India's leading device manufacturer brings Gorilla Glass to value-segment devices
CORNING, N.Y.; FEBRUARY 8, 2017 - Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) today announced that it has collaborated with Micromax for its Vdeo smartphones, designed for the "value-segment" consumer. The recently launched devices are among the first across India's mobile phone entry segment to incorporate Corning® Gorilla® Glass to help protect against damage.
"Value-segment smartphone customers typically spend a significant portion of their income buying a device," said John Bayne, vice president and general manager, Corning Gorilla Glass. "Many of these first-time smartphone users simply cannot afford to repair or to replace a damaged device. That's why it's essential to protect these devices with a material such as tough, damage-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass."
A recent consumer poll* conducted in India, which is the second largest smartphone market in the world, highlights the needs of India's critical value-segment smartphone category predominantly serviced by devices ranging in price from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 ($75 to $150).
The study focuses on the participants' expectations and performance of devices they currently own. Highlights of the study results include:
- Approximately 58% said that their smartphone is the most expensive thing that they carry with them daily, and their single biggest worry is damaging their device. Also, 68% of respondents said they worry about dropping and breaking their screen.
- Over 65% of value-segment smartphones are reported to have significant screen damage with more scratches per device than consumers in other segments.
- When they do replace their smartphones, the majority (52%) said that they plan to spend almost the same amount on a new device as their current one, but expect it to have better functions and capabilities.
Bayne added, "For all mobile phone consumers, their device is critical. It is often the most valuable thing they carry on their person every day and something they use not just to communicate but, in many cases, as their primary access to information. We are thrilled that Micromax - one of India's premier device manufacturers - has designed Gorilla Glass into its Vdeo smartphones to give value-segment users the protection that they not only need, but they deserve. This level of performance is not possible with other material options."
"It is important for the entire ecosystem to come together to deliver a compelling and complete solution to consumer needs. With the Micromax Vdeo range we have broken the perception that a durable, high-quality display is limited to premium devices," said Shubhajit Sen, chief marketing officer, Micromax. "We believe our continued collaboration with Corning will help propel adoption of smart phones with consumers in the value segment."
The Vdeo range of smartphones are designed keeping in mind the basic needs that Indian consumers demand from their smartphones and are fully loaded with best-in-class features for an entry level Smartphone - including 4G VoLTE, Android Marshmallow, great battery performance, HD display and housed in a premium and stylish metal body.
Leveraging its strengths in glass science and fusion manufacturing, Corning leads the cover glass industry it created nearly 10 years ago. Corning Gorilla Glass has been used on nearly 5 billion devices worldwide, including more than 1,800 product models across 40 major brands.
*The consumer poll was conducted across four cities in India, using an online survey, with over 1,200 smartphone users responding. The research was conducted through a combination of online polling and secondary analysis by ValueNotes Research in India.
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About Micromax Informatics Micromax Informatics Limited is the 10th largest mobile brand in the world (Counterpoint Research) and one of the leading consumer electronics companies. Over the past decade, Micromax has pioneered the democratization of technology for the masses by offering affordable innovations through their products and removing barriers for large-scale adoption of advanced technologies. The brand embraces an innovative product portfolio ranging from feature rich, dual ¬SIM phones, 4G Android smartphones, tablets, smart televisions, air conditioners and laptops. With successful operations across India, Russia and other SAARC markets, Micromax sells more than 3 million mobility devices every month.
About Corning Incorporated Corning ( www.corning.com ) is one of the world's leading innovators in materials science. For more than 160 years, Corning has applied its unparalleled expertise in specialty glass, ceramics, and optical physics to develop products that have created new industries and transformed people's lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in R&D, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and close collaboration with customers to solve tough technology challenges. Corning's businesses and markets are constantly evolving. Today, Corning's products enable diverse industries such as consumer electronics, telecommunications, transportation, and life sciences. They include damage-resistant cover glass for smartphones and tablets; precision glass for advanced displays; optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions for high-speed communications networks; trusted products that accelerate drug discovery and manufacturing; and emissions-control products for cars, trucks, and off-road vehicles.
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