Tesco eyes smartphone launch in autumn as Clarke digs in

6th May 2014 10:21

Tesco has announced plans to launch its own smartphone by the end of the year, as well as an updated version of its popular Hudl tablet computer.The FTSE 100 supermarket group's Chief Executive Philip Clarke told BBC radio that the phone would be pre-installed with Tesco services, as is expected to run on the Android operating system.Under-fire Clarke, who gave further indications that he had no plans to step down under the intense criticism he has received since stepping into the top role, said the phone will be comparable to the Samsung Galaxy S5.Like the initial launch of the Hudl table, which was launched at £119, the Tesco smartphone will be priced significantly cheaper than handsets with similar specifications.Tesco already offers smartphone contracts using O2's network infrastructure as an mobile virtual network operator.Clarke also revealed that a Hudl 2 tablet would land in September, which some observers believed was an indication that the smartphone would join it in a "two-pronged launch blitz". Tesco's share price was up 0.58% to 287.15p at 10:35 on Tuesday.OH