Qihoo 360 launches new mobile phone, merges brands

Internet security and search company Qihoo 360 Technology launched its newest 360 mobile phone F4, with plans to merge its two smartphone brands, Qiku and Dazen, under the 360 brand.

Zhu Fanghao, president of 360 mobile phone, said there will be three series of mobile phones under the 360 brand, F, N and Q, targeting different consumer groups.

"The previously multiple brands not only puzzled our customers, we were also not clear about the relationship," said Zhu, adding the merged brand will make the product's orientation more clear.

The 360 mobile phone F4, with arc design on the back, offers a 3G RAM and 32 GB of storage space, and is equipped with 360 operating system and fingerprint recognition function.

It also supports VoLTE technology, which allows traditional voice services to be transmitted along with other Internet data and improves the quality of mobile phone conversations.

Zhu added the sales of the mobile phone are expected to surpass three million. Moreover, the e-commerce platform of Qiku will be included under 360's online shopping mall.

It will be sold officially through online shopping malls, including 360shouji.com and Tmall.com, from Friday, priced at 799 yuan.

In 2014, the NYSE-listed Qihoo 360 and Coolpad Group Ltd, a major smartphone maker, launched a joint venture to produce mobile phones, including the Qiku and Dazen.