British supermarket giant Tesco says it is planning to launch its own smartphone before the end of this year, as it looks to build on the success it has seen with the Hudl tablet, which has sold over 550,000 units.
Chief executive Philip Clarke told the BBC Radio 5 that a “Tesco phone” would launch before the end of the year. The company is also planning to introduce the Hudl 2, a follow-up to its original £119 tablet, in September.
The BBC reports that, like Hudl, Tesco’s upcoming smartphone will be based on Android, with a specification that is “comparable to the Samsung Galaxy S5,” although Clarke didn’t provide details about the handset or its price in the interview. (Update: A Tesco spokesperson has since confirmed to Reuters that the device will be based on Android.)
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He did, however, explain that it will come loaded with a range of Tesco services, including Blinkbox video streaming, a music/movie/books e-store and general Tesco shopping services. The retailer is launching an online banking division this summer, which will feature on its devices, and it is preparing smartphone apps that will let shoppers scan and pay for items themselves rather than going through a check-out till.
Related: Hudl: With Tesco’s tablet, you get a lot of bang for your buck
Image via AFP/Getty Images
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