Report: Dell developing smartphone in China

Computer juggernaut Dell is reportedly in discussions with China Mobile to develop a new smartphone that could help the company enter the competitive Chinese consumer market.

Dell has hinted that it is extremely interested in manufacturing a smartphone, but no specific details have been released regarding the rumored Chinese phone.

Research firm Wedge MKI analyst Zhang Jun said China Mobile, the largest mobile carrier in the world, is interested in at least two mobile phones, which could be available as soon as August.  Depending on the success of the first two devices, it’s possible the two companies could work together in the future to develop addtional products.

At least one smartphone will be a side-sliding phone with a keyboard and touch screen, but additional details and specifications weren’t made available.

It makes sense for Dell to target the Chinese mobile phone market, which foreign phone manufacturers have attempted to crack into on numerous occasions. The market has a large number of mobile phone users and it’s still growing at a significant rate. Many technology manufacturers have a strong interest in foreign smartphones, according to analysts.

The popularity of smartphones has greatly increased over the past year, with phone service providers promoting data plans and aiming to upgrade existing subscribers, which increases revenues.