360's N4A smartphone targets users with greater need for information security

Chinese Internet security and search company Qihoo 360 Technology Co Ltd launched a new mobile phone N4A on Thursday, in a move to target different consumer groups and meet their various needs for information security.

Zhu Fanghao, president of 360 mobile phone, said security would be the most important aspect of the 360 mobile phone brand, and the company would stick to this selling point to differentiate itself.

“Aiming at building a good reputation, we put a lot of effort into the product development. In the future, we will focus on building our own online and offline channels.”

Priced at 899 yuan ($134), the 360 mobile phone N4A will officially be on sale from Oct 18. The company said the phone's built-in 4000 mAh battery would allow it to run two days with normal use.

The new device is also equipped with the latest 360 OS 2.0 operating system, providing a completely isolated operating environment from the desktop system. Users can access their private information through the hidden secure entrance.

Up until now, there are three types of smartphones under the 360 brand, F, N and Q. F and N series target loyal 360 users and fans. And Q targets political, military and commercial officials who have needs to store confidential information on their devices, according to Qihoo CEO and Chairman Zhou Hongyi.

China has now become the world's largest smartphone market. With increased utility, smartphones tend to become more vulnerable to cyber attacks.

The European Union Network and Information Security Agency reported that smartphone users' greatest concerns are tariffs, privacy issues and information security.

Faced with the security concerns, domestic mobile phone manufactures released various security strategies, meeting users' increased needs for security.

According to Information Security and Communications Privacy magazine, in terms of the domestic smartphone market, the outlook of Samsung Electronics Co and Apple Inc may be bleak due to the disclosure of information security issues; while domestic mobile phone manufactures have unique advantages.