Dell today finally unveiled their smartphone plans, and as expected the computer maker launched the Dell Mini 3, a smartphone based on the Android platform. Instead of launching first in the U.S. or Europe, Dell is focusing on two of the largest emerging markets, China and Brazil. In China, Dell will partner with China Mobile, the largest single telecom company in the world, with 500 million subscribers. In Brazil, Dell will sell their Android-based smartphones through Claro, which is part of the larger America Mobil network. Both of these choices show that Dell has a keen eye on the largest emerging markets, the so called BRIC, or Brazil, Russa, India and China group of fast-growing economies.
The Dell Mini 3 is a slim looking, tablet-style phone. We don't know much about the specs for the actual launch products, though there have been some rumored specifications floating about for prototype devices. We're expecting something like a 3.5-inch touchscreen running at a near-VGA resolution. Even 3G network capabilities may be up in the air, as Claro is claiming that it's version of the phone will be the first in the world with 3G, and no similar claims coming from China Mobile.
China Mobile did say that the phone will be part of their OPhone family, which is China Mobile's customized version of the Android platform. Wi-Fi is a possibility for the Brazilian version, but China tends to be less enthusiastic about adding Wi-Fi to their devices, as the country's Internet activity is still heavily guarded. In any case, rumors also point to a 3-megapixel camera, and other features should become known closer to launch.
Though Dell hasn't officially announced plans to sell smartphone devices in the U.S. or European markets, the company was quick to point out that the road to selling devices here or abroad has already been paved. Dell has agreements in place with AT&T and Verizon Wireless, the two largest U.S. carriers, as well as Vodafone in Europe.
Even pricing and specific availability details for the Claro device in Brazil or the China Mobile OPhone device in China have yet to be announced, though the device should be in stores some time later this month in China, and the 3G version on Claro should appear before the end of the year.
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