Today, the award-winning global startup engagement program Mastercard Start Path welcomes eight later-stage startups to receive dedicated operational support, access to customers and product teams, and opportunities for strategic investment. Dodo, Flow Networks, Hi55, Kani, NowNow, Sharesies and SmilePay have also been selected, and KaiOS is proud to be one of the new joiners.
Founded in 2016, KaiOS emerged as the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones, which was designed from the ground up to address the need for reliable, affordable feature phones with smartphone functionality in markets heavily impacted by the digital divide. It is affordable and easy-to-use, ideal for first-time internet users and those looking for an alternative to smartphones.
Five years since the first KaiOS-enabled device is shipped, KaiOS has gone up against industry giants to become one of the largest mobile OS, and now with a solid user base of over 165 million across the world. Never deviating from its mission of massively migrating 2G users to 4G to close the digital divide, KaiOS expands into a digital financial inclusion platform to bring the first digital economy experience to those who are excluded from a formal financial system with mobile payment, fintech, and device financing solutions.
Being selected for the Mastercard Start Path program allows KaiOS to connect with a global ecosystem of banks, fintechs, and technology players and unlock the potential of Mastercard’s network. This could facilitate KaiOS’s transformation into an inclusion enabler that brings the first digital financial experience to the next billion. KaiOS will receive support through Start Path to build a connected world with the provision of affordable, accessible, and relevant digital financial products that have never previously been available to the 1.7 billion unbanked and 3.7 billion unconnected population – mostly those with lower incomes, the elderly and women living in rural areas.
Hong Kong, China <18 April 2022> – KaiOS Technologies today released the GHIA GQWERTY, a new QWERTY smart feature phone for Mexico, in collaboration with the Mexican electronics manufacturer GHIA and OXXO, the largest chain of convenience stores in Mexico. GQWERTY follows the earlier cooperation among the three partners on GK3G and KoX1, which come with 3G and access to over 1,200 essential apps. This time, GQWERTY takes the classic QWERTY keyboard and merges it into the unique KaiOS experience, making typing and browsing even more user-friendly for any new internet adopters.
Since the first device KoX1 launched in Mexico in early 2019 and the second device GK3G in the following year, KaiOS has accelerated its growth and enabled hundreds of thousandsof unconnected Mexicans to upgrade to digital services. With tractions gained in Mexico, KaiOS continued its expansion with GHIA to release the third device in its mobile lineup. Available starting today, the new GQWERTY will be made easily accessible and available in more than 25,000 distributors, e-commerce, marketplace as well as key retail points across Mexico.
Designed to make digital mobile experience a breeze for basic phone users, GQWERTY powered by KaiOS features a QWERTY keyboard that makes control on a smart device easy. QWERTY also comes with a 4GB memory that is expandable to 32 GB with a micro SD card, 2MP rear camera, and a dual 3G SIM slot compatible with any mobile operators. Like any other KaiOS devices, it comes with access to KaiStore that hosts over 1,200 apps, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Google Maps, YouTube, and many other local apps.
About KaiOS Technologies KaiOS Technologies powers an ecosystem of affordable digital products and services, and exists to empower people around the world through technology. Its flagship product, KaiOS, is the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones with more than 165 million devices shipped in over 150 countries.
Their mission is to open up new possibilities for individuals, organisations and societies, by bringing mobile connectivity to the billions of people without internet in emerging markets, as well as providing those in established markets with an alternative to smartphones. KaiOS is based on HTML5 and other open web technologies. Devices running on the platform require limited memory, while still offering a rich user experience through access to apps like the Google Assistant, WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook and Google Maps.
About GHIA GHIA is a Mexican computer, electronics, and accessories brand with 12 years of history in the market. Recognized for its excellent cost/benefit ratio and quality service, GHIA is one of the best-selling IT distribution channels. The company partners with strategic allies such as KaiOS Technologies to design and power the best technology in each of the products, with a mission to improve the people’s lives and close the digital divide in México. https://www.ghia.com.mx/productos-ghia/celulares/
Press releases
KaiOS adds Ding to bring instant top-up service to developing markets
6 December 2021 – KaiOS Technologies, maker of the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones, announced a new partnership with Ding, the largest international mobile top-up platform, to provide airtime requests and mobile top-up service to their users, helping them stay connected with their KaiOS-enabled devices.
