Chinese search specialist Baidu has announced it is to launch its own smartphone running a bespoke OS as the company looks to compete with rival Google.

The new device will be officially unveiled by the firm in a matter of hours, with the Financial Times claiming its RRP is expected to come in at around 1,000 Renminbi (around £100/$160).

Baidu battler

Interestingly, the device won't run any of the existing operating systems on the market – at least, not in their current form.

Instead, Baidu will employ its own platform dubbed Baidu Cloud, which uses Google's Android as a base to deliver a unique, dedicated OS. Chief executive Robin Li has claimed the handset will be able to be 'turned on instantly' and will 'process requests through a simply search box.'

American giant Dell has previously employed Baidu's software in a handset for the region, though the device has been relatively poorly received due to its comparatively high price.

Baidu is the largest player in the Chinese search market, with around 80 percent mark share. The firm is also holds one third of the mobile search market, though the launch of a dedicated handset plugged into the firm's network could well see that share soar.

[source: Financial Times]