HP Confirms It Will Re-Enter Smartphone Race With Something ‘Different’

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HP famously gave up on its smartphone and tablet business back in 2011 when it announced that it would no longer be developing hardware powered by its webOS platform. But two years later, the company is planning to have another crack at it.

Yam Su Yin, HP’s Senior Director of Consumer PCs and Tablets, has confirmed that the company is already working on a new smartphone — one that will deliver a unique experience that you won’t get from its rivals.

For now, HP’s focus is on its notebook PCs, all-in-ones, and tablets. But the company does have a smartphone in the pipeline. When asked about the possibility of such a device, Yam told The Indian Express, “The answer is yes but I cannot give a timetable. It would be silly if we say no. HP has to be in the game.”

So how does the company ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself, and that its next smartphone isn’t a flop like the others? With Apple and Samsung dominating the smartphone market, many would argue it’s never been more difficult to grab a valuable share — just ask Microsoft and BlackBerry.

But HP plans to bring something completely different to the table. It hopes that it can differentiate itself enough to deliver a unique experience that its competitors aren’t delivering.

“Being late you have to create a different set of proposition,” Yam said. “There are still things that can be done. Its not late. When HP has a smartphone, it will give a differentiated experience.”