Smartphones may have made the point-and-click camera virtually obsolete, but Kodak is now looking to embrace mobile technology in order to make a comeback. At next month’s CES, Kodak and Bullit, a contractor for Caterpillar, Ted Baker, and JCB, unveiling the first smartphone in a range of Android mobile devices aimed at photography enthusiasts.

Little is known about the various products in Kodak’s pipeline, but we have been informed that the range will include two smartphones, a tablet, and a connected camera. One of these smartphones will be shown off at CES in January, while another 4G handset, a tablet and camera will be announced throughout the second half of 2015.

To differentiate its products from the range of capable smartphone camera choices out there, Kodak and Bullit will be offering bespoke image capture and sharing features, along with some remote management software, to help budding photographers keep on top of all their snaps. There is also a quick mention of easy photo printing, which could be useful.

The press release states that Kodak’s smartphone will offer “the latest Android OS and features found on high-end smartphones”, suggesting that a flagship Lollipop handset could be on the cards.

Are you excited to see what Kodak has to offer the smartphone market, or has the company waited too long?

[press]LONDON, December 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/

Iconic imaging brand Kodak and leading mobile device manufacturer Bullitt Group, have today announced that they will launch a range of Android-powered mobile devices offering best-in-class image management software and features along with great design and UI.

Aimed at – but not exclusively for – consumers who want a high-end experience but aren’t always as comfortable using increasingly complicated mobile devices as they would like to be, the range of smartphones and tablets will come pre-loaded with bespoke image capture, management and sharing features to offer a rich user experience.

In addition, advanced remote management software will be pre-installed, allowing family members and friends to provide help and support if needed.

“Kodak is one of the world’s most recognisable brands. It is trusted by consumers as a marque of quality and innovation,” says Oliver Schulte, CEO Bullitt Mobile. “We’ve taken that heritage and used it to inspire a range of beautifully designed devices that will let users take great pictures and edit, share, store and print them in an instant.”

Unlike other phones aimed at this target audience, the KODAK Mobile Device range will not compromise on design and user experience. With as much focus on design as well as usability, the range will stand out in a market segment that is currently under-served.

Adds Schulte: “Delivering simplicity without compromise, these devices will address a segment of the mobile device market that has been poorly served to date. By giving customers easy access to printing and sharing services while still offering the latest Android OS and features found on high-end smartphones, we will appeal to a large audience of users who value ease of use and stylish design as highly as they value functionality.”

Eileen Murphy, VP Brand Licensing, Kodak is excited to be entering the mobile handset market with the Bullitt Group. “We are impressed with Bullitt Group’s commitment to delivering a portfolio of products that embrace the quality and innovation that our brand is known for around the world.”

The first handset will be launched at CES 2015 on the Kodak stand in South Hall 1, Booth 21818. There will be further product announcements across the second half of 2015 including a 4G handset, a tablet and a connected camera.

The Kodak trademark is used under license by Bullitt Group, Ltd from Kodak.

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