Proving wrong rumors of an imminent shutdown of its handset business, Siemens released three new low-end phones in an effort to trump low-cost vendors like Nokia Corp. and Motorola Inc.
Siemens said the three new phones are part of its new 75 A-Series, which the company said epitomizes “simple, intuitive communication.” The Siemens AX75, A75 and A70 feature candybar-style designs and no-frills features like text messaging. The phones will be sold throughout Europe, Asia and Latin America.
Siemens’ move comes during an apparent renewed interest in the low-end portion of the market. As the industry flutters over the latest and greatest camera phone, some companies are releasing low-cost handsets to take advantage of new areas of the market. Indeed, Motorola recently announced a partnership with the GSM Association to build a $40 phone for emerging markets.
Siemens’ loss-making mobile-phone business has been dogged by rumors of a sale, joint venture and even a potential shut down.
In other handset news,
- PalmOne Inc. said it will sell its new Treo 650 smart phone through Orange and Telecom Italia Mobile in Europe.
- Chinese handset designer Comtech Group Inc. said it will sell camera phone modules to NEC Corp.
- Finally, the Digital Imaging Marketing Association awarded its Innovative Digital Product Award to Sanyo for the company’s MM-5600 camera phone, sold through Sprint.
