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Huawei Technology and its UK partner, T-mobile, have completed the branding process of the new handset called ‘Pulse’. It will be the first Android-based handset to be launched in the UAE.
"The co-branding is complete with T-mobile in the UK and will be launched next month. Huawei is not in the business of retailing handsets. Therefore, it is always much easier cobranding with telecom operators in Europe or North America as they already have a set business model for services and long timer packages for the consumer for two to three years. The handset is free and the customer just pays a flat fee and therefore it's a different business model," said Ihab Ghattas, Assistant President for the Middle East region at Huawei Technologies.
Pulse sports a 3.5 inch touch-screen model having a 3.2-megapixel camera and GPS. It has the Google's operating system, Android, which will enable the users to access Google applications such as Google Maps and Gmail. The Users can also download software and applications from the Android Marketplace.
"The handset is ready for operators in the region to offer it to consumers here. Android operating system developed by Google is interesting especially as it is coming from a search engine company. With mobile broadband gaining popularity in this part of the world, these kinds of handsets will do well," said Ghattas.
The other Android-based handsets which will emerge as competitors for Pulse include HTC Hero, HTC Magic and Samsung 17500.
According to Sandeep Saihgal, General Manager of mobile phones at Samsung Gulf Electronics, "Samsung is among the earliest members of the Open Handset Alliance and has been actively moving forward to introduce the Android mobile phone. Samsung has always had a consistent strategy to support every existing operating system."
As per the company sources, Huawei's Pulse will cost £179.99 (Dh1,075) and an extra £1 per day for those who need an unlimited internet access. The sale of this new set will start from October in the UK.