Available via the KaiStore, this new service allows KaiOS users to instantly send a request for airtime top-up from their phones to anyone in their address book, using WhatsApp. Friends and family can purchase mobile top-up on their behalf through Ding.com, making it easier than ever to keep their phones in credit and keeping them connected to their loved ones.
The partnership gives KaiOS users access to Ding’s network of over 550 mobile operators across 140+ countries, covering 95% of the population.
Commenting on the new partnership, Rupert Shaw, Chief Commercial Officer at Ding, said: “We are delighted to partner with KaiOS to introduce international mobile recharge to their ecosystem. Customers will now be able to engage with the Ding platform and stay connected by recharging their own devices or buying credit for other KaiOS users – all right at their fingertips.”
International mobile top-up, which is the most efficient micro-value transfer option in the market, has long been seen by expatriates worldwide as a convenient add-on to cash remittance – when supporting their families back home. This new offering will undoubtedly be welcomed by those with a KaiOS handset.
Mathieu Boyer, Senior Director, Ecosystem & Partnerships of KaiOS Technologies, said: “In times of increasing global volatility, it is even more crucial than ever to get everyone connected and stay connected. We are excited to work with Ding to provide this instant and secure online payment service, allowing our users to reach out to their friends and family to ask for a top-up, or enabling them to send mobile recharges back home – this is a great gift to be able to give someone.”
He added: “This partnership is a testament to our continued commitment to invest in digital solutions to deliver a safe, fast and convenient experience to our users and help bring mobile connectivity to billions of people.”
About Ding Ding was founded to improve people’s lives by helping those with less gain access to more. As the number one international mobile top-up service in the world, Ding has been keeping people connected since 2006, when it launched this first-of-a-kind service. Today, Ding’s customers have successfully sent half a billion top-ups globally via the app, at Ding.com, in over 600,000 retail outlets across the globe, or via it’s expanding API-partner network through it DingConnect service. Ding delivers a top-up every second, via 550+ operators, across 140+ countries – helping families and friends around the world to stay connected.
About KaiOS Technologies KaiOS Technologies powers an ecosystem of affordable digital products and services, and exists to empower people around the world through technology. Its flagship product, KaiOS, is the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones with more than 150 million devices shipped in over 150 countries. Kai’s mission is to open up new possibilities for individuals, organizations, and societies by bringing mobile connectivity to the billions of people without internet in emerging markets, as well as providing those in established markets with an alternative to smartphones. KaiOS is based on HTML5 and other open web technologies. Devices running on the platform require limited memory, while still offering a rich user experience through access to apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and many more.
JazzCash on KaiOS to unlock mobile payment capabilitiesThe first mobile wallet app available in smart feature phones in Pakistan to accelerate financial inclusion
Islamabad, Pakistan <29 November 2021> – Today, JazzCash, Pakistan’s leading fintech with over 14 million monthly active users and KaiOS Technologies, maker of the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones announced the release of JazzCash on KaiOS. With this, JazzCash will be providing a broad portfolio of digital payment services to hundreds of thousands of KaiOS users using any mobile network in Pakistan and abroad. Upon launch, the JazzCash app will become the first mobile account in Pakistan to offer mobile payment services for the unbanked smart feature phone users.
Expanding the app coverage to KaiOS, JazzCash allows users to transfer money to and from any bank or mobile account, pay utility bills, top up for airtime and data, and make use of the ReadyCash feature to request for short-term instant loan.
Key features of the JazzCash app: 1. Money Transfer 2. Bill Payment 3. Prepaid/ Postpaid Top Up 4. ReadyCash (digital loan feature) 5. QR Payment
Being the third largest unbanked adult population globally with 100 million adults without a bank account, many Pakistani have no access to formal banking services and have to rely solely in cash and transact in person. A safe and easy-to-use mobile payment app to be used on an affordable internet-enabled phone could easily reach these individuals, offering them essential and reliable financial services, e.g. e-government bill payment, money transfer, top-up data, small loan request, and help them become fully included – both digitally and financially.
