The Dell smartphone rumors have resurfaced, this time with a little more credibility. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Dell plans to introduce a smartphone based on Google’s Android operating system and running on the AT&T network.
The Journal cited “people briefed on the plans” as revealing that a Dell smartphone could hit the market as early as next year. A Dell Android phone would be AT&T’s first to use the emerging mobile operating system and also would be Dell’s first smartphone.
“It’s always hard to handicap mythical products, but the Android market is getting very crowded with some of the best-of-breed Android devices coming from companies like HTC,” said Michael Gartenberg, a vice president at Interpret. “If Dell plans to get into the market, they are going to have to find some significant way to differentiate their offering and leapfrog ahead of their competition.”
Late To the Game
To be sure, Dell is late to the smartphone game. What’s more, Dell hasn’t demonstrated the core competencies of smartphone manufacturing. For Dell to succeed in an already-crowded market dominated by less than a handful of players, the PC maker needs an aggressive, differentiated strategy, Gartenberg said.
Dell’s strategy, as the Journal describes it, is to offer a device that is somewhat similar to Apple’s iPhone, with a touchscreen rather than a keypad, and a camera. Dell showcased a phone in China in August. The Journal reports that the new device is similar, but has different features.
Dell is reportedly also talking to other wireless carriers, including T-Mobile, about offering the device. Dell does have some carrier relationships through which it sells netbooks, but analysts said getting into the smartphone market is a much different game.
“As phones become more like little computers, the PC background can help, but it can hinder as well because you may…
