Handset makers in Taiwan anticipate smartphone orders from top brands

Handset manufacturers based in Taiwan are expecting to receive an increased number of smartphone orders from international vendors who are attempting to break into the smartphone market segment.

Taiwan-based manufacturers are likely to be competing for orders from leading vendors, including Sony Ericsson, LG Electronics and Motorola.

Until now, smartphone orders have largely come from IT vendors, including Palm and Hewlett-Packard (HP), and channel operators, including MWG and i-mate.

However, High Tech Computer (HTC) has already received an ODM order to manufacture Sony Ericsson’s Xperia X1, a Windows Mobile-based series of smartphones. They are expected to be unveiled for consumer purchase towards the end of 2008.

Meanwhile, Motorola has made contact with a number of Taiwan-based handset makers, including Chi Mei Communication Systems (CMCS), Compal Communications, Qisda, and Arima Communications, looking to co-operate with one of them on the development and production of a smartphone series.

LG Electronics, which already produces smartphones, is likely to start working with a Taiwan-based maker to increase its competitiveness. Any new LG smartphones are expected to include a QWERTY style keyboard, because LG is already developing its own touch-screen phone.