Japan’s KDDI to develop cellphone software with Toshiba, Qulacomm
July 19th, 2006 - Posted in OtherJapan’s telecom operator KDDI will jointly develop cellphone software with Toshiba Corp, Sanyo Electric Co. and Qualcomm Inc. in hopes of slashing hefty development costs.
In its latest joint development deal, KDDI Corp plans to expand its existing partnerships with the three companies to offer integrated software providing advanced online features, a KDDI spokesman said.
“This will be a joint platform, built with the strengths of each company,” the spokesman said.
Cellphones featuring the integrated software are due out in stores next year and are expected to be cheaper than current models although the spokesman declined to comment on exact costs.
The cost of developing a cellphone is estimated at 10 to 20 billion yen (85 to 170 million dollars), straining manufacturers’ budgets as they try to keep up with new features and technological advances, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun said.
Software development accounts for two-thirds to three-quarters of development costs, the Japanese business daily said.
KDDI, which trails behind giant NTT DoCoMo, has been attempting to slash costs through partnerships.
Last month it announced a joint venture with Britain’s number one telecom operator BT Group to develop international telecommunications and high-speed Internet services.
Source: (AFP)