PC maker Dell launches XCD range of 3G Android smartphones

Dell Inc, which emerged the largest seller of personal computers in India, yesterday announced its entry into the Rs30,000-crore Indian mobile handset market, intensifying competition for firms like Nokia, Micromax and Samsung.
 
The US-based firm unveiled two 3G smartphones, based on the Android operating system from Google. The smartphones XCD 28 and XCD 35 carry price tags of Rs11,000 and Rs17,000 respectively.

With the move, Dell has become the first PC maker to position itself to cash in on the yet-to-be-launched 3G services by private players in India, the world's fastest growing telecom market.

"This XCD range (of smartphones) has been launched first in India, as opposed to other Dell products that peter down to Indian markets," Dell India executive director and general manager (consumer), Mahesh Bhalla said.

"For more than 25 years, Dell has played a critical role in transforming computing, enabling more affordable and more pervasive access to technology around the world.

With today's launch, we extend the same pioneering edge to the smartphones market as starting with the XCD series, we look to offer technology solutions to a much larger audience", Bhalla told reporters in New Delhi.

While XCD28 will be available in the market right away, XCD35 will be available by December 2010.