“There is a real desire in JazzCash when it comes to financial inclusion. Creating a strong business and building a better Pakistan in parallel are key contributors of long-term success for JazzCash. This agreement will contribute in achieving that as we look forward to include more and more Pakistanis to the fold of JazzCash.” Mr Murtaza Ali, CEO of JazzCash.
“We’re excited to welcome JazzCash on KaiOS to further enrich our digital payments ecosystem,” said Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies. “Meeting the mobile money needs of the unbanked, first-time internet users is a vast opportunity. This partnership with JazzCash underscores our reinforced focus to be the ultimate solution to enable both digital and financial inclusion for the new internet adopters, delivering a simple yet secure mobile payment experience to positively improve their lives.”
Available starting today, JazzCash can be downloaded via the KaiStore to all new and existing Digit 4G devices in Pakistan, including Digit 4G Classic, Digit 4G Bold, Digit 4G Defender, Digit 4G Elite, Digit Power, Digit 4G Power and Digit 4G Music.
About KaiOS Technologies KaiOS Technologies powers an ecosystem of affordable digital products and services, and exists to empower people around the world through technology. Its flagship product, KaiOS, is the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones with more than 150 million devices shipped in over 150 countries. Kai’s mission is to open up new possibilities for individuals, organizations, and societies by bringing mobile connectivity to the billions of people without internet in emerging markets, as well as providing those in established markets with an alternative to smartphones. KaiOS is based on HTML5 and other open web technologies. Devices running on the platform require limited memory, while still offering a rich user experience through access to apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, Google Maps and many more.
About JazzCash JazzCash is Pakistan’s leading fintech with over 14 million monthly active customers, 80,000 retail outlets and of over 100,000 merchants nationwide. JazzCash offers a broad portfolio of branchless banking services for customers, including travel, ticketing, entertainment, money transfer, bill payments, debit card, insurance, savings, and payments for a wide variety of services.
KaiOS Media Contact: Eletta Leung eletta.leung@kaiostech.com
Developer community
Storms and KaiOS Technologies bring “Fruit Ninja” and “Jetpack Joyride” to 150 million KaiOS-enabled devices
From the beginning of this year, Storms has brought 40 game titles ranging from arcade, action, sports to puzzle and logic genres to the KaiOS ecosystem.
26 August 2021 – Singapore-based gaming startup Storms and KaiOS Technologies, maker of the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones, today announced their partnership to bring the instantly playable version of mobile hit games – “Fruit Ninja” and “Jetpack Joyride” – to over 150 million KaiOS-powered smart feature phones globally, offering iconic and exciting gaming experience for new internet users for all ages.
Smart feature phones running on KaiOS are a hybrid of feature phones and smartphones that require limited memory and are optimised for the non-touch interface. While these phones have a similar look and feel compared to 2G basic phones, they offer smartphone functionalities such as access to the internet, essential apps, and multimedia resources.
Since the first KaiOS-enabled device was introduced to the market in 2017, KaiOS has gained widespread popularity. More than 150 million devices have been shipped worldwide, with their unique mix of capability and affordability that breaks new ground for mobile devices. KaiOS is now the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones that brings mobile connectivity to underserved communities in over 150 countries.
Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies, said, “Storms and KaiOS share the same mission, which is to empower all people – especially the underserved markets – with quality content. We have seen how Storms’ gaming content is being appreciated by KaiOS phone users. Over the last eight months, Storms’ games have been downloaded more than one million times via the KaiStore, with markets such as Pakistan, Nigeria and Tanzania experiencing the highest number of installs.”
Codeville added, “Seeing how arcade games such as Shoot and Fish are topping the list when it comes to game installs, we are thrilled to welcome the well-loved Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride which fall under the same game category to our KaiOS ecosystem.”
Quality gaming experience on smart feature phones made possible Fruit Ninja is the number one most downloaded iOS gaming app across 141 countries in the Casual category, while Jetpack Joyride was awarded for the Best Action/Arcade game, Best Overall Game on PocketGamer and Apple Design Award during WWDC 2012.
