Author: Ambre M

Developer community

Enjoy great games on your KaiOS device!

By Ambre M •

Explore the vast world of Overmobile Games on KaiStore, where you will find a variety of titles. Embark on the iconic MMO RPG, Avengers: Fury. 

Battle alongside thousands of players simultaneously, as you conquer monstrous foes, complete quests, and collect hundreds of items. Enjoy Happy Tower, build new floors, hire the best employees, buy and sell goods, get coins! Discover Titan’s War, an epic online adventure for your smart feature phone where you can improve your skills to fight in arenas. And discover much more game from Overmobile on our KaiStore. 

At KaiOS, we offer a diverse range of games to suit every player from free-to-play games with in-between-level ads, to awesome games with in-app purchases, just like those from Overmobile. These allow you to unlock special items, game currency like crystals and rubies, and even watch rewarded ads for additional benefits!

Overmobile has been developing browser games for over 15 years. The first project was launched in 2008. During this time, they have created several high-quality games, including Avengers and Titans War. These games were successfully released on KaiOS, allowing them to reach a wider audience. 

Here is a taste of what awaits you in Overmobile’ games portfolio;

  • Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs): Team up with friends, forge alliances, and dominate the battlefield in thrilling player-versus-player battles in the game world.
  • Character Customization: Craft the ultimate warrior! Upgrade your skills, gear up, and become an unstoppable force.
  • Large-Scale Battles: Immerse yourself in large-scale battles, epic conflicts alongside your clan and claim victory!

The total number of active users per month exceeds 200,000 worldwide. Be part of them on your KaiOS device! 

http://overmobile.net 

Industry insights

2024 GSMA’s report on gender gap released – Discover how KaiOS empowers women through affordable smart feature phones

By Ambre M •

There is positive news in the fight for digital equality! A recent report by GSMA shows the gender gap in mobile internet use is narrowing. After growing for the last three years, the mobile gender gap has now returned to where it was in 2020. This has shrunk the gap from 19% in 2022 to 15% in 2023. Despite this progress, there is still a significant challenge.  Nearly 785 million women still lack mobile internet access, with most concentrated in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

It is essential to address this issue, not only for digital inclusion but also for economic growth and societal development.

How KaiOS addresses the gender gap challenges? – KaiOS has emerged as a potential solution to bridge the mobile gender gap, with the release of its KaiOS smart feature phone with internet capabilities addressing all these key challenges:

  • Cost of smartphone ownership: One of the significant barriers for women in LMICs is the cost of smartphone ownership. KaiOS-powered devices, commonly referred to as “smart feature phones,” provide affordable alternatives to traditional smartphones. These devices offer functionalities like internet browsing, messaging, and social media apps at a fraction of the cost, making them accessible to a broader demographic.
  • Digital literacy and skills: Another obstacle highlighted in the report is the lack of digital literacy and skills. KaiOS, with its intuitive user interface and simplified applications, is designed to be user-friendly, even for individuals with limited technological experience. Moreover, KaiOS offers resources like preloaded educational content and localized apps that can help users develop digital skills at their own pace.
  • Gender-specific challenges: The report also mentions that women face specific societal and cultural barriers, such as lower literacy rates and restricted mobility. KaiOS can address these challenges by providing access to information and services through mobile phones, thereby empowering women in these communities to engage with digital content and resources independently.
  • People with visual & hearing needs are not left behind: KaiOS devices are designed to be accessible to all users, including those with visual or auditory impairments. The platform offers features such as screen readers and text-to-speech functionality, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can use the devices with ease.

In conclusion: How KaiOS impacts the population and specifically the Women

By addressing these barriers, KaiOS has the potential to narrow the mobile gender gap significantly. Increased access to mobile internet can empower women socially, and educationally. As the world moves towards a more connected future, initiatives like KaiOS can play a vital role in ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender or socio-economic status, can benefit from the opportunities offered by the digital age.

The GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2024

Uncategorized

Celebrating the Day of the African Child with KaiOS!

By Ambre M •

The World Day of the African Child was established in 1991 by the African Union. It commemorates the 1976 Soweto uprising, where South African schoolchildren protested for better education and the right to be taught in their own language.

In this 16th of june, we at KaiOS are thrilled to spotlight our commitment to making education accessible to every child across Africa. This special day reminds us of the incredible potential that lies within every young African and our shared responsibility to provide the tools they need to succeed.

