkart, Amazon, Snapdeal, Zomato, Ola, Uber, BookMyShow, Housejoy, Nearbuy, UrbanClap, Shoppr, ixigo, and more.

It essentially means that users can save up on device storage by downloading one app, i.e. inOne, as opposed to ten other apps for ten different needs. This also helps improve device efficiency and is tailored for Micromax’s budget smartphones made for India.

Micromax’s 100 million users will also gain access to One Labs’ other product — One Assistant, an AI-powered chatbot which packages services and deals offered on ‘inOne’ in a virtual assistant format. One Labs believes that One Assistant has the power to surpass Apple’s Siri and Google Assistant in terms of usage and popularity.

In early 2017, Micromax had set up a $100 million fund, Orbis Capital, to invest in consumer internet firms that are relevant to the Indian market. The One Labs deal, however, appears to be a direct investment from the parent firm.

Vikas Jain, Co-founder, Micromax said in a statement,

“Our emphasis is to drive innovations through software and services that would add a layer to the device ecosystem. A large chunk of our efforts are now concentrated on coming up with products and services which act as solutions to the needs of the fast-evolving consumers. Given that AI is the future of device ecosystem, we look forward to seeing how the partnership with One Labs will enable us to enhance user experience even further.”

Micromax’s funds would be utilised in expanding the inOne platform to over 200 apps in the next 12 months. One Labs would also require more talent in product, engineering and design to ensure that its offerings remain light, convenient and user-friendly.

Rahul Gupta, CEO and Co-founder, One Labs stated,

“We are proud to be working with Micromax to bring over 100 million Micromax consumers closer to our compelling platform. While phone hardware is getting smarter and more efficient, we wanted to make apps smarter. Like mobiles replaced pagers, we foresee that in a few years all-in-one apps like inOne will replace the need to download separate apps for different use cases.”

Website: inOne