Storms owns the exclusive rights to convert “Fruit Ninja” and “Jetpack Joyride” into instant games’ format with original core gameplay and assets.
David Yin, CEO of Storms, commented, “While it’s exciting to see how the increasing range of devices and platforms on which games can be played is transforming the gaming industry, we need to be mindful that over three billion people are still left out of the digital revolution. KaiOS is an industry leader that has made the Internet more accessible through light, affordable technology, and we are delighted to partner with them in connecting over 150 million users with 40 game titles across different genres.”
The technology behind the games Storms worked closely with Halfbrick Studios to specially design the two well-loved game titles for KaiOS devices, taking into account the classic keypad interface of smart feature phones and pared down the 3D graphics into 2D without compromising on user experience.
Designed to run on low-spec hardware, KaiOS is a light operating system leveraging open, web-based technologies such as HTML5 to create a rich, intuitive user experience and enable access to essential apps and other internet-based resources. In addition, the open architecture of KaiOS allows developers to easily create apps for KaiOS, reaching a previously untapped audience on smart feature phones.
Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride are now available for download from the KaiStore here and here in more than 150 countries with active KaiOS users.
About Storms Social Instant Games Storms is a Singapore-based gaming startup invested in by Singtel, AIS, SK Telecom and EDB New Ventures, with a focus on strategic initiatives ranging from social instant-play games to hyper-casual mobile games development and publishing.
Storms Social Instant Games is Storms’ key business line that is committed to making quality games more accessible to two billion users in the emerging markets through our social instant gaming page (web), Storms Instant Games mobile app and the region’s leading superapps.
About KaiOS Technologies KaiOS Technologies powers an ecosystem of affordable digital products and services, and exists to empower people around the world through technology. Its flagship product, KaiOS, is the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones with more than 150 million devices shipped in over 150 countries. Kai’s mission is to open up new possibilities for individuals, organizations, and societies by bringing mobile connectivity to the billions of people without internet in emerging markets, as well as providing those in established markets with an alternative to smartphones. KaiOS is based on HTML5 and other open web technologies. Devices running on the platform require limited memory, while still offering a rich user experience through access to apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and many more.
PARIS, FRANCE and PHILADELPHIA, USA, August 18, 2021 /24-7PressRelease/ — KaiOS Technologies, the leading operating system for smart feature phones, and SIVOO, Inc., a global network of multicultural on-demand entertainment programming, announced today that SivooTV is available on KaiOS, providing video entertainment content to over 150 million KaiOS-enabled smart feature phones worldwide.
Launching in the United States and Nigeria in the first phase, the SivooTV app will then be rolled out globally via KaiStore. It offers a wide range of entertainment programming from third-party content providers. SIVOO is responsible for video content licensing, video encoding and transcoding as well as video streaming. News, Sports, Music, Lifestyle, and Kids’ video programming are some of the core content verticals with selected titles offered in 15 high-demand languages, including English, French, Spanish, Hindi, and Arabic. This is particularly essential to KaiOS users with limited literacy. There will also be premier content packages available for users to choose from on SivooTV.
“SIVOO is focused on the same objective as we are: to bring quality content and information to a wider audience segment, including those impacted by the digital divide globally,” said Mathieu Boyer, Senior Director, Ecosystem & Partnerships of KaiOS Technologies. “Here in KaiOS, we see a rising trend in video app usage on our platform, with a growing demand for streaming content in general and a higher mobile internet penetration. Our partnership comes right in time to address our users’ needs and desires with access to live video streams – in a wide range of languages and on affordable devices.”
“KaiOS represents one of the fastest-growing mobile platforms in the world with presence in more than 150 countries,” said Dr. Burhan Fatah, SIVOO’s Chief Executive Officer. “SIVOO is thrilled to be working with KaiOS to serve under-represented populations in emerging markets, allowing all KaiOS users to benefit from the affordable entertainment at their fingertips via the SivooTV network. The programming will be available in multiple local and high demand languages, making SivooTV a more attractive venue for viewers and advertisers alike.”
