Tesco to release new smartphone in 2014

The UK-based multinational and general merchandise retailer Tesco is all set to release its first own-brand smartphone by the end of 2014. Media reports say that the new device will run on Google’s Android operating system and the specifications of the latest phone can be compared to those of the Samsung Galaxy S5.

While talking to BBC Radio 5 live’s ‘Wake Up to Money’ program, chief executive Philip Clarke said that the upcoming device will be pre-installed with a number of Tesco services. The smartphone will be released after the launch of a Tesco tablet, titled the Hudl which has managed to sell half a million units until now. Clarke went on to say that a new version of the tablet will be launched in September 2014.

The company’s tablet entered the lower end of the market, has been priced at £119 and is competing with other devices which had low specifications by comparison. The new smartphone by Tesco is likely to be placed in the higher segment of the market.

Apart from the smartphone launch plans, the chief executive of the company also hinted that he will be staying in the company as the chief executive until 2020. It was also assured that 12 big stores will be opened by 2015 and Clarke talked about changing the focus of the company from huge stores to smaller shops.

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