ZTE wants you to tell what their next mobile product be like

Hundreds of new smartphone models are launched every year across the world but customers always feel something’s amiss in each of them and certain things could have been better. In short, they all have something to add on always. So, now a Chinese smartphone company, ZTE, arguably the fourth largest smartphone manufacturer in the world wants users to tell them how its new ‘Product’ should be like- everything from its features, specs to design.

The smartphone maker has announced “Project CSX”, a codename given to its next product, which the company is planning to launch in 2017. For this, the company wants its fans or users to get involved in the project. ZTE is inviting anyone to submit ideas on what the product should be, its features, and also its design.

According to ZTE, the Project CSX is a new method for developing products that engages directly with consumers at every step of the development process, from conception to final product.

The project will be divided into two development stages where users can submit and vote for their favorite ideas. There are three rules: the product must be a “mobile device”, the technology suggested must be realistically possible, and the product must be affordable for general public.

This is the first time a phone manufacturer is stepping out and crowdsourcing something entirely new, from start to finish. It’s a bold approach for the industry that demonstrates how ZTE keeps consumers at the heart of everything we imagine, design and deliver. Project CSX is taking our core value to the next level, said Lixin Cheng, chairman and CEO of ZTE USA.

ZTE is also giving prizes for the suggestions. The winning ideas and popular submissions will be awarded small cash prizes throughout the process. There is also a chance to win a trip to the Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas. Additionally, participants registered on Z-Community will have early access to the final product.

The submission process for ideas will end on August 31 and the voting for the top 3 ideas will last from September 1 to September 10. Product Concept Submission starts from September 12 and will last until September 30, and the voting for the same will end on October 10. And finally, the voting for the top product concept is scheduled from October 12 to October 19.

For Jeff Yee, vice president of Technology Planning and Partnerships at ZTE USA, “Sometimes the best ideas come from people outside of a company who have a fresh take we wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. ZTE is an end-to-end telecommunications company and has the resources to develop all types of devices, not just smartphones. Maybe there are other ways we could be connecting that we have never imagined. We are excited to find out.”