Telecom Lead India: After launching its high-end Xperia
NXT series, Sony Mobile Communications is planning to introduce a slew of
entry-level smartphones in India, one of the fastest growing mobile markets in
the world.
The entry into entry-level smartphones will assist Sony,
which has split from Ericsson, to gain market share in India. Recently, Sunil
Mittal, chairman of Bharti Airtel, urged the mobile phone industry to come out
with $50 smartphones to improve the uptake of mobile Internet.
There is a huge market for mid and large level
smartphones, However, the company sees good potential in the entry-level
segment of smartphones. The company will be investing in entry-level segment of
smartphones in near future. We are looking at Rs 8,000-10,000 price range,” said P Balaji, managing director, Sony Mobile
Communications India.
While talking on market share and sales target, he said,
The company hasn’t set any targets for the sale of its smartphones. The
company sold around 9 million Android-based smartphones globally in Q4 2011. However, the company
aims to provide better user experience through its smartphones.”
Sony aims to offer different genres of smartphones to the
consumers.
On the company’s marketing strategy, Balaji said the
company is going to start a re-branding exercise, as the company now operates
under the name of Sony.
We offer best display in the world, which works well
under the sunlight, furthermore, HD capability and NFC technology, and
integration with multiple connected devices, the Xperia range is poised to gain
momentum,” said Kristian Tear, executive vice president, sales and marketing of
Sony.
Ericsson exits mobile phone business
A few months back, Ericsson completed the divestment
of its 50 percent stake in Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, including the
broad IP cross-licensing agreement.
The buyout was announced by both companies on October 27,
last year. The buyout makes Sony Ericsson a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony.
The agreed cash consideration for the transaction is EUR 1.05 billion.
The divestment by Ericsson is expected to give Sony a
boost in integrating its mobile phone & gaming console portfolios.
Sony Mobile Communications launches Xperia NXT series
Sony Mobile Communications’ Xperia NXT series includes
the Xperia S, Xperia P and Xperia U as well as the Xperia Sola.
The flagship smartphone Xperia S features HD technology
and will be made available in the country since Sony Mobile Communications
became a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation earlier this year. Xperia
P, Xperia U and Xperia Sola will be available to consumers in Q2.
Danish Khan
[email protected]
