iPhone Clone to Be Launched by Meizu

(PhysOrg.com) -- Meizu's M8 iPhone should be available in a limited quantity before the end of November. The M8 iPhone should be launched in China no later than November 30th. Meizu is waiting for a government license for the phone but will release a test version to users even if the license is not granted by the end of the month.

The news is accompanied by plans for the launch that will stagger the release of both the Chinese and Indian versions that will be available first, with the Chinese Wi-Fi version´s disabled to meet local laws. Exports to Europe, Hong Kong and the US may also be ready by Christmas Eve with Wi-Fi intact.

Meizu´s iPhone clone is based on a modified Windows Mobile interface with numerous references to Apple´s cell phone including a Safari-like web browser front end, an iPod-like media player, and a similar overall look. The Chinese version carries extras like a three-megapixel camera and FM radio at the expense of 3G data, using EDGE instead when Wi-Fi is not available.

There has been no news from Apple how they will respond when this device becomes available. The American company has not acted against perceived copyright violations in China, but has often filed lawsuits and otherwise attempted to block sales of companies with copied designs in countries with stricter copyright laws.

The M8 is tentatively priced at about $348 for an 8GB version without subsidies and $421 for a 16GB model.