One of our flagship initiatives, Roducate program, stands at the forefront of this mission. Roducate offered an innovative, comprehensive educational platform that brings quality learning materials right to the fingertips of African students, all through our affordable KaiOS-enabled devices. Today, KaiOS continues to collaborate with Roducate to replicate and expand such impactful educational programs.

Aligned with the United Nations’ SDGs 4 and 10, we partnered with Roducate and Lagos State to distribute KaiOS phones in Nigeria during COVID-19, enhancing education continuity. After one academic session, public schools saw a 40% increase in WASSCE pass rates, reaching 79.64%, and achieved the best performance in five years. Digital literacy grew, overcoming social and religious barriers.

Roducate Lite: learning without limits

Roducate is more than just an app; it’s a gateway to a brighter future. With Roducate Lite Books and Reference materials, students can access a vast array of educational content, ensuring they are well-prepared for critical exams and even the Common Entrance exams.

Roducate Lite on KaiOS: https://www.kaiostech.com/store/apps/?bundle_id=com.roducate.roducatelite

Affordable phones, Education for all

At KaiOS, our affordable phones make Roducate’s educational resources accessible to children across Africa. By leveraging technology, we provide education at the touch of a button, breaking barriers and opening new possibilities for millions of young minds. Our vision is clear: education for all, anytime, anywhere.

As we celebrate the Day of the African Child, let’s reaffirm our commitment to nurturing the next generation of African leaders, thinkers, and innovators. Together, we can make education a reality for every child, empowering them to reach their full potential and contribute to a brighter future for Africa.

Happy day of the African Child!

Developer community

In this First Sunday of May, KaiOS wishes you a happy World Laughter Day!

By Ambre M •

World Laughter Day is an annual global celebration dedicated to spreading awareness about the incredible power of laughter. Did you know that laughing not only boosts your mood instantly but also contributes to your overall well-being, potentially adding more years to your life?

So, let’s make this day extra special by embracing laughter in all its forms! Whether it’s watching your favorite comedy, diving into a funny book, or exploring the laughter-inducing apps on your KaiOS device, let’s make every moment count with contagious laughter.

On this special occasion, we have curated a selection of five apps to keep you entertained throughout the day!

  1. Daily Dad Jokes:

Powered by Qubic Ventures, offers you 100s of hilariously funny dad jokes to get you laughing! Share jokes with your friends and family!

This app, powered by Plusminos, contains more than 40.000 jokes, each and every one of them extremely funny! Laugh to your heart’s content!

Thanks to this app powered by Cypien, you get a vast collection of the best dad jokes existing! Send these to your son or tell them in front of his friends for the highest embarrassment.

A collection of the funniest jokes to lighten up your day, powered by Narr.

Fun ON, powered by M Zubair Talha is a fun-filled application that provides users with endless jokes and humor. We’ve updated the interface and added a share option, so you can now share jokes with your friends and family. Additionally, we’ve updated our collection of jokes to keep you entertained. With a vast collection of jokes in Urdu, Bengali, and English, this app is sure to tickle your funny bone and leave you in splits. Whether you’re feeling down or just want to brighten up your day, Fun ON is the perfect app for you. 

Here is to a day filled with endless giggles, hearty chuckles, and belly laughs! Happy World Laughter Day from all of us at KaiOS! 

Developer community

Discover PodLP: The Leading Podcast App for KaiOS Smart Feature Phones!

By Ambre M •

PodLP is the first and most popular podcast app available on KaiOS-enabled smart feature phones. Surpassing 10 million installs in 2022 on KaiOS platform, PodLP is available in 24+ languages on the KaiStore to all models running KaiOS 2.5 and KaiOS 3.0, including the recent JioPhone Prima 4G in India.

About PodLP

Launched in 2020, PodLP was the first podcast app available for KaiOS. PodLP listeners stream thousands of hours of quality content across the world on KaiOS smart feature phones. First time internet users and digital detoxers alike can search, discover, and subscribe to their favorite content on-demand with PodLP on KaiOS.

