Acer dances its way into smartphones. Yes, Acer.
Once again, Apple has kick-started a trend. Companies that formerly made computers are now apparently going to start making mobile phones, with Acer being the latest, according to a report from Pocket-Link.
An invitation has gone out that asks members of the media and mobile communities to meet in Barcelona, Spain for a press conference on February 16 at the World Mobile Congress. The invitation promises “the rhythm of your life” and features a picture of a female flamenco dancer, but the key phrase is at the bottom of the invite: “smartphones launch.”
While such a move has been rumored for a little while, one key element about Acer’s smartphone isn’t clear: what mobile OS it will run. Google’s Android is the hot (open) platform right now, but Acer is not a member of the Android Open Handset Alliance, as Local Mobile Search notes. Could that mean that the Acer phone will use Windows Mobile? Acer, as the number 3 PC maker in the world, obviously has a relationship with Microsoft for using Windows on its machines.
It’s also worth noting that Microsoft is expected to unveil Window Mobile 6.5, with a completely revamped look, around the same time. And the larger rumor is that number 2 PC maker worldwide (number 1 is the U.S.) Dell is also looking to get into the mobile handset game with a Windows Mobile phone.
While at first blush it may seem quite odd that these computer manufacturers are getting into mobile phones, take a look at your iPhone or Android phone again — it’s basically a computer. Sure, it’s not as fast as your desktop or notebook, but it can increasingly do quite a few things that computers can do.
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About the Author, MG Siegler
MG Siegler writes about technology trends and new media for VentureBeat, with a focus on mobile topics, social elements and key news stories. Before that, MG wrote about technology on his blog, ParisLemon. Originally from Ohio, MG attended the University of Michigan where he studied film. He's previously lived in Los Angeles where he worked in Hollywood and in San Diego where he did web development. He now lives in San Francisco.