STOCKHOLM (MarketWatch) -- Mobile phone maker Sony Ericsson Thursday launched the M608c, is a Chinese version of the M600 messaging phone announced earlier this year.

The M608c uses slower second generation technology while the M600 features third generation technology that allows higher data speeds.

"M608c is tailor made for China and comes from a strong global portfolio of UMTS products that Sony Ericsson has now put in place in readiness for the eventual introduction of 3G services," said Gunilla Nordstrom, corporate vice president of Sony Ericsson and president of Sony Ericsson China.

China is the single largest market for Sony Ericsson, she said.

The M608c starts shipping in the third quarter this year, Sony Ericsson said.