ViewSonic getting into the smartphone game

ViewSonic is known mainly for its large screen devices

Monitor vendor ViewSonic has become the latest company to enter the already crowded smartphone space.

The company revealed on Tuesday that it would begin a new programme to design and build a 3G handset.

ViewSonic is known principally for its LCD TVs, large-scale digital signs and screens for smaller products such as digital frames. By entering the smartphone market, the company hopes to complete a project to expand its line from 300in screens to 3in products.

"With 20 years of display experience this is a natural extension of our product expertise," said ViewSonic chairman and chief executive James Chu.

"This is an important strategic step for ViewSonic, as it allows us to apply our display technology to an even larger and rapidly growing worldwide market."

The company plans to launch its first smartphone products in China, later expanding the operation into Europe and the US.

ViewSonic will be just the latest in an ongoing parade of newcomers that have entered the smartphone arena.

While traditional handset vendors such as Samsung and Research in Motion have established themselves in the market, companies such as Apple and Google have carved out positions for themselves.