Dell has announced plans to introduce yet another Android-based smartphone into an already crowded mobile marketplace. ??According to Dell spokesperson Ron Garriques, the Mini 3 will initially be distributed by China Mobile and Brazil’s Claro carrier.
“Our entry into the smart phone category is a logical extension of Dell’s consumer product evolution over the past two years,” explained Garriques. “We are developing smaller and smarter mobile products that enable our customers to take their Internet experience out of the home and do the things they want to do whenever and wherever they want.”
As expected, a number of analysts and journalists have already expressed skepticism over Dell’s belated smartphone debut. Indeed, Michael Morgan of ABI research told TG Daily that the Mini 3 was in danger of being “drowned out” by an overwhelming tsunami of smartphones.
“Many people aren’t sure if Dell can bring a truly differentiating product to market,” said Morgan. “Remember, this device is being released with a wave of other Android phones under the auspices of different operators. The question is: will the Mini 3 be drowned out, or can the Dell brand successfully carry it?”
??Morgan also emphasized that it was absolutely “critical” for the Mini 3 to feature an Android “look and feel.”
“The first iteration of the smartphone will run on a China Open Mobile platform that is actually a derivative of Android. So, it is absolutely critical for Dell to execute an Android look and feel, while ensuring that the device remains compatible with Android marketplace apps. If not, the glaring lack of functionality could be a crushing blow for the device,” warned Morgan.
??”You think it would be obvious, but I can’t tell you how many times companies have touted their smartphone as the latest and greatest iPhone killer. Clearly, Dell isn’t capable of delivering the same experience as Apple’s iPhone, but it can deliver a reasonably priced platform that works.”
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