New blueprint unveiled at ZTE Global Analyst Conference as ZTE forecasts that the world will have 100 billion connected devices by 2020

9 June 2014, Shanghai, China – ZTE Mobile Devices today presented a new strategic blueprint to deliver increased user value, defining a new “Smart 2.0” age when users will enjoy personalized and productive applications that can be seamlessly accessed on their smartphones, tablets, wearables, gaming consoles and myriad other connected devices.

In the “Smart 2.0” age, users will gain increased value through a broad industry ecosystem comprising device makers, telecommunication operators, service platforms and distribution partners, ZTE Mobile Devices CEO Adam Zeng said at the ZTE Global Analysts Conference in Shanghai. The growth of mobile broadband has helped usher in the age of “Smart 2.0,” which will displace the “Smart 1.0” model that was prevalent when traditional broadband was mainstream.

“To deliver increased user value, we need to make the leap into the ‘Smart 2.0’ age to provide customers with the improved user experience they deserve,” Mr. Zeng said. “ZTE is committed to providing users with personalized applications seamlessly integrated with their devices to allow customers to take advantage of faster mobile connections and get the best user experience.”

The “Smart 2.0” model forms part of the “Enabler@M-ICT” strategic mission unveiled by ZTE at the conference, which was attended by more than 100 analysts and industry partners.

ZTE forecasts that there will be more than 100 billion connected devices by 2020, including 50 billion connected sensors that will make up the Internet of Things. Automobiles and domestic electronics such as game consoles will also become more connected.

“Voice control is the key gateway for the Internet of Things, as it is the most intuitive way for humans to interact with machines,” Mr. Zeng said. “ZTE is committed to developing the best voice control technologies in the industry.”

The “Grand S II” and “Star 1,” two 4G smartphones launched by ZTE this year, both feature some of the most advanced voice-recognition technologies available on the market.

This year, ZTE also diversified into the wearables market, launching the “ZTE Grand Watch” at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The company also debuted the “Funbox,” the world’s fastest home entertainment console, bringing consumers and families a unique high-performance all-in-one gaming, video-chatting and online video experience.

Under Mr. Zeng, who took over as head of ZTE Mobile Devices this year, the company is building a new leadership team with a less hierarchical management structure to be more responsive to the market and end-users. Mr. Zeng assumed the role of “Chief Experience Officer” in a quest for improved user experience across ZTE’s product line.

ZTE is also strengthening its E-commerce and retail channels as the Mobile Devices business transitions from a B2B to a B2C business model, diversifying from a reliance on the operators channel.