A new global R&D center, Acer Intellectual (Chongqing) Co. Ltd., was inaugurated today to enhance Acer’s development in smartphones and tablet PCs. The center shall cooperate with Chongqing municipal government and China Mobile Ltd. in researching and developing smart handheld devices as well as related software and services.
An inaugural ceremony was held today and joined by Chongqing government officials, during which Acer also signed an agreement with Chongqing Economic and IT Commission (CQEIC) and China Mobile’s Chongqing subsidiary (Chongqing Mobile) to jointly research and develop smart handheld devices, including smartphones and tablet PCs, application software and services.
The ceremony was attended by Chongqing Mayor Huang Qifan, Deputy Mayor Tong Xiao Ping, Acer Corp. VP & Deputy President of Touch BG Simon Hwang, CQEIC Director Mu Huaping, Acer General Manager of Touch Business Group China Operations Dave Chan, Chongqing Mobile General Manager Qin Da Bin.
To begin with, Acer will invest US$4 million in Acer Intellectual (Chongqing) Co. The center, led by Acer Corporate President Jim Wong, will also focus on the smart handheld user behavior study in the China market.
Acer’s R&D taskforce has already begun collaborating with Chongqing Mobile and local IT companies to successfully develop software applications for Android based TD (time domain) smartphones; the applications are used by Chongqing civil servants. Further on, together with Chongqing government, the center will develop smart handheld mobile terminals to provide more value-added services.
In December 2010, Acer announced the strategic decision to set up a global notebook production and second China operation in Chongqing. In May the manufacturing base commenced operation. The addition of the global R&D center further boosts Acer’s presence in Chongqing and commitment in the China market.
