China Unicom to mirror Ophone strategy with Uphone
updated 09:15 am EST, Fri November 27, 2009
China Unicom says Uphone app store coming
Chinese wireless provider China Unicom said on Friday it will bring out the Uphone, which will closely resemble competitor China Mobile's Ophone Android phone. The Uphone will get its own version of the Android OS, called UniPlus, as well as its own Uphone app store. The app store will likely open before the first handsets ship in order to give developers a head start on populating the virtual shelves with their wares. The announcement was made by China Unicom Chairman Chang Xiaobing.
Another Chinese provider, China Telecom, is said to also be developing its own Android device, called the Cphone. A few months ago, Xiabing said the three companies would need to offer unique products and services in order to compete without resorting to price drops. [via Shanzai]
