Perhaps inspired by Xiaomi, it seems everyone is looking to make a low-cost Android-based smartphone for the China market these days. Netease is apparently the latest company to throw its hat into the 1000 RMB ($158) phone ring, as high-level insiders told the Beijing News that the company has already produced a prototype.
The phone will reportedly be dual-core, feature a 4.3 inch screen, and run a skin of Android 4.0. Netease Founder Ding Lei has said the phone will come in at 1000 RMB or lower, making it cheaper than most of the phones on the market now. However, it's not clear exactly when this phone will actually hit the market, and it's likely to have a lot more competition in that price range if it isn't released quite soon.
That's because Baidu, Qihoo 360, and Shanda -- among other companies -- all have their eyes on the 1000 RMB smartphone market as well. Having more cheap smartphone options is never a bad thing for consumers, but these internet companies might do well to heed the warnings of Kaifu Lee about how internet companies tend to fail in mobile. [Beijing News via Sina Tech]