Asustek Android smartphone to make appearance in 4Q09, investment in solar may be in company's future

During a recent get together with local Taiwan media, Asustek Computer chairman Jonney Shih and company president and CEO Jerry Shen discussed opportunities in the green energy market, the status of the notebook and netbook market and the launch schedule of the company's Android smartphone. While most of their comments were general statements about the market, Shih did say that the company's Android smartphone will be unveiled this year.

Commenting on the notebook market, Shih said he is optimistic about notebook demand for the fourth quarter 2009 amid the launches of the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system and the latest Intel Calpella notebook platform.

For the netbook market in 2010, Shen believes the segment is unlikely to see demand as strong as has been seen in the past few years, but shipments will still have steady growth and smartbooks will be a major driver of demand.

Asustek also plans to invest in green energy businesses such as solar though it has no concrete timetable. Asustek is currently evaluating the industry, Shih said, and he is optimistic about its future potential. The company plans to focus on developing innovative materials or technologies utilizing green energy.

source