Discovery to Release Branded Mobile Phone

SILVER SPRING: Discovery Communications has aligned with the handset manufacturer Huawei Device to develop a co-branded mobile phone, as part of the expanding Discovery Expedition line.

The Huawei-Discovery Expedition phone features a GPS, torch, compass and G-sensor, and is also water-resistant, dust-proof and anti-shock. The phone is also equipped with Facebook and Twitter. The mobile device will be available commercially in the fourth quarter of 2011.

"Discovery’s global partnership with Huawei is the first in a series of strategic efforts to create additional touch points for our consumers to engage and interact with our network brands all around the world," said Nicolas Bonard, the senior VP of Discovery Enterprises International and Discovery Networks International. "Discovery Expedition, the premiere lifestyle outdoor apparel and accessories brand, is our newest retail and merchandising initiative, designed to complement the qualities found at the heart of our flagship brand Discovery Channel- adventure, exploration, technology and quality."

"This is the first time that Huawei is creating a co-branded mobile phone with Discovery, and we are very excited about providing outdoor enthusiasts with a device that can support their communications and active lifestyle needs," added Victor Xu, the chief marketing officer for Huawei Device. "This partnership will allow Huawei to leverage Discovery’s robust marketing channels to consumers around the world. This Huawei-Discovery Expedition phone collaboration is the first of many to come and we look forward to working even more closely with Discovery in the near future to co-create more innovative products that we can share with consumers."