What PodLP Brings to KaiOS

News, sports, education, devotion, and comedy are some of the most popular content on PodLP. With 500,000+ podcasts available, PodLP users can subscribe, stream, and download their favorite audio content both online and offline. Designed and developed specifically for KaiOS, PodLP offers an intuitive, user-friendly interface, optimized experience, and comprehensive features including:

  • Downloads to internal and external storage
  • Push notifications for new episodes
  • Sleep timer and playback speed control
  • Podcasting 2.0 support (chapters, location, funding, and more)
  • Transcripts for reading and captions

With the podcast industry growing in the United States, India, and around the world, PodLP continues to lead as a source of audio education, entertainment, and information.

Discover PodLP on our KaiApp store here!

Partnership news

Introducing Panita: the smart feature phone by Logan!

By Ambre M •

At KaiOS, we are thrilled to collaborate with companies that share our vision of a more connected world. Today, we are excited to introduce Panita, a smart feature phone powered by Logan, a Venezuelan company with over 25 years of experience in technological solutions.

Key facts about Panita:

Market Presence: Mainly in Venezuela, with successful sales in Uruguay.

Market Success: Panita has emerged as the most affordable smart feature phone in the Venezuelan market. Empowering over 85,000 people, they are on track to connect over 200,000 by year’s end!

Unbeatable Prices: Logan believes in making quality technology accessible to everyone, reflected in their competitive pricing starting at just $27.

Personalized Attention: Going beyond sales, Logan offers exceptional customer service experience.

Social Impact: Logan takes pride in not just creating a recognizable brand but also in their philanthropic efforts. The establishment of “Fundación Panita” reflects their dedication to providing rural schools access to information, thus enabling students to continue their education.

Discover key features about Panita smart feature phone on the KaiOS website here!

KaiOS and Logan: A Team for Connectivity

At KaiOS, we are proud to partner with companies like Logan who share our commitment to bridging the digital divide. By offering accessible and user-friendly KaiOS devices, Panita is helping to connect the unconnected to the ever-expanding digital world!

You can follow Logan’s journey across their social medias (@panita.mobile on Instagram) or on their website.

Read more about Panita here!

Industry insights

Latest Data from GSMA on mobile gender gap – KaiOS supports the GSMA Connected Women programme

By Ambre M •

“The mobile internet gender gap has narrowed, but there is still much work to be done” – Claire Sibthorpe, Head of Connected Society & Connected Women at GSMA.

KaiOS is committed to supporting women’s empowerment and is actively engaged in reducing the persistent digital gender gap highlighted in the GSMA study. We are pleased to see progress being made, although there is more work to be done.

The latest data from GSMA underscore the critical need to bridge the mobile internet gender gap, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where mobile connectivity, particularly for women, is often the primary pathway to the internet. These insights emphasize the importance of inspiring inclusion through activities like the GSMA Connected Women Commitment Initiative.

The reduction of the mobile internet gender gap across LMICs from 19% in 2022 to 15% in 2023 is encouraging, driven by increased adoption rates among women in regions like South Asia. However, significant gaps persist, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, and sustaining progress requires continued concerted efforts.

To address these challenges, KaiOS supports the Connected Women programme, which aims to increase awareness, improve the affordability of internet-enabled devices, enhance digital skills, ensure safety and security, and adapt services to better meet women’s needs in the most effective way possible.

We believe that when women thrive in the digital ecosystem, societies, businesses, and economies also thrive. Together, we can accelerate progress towards digital and financial inclusion, ensuring that women are not left behind in the mobile internet revolution.

Some of GSMA’s updated figures on the mobile internet gender gap in advance of publishing their Mobile Gender Gap Report 2024 in May 

Stay tuned for further insights from KaiOS on how we address GSMA’s highlighted challenges with our affordable smart feature phones, based on the forthcoming GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2024 in May!

Press releases

The Dumbphone Boom Is Real

By Ambre M •

Tired of your smartphone? The Nokia 2780 powered by KaiOS is the solution!

You are not alone; “The Dumbphone Boom Is Real” according to a New Yorker post. Light Phone has recently been experiencing a surge in demand. From 2022 to 2023, its revenue doubled, and it is on track to double again in 2024, especially in the US market

Do you crave a simpler way to stay connected without the constant distractions? Look no further than the Nokia 2780 powered by KaiOS! This easy-to-use flip phone is perfect for anyone looking to ditch the smartphone struggle. Here’s what makes it a great choice for the US market:

Simple and Familiar: The classic flip design is comfortable to hold and use.

