Tesco ditches Hudl smartphone plans
Tesco has shelved plans for the Hudl smartphone to concentrate on the Hudl 2 tablet, according to Robin Terrell, the supermarket’s multichannel director.
In May this year, Tesco announced its intention to launch its first own-branded smartphone by the end of the year.
It was reportedly planning to launch a budget Android device comparable with the Samsung Galaxy5.
However, Terrell explained that despite being “confident” it could offer customers something it believes is lacking in the mobile market, it has halted any further investment into it.
“The technology sector is fast changing and constantly evolving and since then, the mobile market has become even more competitive. So in early July, I took the decision that we would put the phone on hold and concentrate on the Hudl 2 tablet,” he said.
“Mobile technology – phones and tablets – are transforming all consumer industries and particularly retail. Our future success relies on our anticipating and adapting those consumer trends so that we can continually improve the products and services we offer our customers.”
Tesco has forged ahead with plans for its second generation tablet which is set to launch “in the next few weeks”.
Last month, budget supermarket rival Aldi launched its own smartphone, retailing at just £79.99.