Taiwanese consumer electronics manufacturer BenQ has announced plans to launch Android OS-based smartphone and netbook in Q3 2010. With the announcement, BenQ joins the group of companies developing smartphones and mini-laptops that run on Android platform.
Android is a smartphone operating system designed by Google. It claims to facilitate communications and web browsing, especially on Google sites.
BenQ had some success selling Windows Mobile smartphones in Asia after acquiring Siemens’ mobile division. But later the company pulled itself out of European and North American markets. The company is planning to re-enter the market with Android backed products.
BenQ already sells a Joybook netbook and phones using the Symbian platform. Recently, it has launched its AMD-based nScreen i91 all-in-one nettop.
With the launch, BenQ would also join hands with Acer and Asus in moving to Google’s smartphone OS for mobiles. Other companies reportedly testing Android netbooks include Dell, HP, Inventec, and Elitegroup.
