Computer maker Dell announced recently that it had made the first steps into the smartphone market with the launch of its new Mini 3 handsets. According to the company, the phones are to be launched in China on the airwaves of China Mobile, as well as in Brazil, with Claro, which is part of the largest mobile phone network in the Americas, America Movil.

According to Dell, the launch of Mini 3 shows the company's commitment to mobile devices and to Internet services through its partnership with carriers around the world. The company was the first to use China Mobile’s 3G technology and services into a series of netbooks, and it also has agreements with carriers like Vodafone in Europe; Australia/New Zealand, AT&T and Verizon in the U.S.; M1 and Starhub in Singapore; and Maxis in Malaysia, which enable it to deliver more options for those who want to be connected.

“Our entry into the smart phone category is a logical extension of Dell’s consumer product evolution over the past two years,” Ron Garriques, president, Dell Global Consumer Group, said. “We are developing smaller and smarter mobile products that enable our customers to take their internet experience out of the home and do the things they want to do whenever and wherever they want.”

The first Mini 3 smartphones came to the market with the Android operating system on board, the company added. This way, the handsets deliver an enhanced power, flexibility and customization options for users. In addition, the devices also came with an elegant style, the computer maker announced. Additional details on the phones will be delivered by the company's carriers as soon as they are getting ready to become available for purchase, namely in November in China and before the end of the year in Brazil.

“This signals an important milestone in the long term partnership between China Mobile and Dell,” a China Mobile spokesperson added. “We are excited for Dell to be among the first manufacturers to introduce new technology based on the OPhone platform. We look forward to working with Dell as it brings innovative new products and services to add value to our customers’ lives.”