About KaiOS Technologies KaiOS Technologies powers an ecosystem of affordable digital products and services, and exists to empower people around the world through technology. Its flagship product, KaiOS, is the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones with more than 150 million devices shipped in over 150 countries. Kai’s mission is to open up new possibilities for individuals, organizations, and societies by bringing mobile connectivity to the billions of people without internet in emerging markets, as well as providing those in established markets with an alternative to smartphones. KaiOS is based on HTML5 and other open web technologies. Devices running on the platform require limited memory, while still offering a rich user experience through access to apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and many more.
About SIVOO Founded in 2000, SIVOO, Inc. operates the first Internet TV network of multicultural on-demand entertainment. It serves telcos and mobile operators across the world with thousands of hours of quality on-demand content that is delivered through to PCs, televisions, portable devices and mobile phones. Only SIVOO gives consumers the choice of watching ad-supported on-demand multicultural entertainment for free or without ads for a nominal fee. SIVOO’s proprietary system currently serves all major mobile platform as well OTT type of services.
SIVOO is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
SIVOO is a trademark of SIVOO Holdings, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements based on current expectations of future events that involve risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, risks associated with the inherent uncertainty of the timing and success of high technology hardware and software research; new product development; the market pricing of media content and related products and services; changes in consumer demand for Internet access to media content, commercialization of new products and services; Internet or network outages or failures; breaches of internet, network, or system security; changes in network infrastructure, transmission methods and broadband technologies; adoption of new broadband Internet access technologies; economic conditions including interest and currency exchange rate fluctuations; changes in generally accepted accounting principles; the impact of competitive products or services; trade buying patterns; wars or terrorist acts; product liability and other types of lawsuits; the impact of legislation and regulatory compliance; and patent, licensing, and other intellectual property risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. When used in this release and documents referenced, the words “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “should,” “seeks,” or “anticipates,” and similar expressions as they relate to SIVOO or its management are intended to identify such forward- looking statements.
Orenda, a company that aims to provide education to children all over Pakistan, has now launched its Taleemabad Learning App on KaiOS.
First developed in February 2017 for Android devices, the Taleemabad Learning App features animated content, assessments and games that cover the Pakistani National Curriculum for Grades Nursery until Grade 6. A huge problem in Pakistani children is the issue of learning poverty, where children who are enrolled in schools aren’t learning at their level. The Taleemabad Learning App through adaptive learning gauges the current performance level and then adjusts the student accordingly.
All these exciting features are now available for KaiOS where they can be accessed by an even greater audience.
The goal
Girls in rural areas and children from the lowest-income households have been most likely to go without education in Pakistan. Large numbers of schools have been regularly closed because of either COVID or poor teaching facilities with high rates of teacher absenteeism. To tackle this range of barriers affecting children’s access to education, Taleemabad and KaiOS have partnered together to bring forth an affordable solution for the individuals in the marginalized under-resourced communities all over the nation.
The partnership has allowed students from underprivileged communities with no or limited access to education to engage in smaller chunks of learning and tackle the basics of numeracy and literacy before committing to more advanced learning.
The technology
Taleembad’s pioneering work is to ensure that everyone – regardless of whether you’re near or far from any major city – can access learning opportunities when it matters most: from early childhood to fifth grade.
With this in mind, Taleemabad is leveraging emerging technologies to effectively adapt users’ preferences to increase their access to education and extend its reach beyond classroom walls. It has empowered online learning all over Pakistan and provided students with the freedom to learn from the comforts of their homes.
The app’s user-friendly experience has helped students in the transition and enter an unfamiliar online learning educational environment – new to many all over the country.
Why KaiOS?
In Pakistan, the smartphone penetration rate was forecasted at 51% for 2020, five times higher than in 2014 – an assumption based on the consistent decline in mobile device prices and increasing shipment numbers of smartphones across developing countries like Pakistan. Nevertheless, smartphone penetration is still low in many small cities and villages in the country.
Designed to run on low-spec hardware, KaiOS is a light operating system leveraging open, web-based technologies such as HTML5 to create a rich, intuitive user experience and enable access to essential apps and other internet-based resources. These highly affordable KaiOS-enabled devices are being used by a considerable portion of the population in Pakistan. They have also become quite popular in many places with little to no smartphone access.
