September 3, 2012 - 10:54 AMT
Acer to release six new smartphones in 2013

Acer plans to strengthen its smartphone business by releasing six new models in 2013 targeting all market segments in Europe, China and Southeast Asia, according to company president Jim Wong, according to DigiTimes.

One of the six models will be a Windows Phone 8 device and the rest will run on Android platforms, with high-end models to be built with Qualcomm's dual-core CPUs and entry-level models using chipset solutions from MediaTek.

Acer launched recently its cloud computing-enabled smartphone, the CloudMobile S500 in Europe. The company also began marketing the Liquid Galant and Liquid Glow earlier in the year targeting the entry-level and mid-range segment.

In Europe, Acer will push smartphone sales through it established sales channels as well as strengthening its cooperation with telecom carriers. For emerging markets, Acer will target Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and India. In China, Acer plans to boost its sales in the entry-level to mid-range segment, but will not venture into the ultra-low-price segment, said the company.

Acer also plans to outsource the production of smartphones mainly to Qisda and Compal Communications in 2013 for consistency in design, revealed the company.