Launch of new phones always vague
It is commonly seen that when a mobile handset manufacturer unveils its plan to launch a new phone, the date is always vague. The company makes statements like “the summer”, or “second half of the current year”. This results in individuals eagerly awaiting the actual date of the launch. On most occasions, the actual launch is delayed, which makes the fans and technical journalists impatient. Often, a question is raised if there are any problems with the new phone.
An insight to the testing labs
It is not really the fault of the users to eagerly await the next best thing. However, there is great virtue in keeping some patience. An insight to the working of Sprint’s testing lab in Overland Park, Kans provides the reason. The tour of the lab provided a detailed insight to the process that the manufacturer adopt to evaluate new phones and make it ready for using.
Filling the slot
The process commences with the company identify an open slot for a specific device amongst its vast product portfolio. This requirement could be in any arena, such as a new messaging technique or a power packed smart phone. The information is then provided to the manufacturers. The manufacturing companies in turn provide the candidates devices. Although, manufacturer meets can happen at any time during the year, these are mostly held during large shows, such as the CES or CTIA.
Developing the device
After selecting the device, Sprint works with the manufacturer on the design and testing of the new device. Since the candidate device is only a prototype, several internal and external modifications are made before the product is made available to the stores for selling. This process can last between twelve and eighteen months, which is when several test runs on the device are undertaken by Sprint and the manufacturing company. The manufacturer focuses on testing the hardware durability and software reliability. Sprint on the other hand focuses on factors, such as the compatibility with the network, audio quality, battery life, GPS, streaming video, and multimedia qualities.
Conducting the tests
All the above can take several weeks or even a few months. A smart phone typically comprises millions of code lines, and approximately 1000 components that are provided by more than 150 suppliers. The division’s primary responsibility is to ensure that all these components work efficiently on the Company’s network. Therefore, this is the reason that a new phone after being announced can take a long time before it is actually available in the market.