Kodak’s not nearly as huge a name in technology today as it used to be, but the company is going to try and make a bit of a comeback using mobile.
Kodak is teaming up with Bullitt Group to release Android smartphones and tablets in 2015. The devices will have a focus on image management, including capturing and sharing features, along with “great design and UI.” Also included will be remote management tools that’ll let you provide support to friends.
Bullitt says that these Kodak smartphones will be targeted at consumers that want the experience of using high-end hardware but can’t or don’t want to use “increasingly complicated mobile devices.” Bullitt promises that that doesn’t mean that it’ll compromise on the design or user experience of its products.
The first Kodak smartphone will make its debut at CES 2015 in January. More devices will follow in the second half of 2015, including a 4G-enabled phone, a tablet, and a connected camera.
While these devices will be made by Bullitt Group, they’re going to bear the Kodak name and will likely be heavily-marketed as Kodak phones. That’s because Bullitt and Kodak are probably hoping to capitalize on the Kodak name. The question is, will that plan work? As I mentioned before, the Kodak name doesn’t carry nearly the same weight as it once did, and I’m sure many younger consumers don’t even know what Kodak is. Meanwhile, many older folks are likely to rely on phone recommendations from loved ones or in-store associates rather than to just buy a device because it’s got the Kodak name.
