HiPiKids Launches Children's Tablet PCs
Netease Tech, 7/05/10
Tang Yijun, COO of Suzhou-based children's computer maker HiPiKids Technology, has revealed that the company plans to release a children's tablet computer retailing for approximately RMB 1,500 in September this year. The tablet will measure 10", use ARM architecture, support high-definition images, and be customized for telecom networks.
HiPiKids released a children's tablet computer in May 2009 called the HiPiTOUCH, targeting children under the age of 14. The HiPiTOUCH is based on Linux with an x86 architecture, has a 10.1" screen, and offers WiFi and 3G network applications.
HiPiKids combines terminal sales and content provision for its business model, selling an 8GB HiPiTTOUCH tablet for RMB 3,688, and charging an annual service fee of RMB 360 for content offered through the terminal. HiPiKids also sells individual items of content for download. The company purchases its content from providers such as ChineseAll.com, 21edu.com, and UUWow.
HiPiKids cooperates with telecom operators on promoting its devices, sharing revenue from annual content usage fees with the operators. The company first began cooperation with telecom operators by releasing the HiPiTOUCH tablet with Xinjiang Telecom on May 18, 2010, and plans to extend sales to other areas including Beijing and Shanghai. The company has sold several tens of thousands of its tablets to date.
Editor's Note: In a phone interview with Marbridge, HiPiKids explained that while the company released its first tablet in May 2009, it did not launch cooperation with telecom operators until May of this year.
Keywords: Tang Yijun HiPiKids business model Xinjiang Telecom computer hardware tablet China Telecom 0728.HK CHA youth