07 November 2008

Huawei To Enter Smartphone Market
Next Year With Symbian Powered Smartphone!

Chinese network company Huawei Technologies is planning to launch smartphones based on the Symbian and Android operating systems in the first half of 2009, according to James Chen, director of marketing for the company's terminals division.

The Chinese vendor did not disclose the specifications of the high-end handsets in development, or how many different models it intends to launch, but confirmed the phones will use Symbian as well as Android OS.

Huawei said the use of the two platforms ties in with its strategy of customising handsets for individual operator partners.

"Windows Mobile is already well supported by a number of software developers, but with Android and Symbian we can demonstrate our own customisable software and services," said James Chen, director of marketing at Huawei Terminals Business, at a briefing in Shenzhen this week.

"Our strategy is different to that of Nokia and Samsung," said Chen. "We see an urgent need for operators to grow their subscribers with low and medium handsets," he commented. The company is not looking for a technology partner, along the lines of Ericsson's joint venture with Sony, said Chen: "Our business model is proven and successful. Huawei doesn't need a partner for its expertise -- we only needed funding."

The economic crisis could extend the life of cheaper featurephones, and slow any move to smartphones, although operators will need the more complex devices to deliver more valuable services, said Chen: "Huawei has had a late take-off in smartphones, but our focus on customisation means we can still take the lead and achieve our targets."