Available for download in the KaiStore, the Taleemabad app will provide access to meaningful education all over the nation. Orenda Project aims to be scaled up by developing it into a KaiOS-compatible program while offering more diverse educational opportunities for those living outside major cities.
Sharing a similar, purposeful mission to use technology to close the digital divide, Orenda and KaiOS continue to work closely together to bridge the educational gap by creating access to free, engaging, high-quality digital content to the masses of many deserving children.
Acknowledgment
GSMA Innovation Fund is currently funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and supported by GSMA and its members.
Developer community
KaiOS launches new version of Life app in 30 countries
The second version of our Life app has daily content updates, in-app web browsing, and the ability to save and search posts. We’ve made these improvements based on feedback we received from tens of thousands of users of Life v1 and are now rolling out version two in 30* countries.
The new version of Life app can reach millions of new users across Africa, Europe, North America, Asia, Latin America and beyond
With Life, first-time internet users in emerging markets can learn about the world through tips, advice, and information on these core topics:
Upskilling
Kids Learning
Women Empowerment
Health
Digital Literacy
Agriculture
COVID-19
Content for these topics comes from selected companies and non-profit organizations such as Audiopedia, Worldreader, Justdiggit, Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, Girl Effect, wikiHow, Mosabi, GSMA, and many more! Thanks to these partnerships, the original Life app has steadily been in the top 5 apps on the KaiStore. In this new version, we’re delighted to welcome even more partners to join us, providing engaging and easy-to-follow content in various local languages to accommodate different needs and literacy levels.
Feature Details
The second version of Life brings these four new features.
Dynamic feed with daily new content: We’ve changed how we display information in the app to resemble KaiNews, our news app. This approach with daily updates keeps readers engaged and ensures all content is topical and relevant at all times.
In-app web browsing and multimedia support: With in-app web browsing, Life users enjoy a seamless experience when viewing our partners’ content. The newly integrated video and audio player also ensures uninterrupted browsing.
Search and save posts: Life v2 includes a search function based on keywords so that users can quickly find the topics they want to learn about. You can now also save content for later reference.
Regionalized content: Partners can tailor their content per region to address local needs, cultural differences, and other localization requirements.
How to download the new version of Life?
It is available on KaiOS devices in 30 countries with:
Both 256 and 512MB RAM
The latest Life version 3.1.0
Partnerships
We believe in enabling communities around the world through mobile technology with trusted, life-changing resources. If you’d like to help us provide content to Life users, please fill out this form to suggest content, and we’ll be in touch shortly.
*Check the countries/regions with Life app supported: https://www.kaiostech.com/explore/life-app/
Press releases
Data voice calls available for the first time to millions of smart feature phones users through WhatsApp VoIP on KaiOS devices
Hong Kong<8 June 2021> — KaiOS Technologies and WhatsApp released an update that enables WhatsApp VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) for KaiOS-enabled devices worldwide. The new feature is available to millions of smart feature phone users with the latest version of the app on KaiOS devices worldwide equipped with 512MB RAM.
“People are relying on WhatsApp now more than ever to communicate and stay in touch with their loved ones. We want to support communities who are on lighter operating systems in many places around the world. Bringing WhatsApp voice calls to KaiOS-enabled devices helps us connect the world privately through a service that is simple, reliable and accessible to everyone – no matter what kind of mobile device they’re using” said Matt Idema, COO of WhatsApp.
Committed to closing the digital divide, WhatsApp and KaiOS have worked closely together to ensure that even underserved populations have access to the technology needed to communicate in a simple and cost-effective way. Since its launch on KaiOS back in mid-2019, WhatsApp has been made available to millions of people in emerging markets for the first time. KaiOS users have been enjoying WhatsApp in the form of text messaging, voice messaging and sharing media, all secured with end-to-end encryption by default to keep private conversations private. WhatsApp is now the top KaiOS non-system app with the highest monthly active users (MAU) worldwide.