Essential Communication: Stay connected with clear calling, texting, and a reliable 4G connection to reach who matters most.

Focus on What Matters: No endless scrolling or social media feeds to tempt you. Focus on your surroundings and enjoy the peace of mind.

Stay focus: Access essential apps like Google Maps, Wikipedia and KaiNews for on-the-go information, communication and entertainment.

KaiOS Apps: KaiOS offers a curated app store with a variety of choices for every users needs.

The Nokia 2780 with KaiOS is a great option for those seeking a digital detox or a simpler way to stay connected. Ditch the smartphone and rediscover the joy of real-world experiences!

Ready to make the switch? 

Press releases

KaiOS flip phones recognized as Best of 2024 in two categories by US News.

By Ambre M •

We are excited to announce that two of our KaiOS flip phones have been recognized as the best flip phones of 2024 by U.S. News. The Nokia 2780 in the category “Best budget flip phone”, and the Consumer Cellular Iris Flip in the category “Best flip phone for easy operation”.

These selections highlight the quality and innovative features demonstrated by KaiOS flip phones. KaiOS, a lightweight operating system perfectly tailored for flip phones, seamlessly integrates simplicity with reliability. Its user-friendly interface and diverse array of features render it an ideal choice for individuals seeking a straightforward yet dependable mobile device.

Featuring spacious and legible displays, enduring battery life, and a range of preloaded applications such as Facebook, YouTube and Google Maps, both models cater to diverse user needs. The Consumer Cellular Iris Flip is a great option for people who are looking for a flip phone that is easy to use and the Nokia 2780 Flip represent a great option for people who are looking for an affordable flip phone in the US market.

Here are some additional features and information about the two phones:

Consumer Cellular Iris Flip

  • Available in the US market 
  • 3.2-inch display size
  • 5-megapixel camera
  • 8GB Storage, expandable up to 32GB with microSD card (sold separately)
  • Battery life: Up to 48 mixed use hours talk time
  • https://www.kaiostech.com/devices/iris-flip/

Nokia 2780 Flip

  • Available in the US market 
  • 2.7-inch Display Size
  • 5-megapixel camera
  • Battery: 1450 mAhRemovable
  • Internal storage: 512 MB
  • MicroSD card support up to 32 GB
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Battery Capacity (Single SIM, 4G): Standby time up to 18 days, Talk time up to 3.4 hr.
  • https://www.kaiostech.com/devices/nokia-2780-flip/

Read more: https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/technology/cell-phones/best-flip-phones

Company updates

Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS, was at World Bank Global Digital Summit.

By Ambre M •

Great opportunity to discuss digital inclusion with key decision makers!

KaiOS recently attended the World Bank Global Digital Summit, a high-level event bringing together government officials, private sector leaders, and thought leaders to discuss accelerating digital development.

Here are some key takeaways:

The digital divide remains a significant challenge. 2.6 billion people lack internet access, with the majority residing in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) where two third of the population are not connected.

There’s also a significant gender gap, with 260 million fewer women having access.

Simply connecting people isn’t enough; we need to make internet access relevant and beneficial. Several factors contribute to the digital divide: affordability, usefulness, access, and trust.

Focus on bridging the digital and financial divides. Connecting people to the internet must be accompanied by solutions that improve their lives. Examples include applications in agriculture, education, and small business (Worldreader or Roducate in education ; Justdiggit in agriculture for example).

AI and satellite technology offer promise, but challenges exist. While AI can be a powerful tool, datasets need to be more inclusive and computing power must be more widely available. Satellite coverage is expanding, but bandwidth limitations remain.

Agriculture emerged as a key area where digital tools can empower farmers. AI-powered solutions can offer education, improve yields, provide access to financing, and connect farmers to markets.

Digital ID programs are gaining traction. Several countries (including Ethiopia, Bhutan, and Egypt) are implementing digital ID programs to improve access to services and strengthen the social contract between citizens and governments.

The summit underscored the necessity for collaborative endeavors in maximizing the advantages of the digital revolution, emphasizing the urgency to bridge the digital gap and harness technology for constructive growth, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Further details:

A comprehensive World Bank report on digitalization can be found here: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/immersive-story/2024/03/05/global-digitalization-in-10-charts