European operators still exert little influence on manufacturers: O2's XDA launch unlikely to be replicated by other operators. (Global Wireless).

Publication: RCR Wireless News

Publication Date: 24-JUN-02

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COPYRIGHT 2002 Crain Communications, Inc.

DUBLIN, Ireland--The launch last week of the XDA, an O2-branded mobile device manufactured specifically for that operator, is clear evidence that European operators are demanding more input into handset development. However, it is more likely to be an extreme but isolated example of operator control in a fragmented market where vendors will continue to have the greatest input into handset development than a sign that other operators are about to muscle in on the vendor market.

The XDA is undoubtedly an interesting concept from a marketing perspective. The personal assistant product has been specified by BT Cellnet, the forerunner of O2, and will be built by Korean electronics firm HTC, but will carry no HTC branding....

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