Obi Mobiles led by former Apple CEO John Sculley, on Thursday has announced the launch of its operations in the Indian market. Obi Mobiles are expected to hit the Indian markets by early May 2014.

Obi Mobiles will be led by Ajay Sharma as CEO. Ajay has over 30 years of experience and has worked with Micromax and HTC as their smartphone division head.

"I see a huge opportunity in fulfilling the requirements of growing and prospering middle class. India leads in mobile phone penetration. However owing to the delay in implementation of 3G services and high smartphone prices, the smartphone share in India is only 20%, leaving larger part of the ground with opportunities yet to be tapped. The scenario hence becomes a favourable and attractive chance for us to launch Obi Mobiles and offer the best of the smartphone with an apt pricing model", said John Sculley, Obi Mobiles.

               

"India's smartphone market still has many opportunities to offer in terms of mobile features and value added services. Obi Mobiles will be catering to the needs of young Indians who want to own a mobile phone with latest technology, features and are also seeking value for money. These are also the major factors why young Indians replace their handsets quite frequently", said Ajay Sharma, CEO, Obi Mobiles.

"Additionally, with access to branding and marketing guidance from John Sculley and a well experienced team that we have built, we look forward to reaping the benefits of the intense smartphone demand in India", added Ajay Sharma.

Obi Mobiles plans to invest $20 million this year to set up the supply chain, design centre and sales/after-sales in key locations across India. The company aims to focus on mid-range smartphones and says it will introduce affordable smartphones with superior technology. It also plans to take the brand to markets in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Latin America after the Indian market.

Dragon Technology and Iris Computers, the subsidiaries of Inflexionpoint will provide design and testing, and distribution facilities to Obi Mobiles.