With the voice calling feature update, the app now allows voice calls over the Internet using Wi-Fi or mobile data, rather than pulling voice minutes from cellular plans. The new feature further enhances the overall KaiOS user experience, especially now, when strong mobility restrictions make platforms like WhatsApp and features like voice calls over the internet crucial for people to stay connected and handle basic life needs. As the only OS worldwide to natively support WhatsApp on affordable feature phones, KaiOS becomes an even more sustainable solution for carriers with WhatsApp VoIP, while tapping into the more than two billion 2G users to guide them toward more advanced, efficient technology.
“As demand for instant, effective communications has surged in the COVID-19 era, it is critical to ensure this transformation can also be reached to the emerging markets and those who are less digital savvy, at a faster speed and scale,” said Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies. “Together with WhatsApp, we are taking another significant step towards the goal to make essential, useful services accessible for everyone, including underserved communities, seniors looking for simple devices and those using KaiOS devices as a companion phone. Now with the voice calling feature, users can easily place a call anytime anywhere in a cost-effective way.”
How to activate: WhatsApp VoIP is available on most of the new and existing KaiOS devices with：
512MB RAM
the latest WhatsApp version 2.2110.41
To activate the new feature, KaiOS users should update the current version of WhatsApp on their devices by accepting the update notification within the app. For new devices, the VoIP feature will be included in the latest version of WhatsApp, which is pre-installed upon shipment.
About KaiOS Technologies KaiOS Technologies powers an ecosystem of affordable digital products and services, and exists to empower people around the world through technology. Its flagship product, KaiOS, is the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones with more than 150 million devices shipped in over 150 countries. Kai’s mission is to open up new possibilities for individuals, organizations, and societies by bringing mobile connectivity to the billions of people without internet in emerging markets, as well as providing those in established markets with an alternative to smartphones. KaiOS is based on HTML5 and other open web technologies. Devices running on the platform require limited memory, while still offering a rich user experience through access to apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and many more.
About WhatsApp WhatsApp is a private message app that is simple, reliable, and secure. More than 2 billion people in over 180 countries use WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family, anytime and anywhere. WhatsApp is not only free but also available on multiple mobile devices and in low connectivity areas. It’s a simple and private way to share your favorite moments, send important information or catch up with a friend. You can send and receive photos, videos, documents and, when that’s not enough, you can make a video call or share a voice message. All messages and calls are secure with end-to-end encryption. WhatsApp helps people connect and share no matter where they are in the world.
Partnership news
Justdiggit and KaiOS partnership regreens and connects rural Tanzania
Justdiggit and KaiOS have started a project to empower rural African farmers with mobile technology. Through KaiOS-enabled smart feature phones, 300 participants get information to improve their livelihoods, help avert climate change through regreening, and generally increase their quality of life with access to advanced digital services.
Regreening, why and how?
Climate change and misuse of land cause droughts and desertification, degrading vast areas of fertile farmlands. This leads to failed harvests, poverty, and climate refugees. In Africa, around 350 million smallholder farmers deal with these issues already or will have to soon.
Via a new Regreen App developed for KaiOS, Justdiggit aims to inspire and educate these farmers to regreen their lands. The app is based on Justdiggit’s proven and scalable regreening techniques, which have already regreened 60,000 Ha of (farm)lands in Africa within 3 years. This effort includes bringing back 5 million trees, which save 11 billion litres of water annually and capture more than 1.8M tons of CO2e.
The transformation of degraded lands
Besides the Regreen app, farmers in the program benefit from all KaiOS features, such as internet browsing and apps like YouTube, WhatsApp, and Facebook. This means that our project tackles three important issues simultaneously:
Improve farmers’ livelihoods
Combat climate change
Close the digital divide.
Reaching hundreds of millions of farmers
After using a KaiOS-enabled smart feature phone for several weeks, roughly half of the participants (52%) said they’re willing to buy a device for between US$22-28. This range matches the retail price of most KaiOS devices, demonstrating the scalability and sustainability of this initiative.
Participants exploring how to go online and use the regreen app through the KaiOS devices
With 350 million African farmers impacted by climate change and hundreds of millions affected by the digital divide, the potential of reaching and teaching them via mobile is enormous. Our goal is to further develop this model and scale it up together with other partners to eventually connect and inspire all smallholder farmers on the African continent.
Our pilot project joined by a group of enthusiastic farmers in Tanzania who accessed the internet for the first times
