ZTE, which claims to be the fourth largest smartphone manufacturer in the world, is now looking towards its users to get idea about its upcoming smartphone. A safe bet these days I guess, when you literally have a zillion Androids out there with a unique feature in each of them.
The Chinese smartphone company has announced “Project CSX”, a codename given to its next product, which the company is planning to launch in 2017. For this, the company wants its fans or users to get involved in the project. ZTE is inviting anyone to submit ideas on what the product should be, its features, and also its design.
ZTE says that the Project CSX is a new method for developing products that engages directly with consumers at every step of the development process, from conception to final product.
The project will be divided into two development stages where users can submit and vote for their favorite ideas. There are three rules: the product must be a “mobile device”, the technology suggested must be realistically possible, and the product must be affordable for general public.
ZTE is also giving prizes for the suggestions. The winning ideas and popular submissions will be awarded with small cash prizes throughout the process. There is also a chance to win a trip to the Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas. Additionally, participants registered on Z-Community will have early access to the final product.
Commenting about this, Lixin Cheng, chairman and CEO of ZTE USA, said,
This is the first time a phone manufacturer is stepping out and crowdsourcing something entirely new, from start to finish. It’s a bold approach for the industry that demonstrates how ZTE keeps consumers at the heart of everything we imagine, design and deliver. Project CSX is taking our core value to the next level.
Jeff Yee, vice president of Technology Planning and Partnerships at ZTE USA, said,
Sometimes the best ideas come from people outside of a company who have a fresh take we wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. ZTE is an end-to-end telecommunications company and has the resources to develop all types of devices, not just smartphones. Maybe there are other ways we could be connecting that we have never imagined. We are excited to find out.
The idea submission process will end on August 31 and the voting for the top 3 idea will last from September 1 to September 10. Product Concept Submission starts from September 12 and will last till September 30, and the voting for the same will end on October 10. And finally, the voting for the top product concept is scheduled from October 12 to October 19.
