HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, today announced the Nokia 2720 Flip and the Nokia 8110 Tough, both running on KaiOS, the leading operating system for smart feature phones. KaiOS enables both phones with 4G connectivity and access to a hundred essential apps like WhatsApp, Google Assistant, Facebook, YouTube, and Google Maps. The Flip and the Tough follow an earlier cooperation between HMD Global and KaiOS on the Nokia 8110 4G, better known as “the banana phone.”

Nokia 2720 Flip – the classic flip design

With Nokia 2720 Flip, simply flip the phone open to answer calls and close it to end them. Inspired by the legendary Nokia 2720, Nokia 2720 Flip brings back a familiar, tactile flip-phone design Nokia phone fans know and love. With an external 1.3” screen, Nokia 2720 Flip lets you see notifications or check who is calling, before flipping it open to the main screen to answer the call. When you’re finished, simply flip it close to hang up.

Designed for effortless dialling and messaging, Nokia 2720 Flip comes with a tactile keypad with big buttons, so fans can navigate menus with ease, always in control of what key they’re pressing. Nokia 2720 Flip’s bright 2.8” main screen has the option to display text in large format, so you can read things at a glance or from afar. Nokia 2720 Flip comes with battery that lasts for up to 27 days on standby, meaning you can stay in touch with friends and family for longer.

Nokia 800 Tough – taking durability to the extreme

Built tough, Nokia 800 Tough’s IP68 rating gives you true peace of mind knowing it can effortlessly withstand being dropped in water, carried on rainy hikes, used in dusty worksites or even covered in sand on the beach. Nokia 800 Tough is also designed for extreme temperature changes, meaning it will work perfectly whether you take it on a snow sports trip or if leave it on the car dashboard on a sunny summer day. Nokia 800 Tough is military grade MIL-STD-810G compliant, meaning it’s built and tested to meet military standards and to survive extreme temperatures as low as -20C or as high as 55C.

With the added anti-slip coating and rubberised edges, Nokia 800 Tough will fit securely in your hand. In case it slips from your hand, Nokia 800 Tough is built to withstand daily drops even onto concrete from a height of 1.8m.  Designed for easy everyday use, Nokia 800 Tough comes with big accessible buttons so fans can navigate menus and answer calls even when wearing gloves. If you want to take your work to a bigger screen, Nokia 800 Tough allows you to create your own Wi-Fi hotspot giving you an accessible 4G LTE connection on any device, wherever you are.

For more details about Nokia 2720 and Nokia 800 Tough, please refer to the HMD global press release here.

Shenzhen / Hong Kong, <15 August 2019> – TECNO, the leading mobile phone brand in Africa, today announced the launch of the latest 3G smart feature phone T901, the first TECNO device running on KaiOS, the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones. This is a significant step for both companies in closing the digital divide by bringing users–previously inhibited by device affordability–online for the first time. T901 will be available in three color options: gold, blue and black.

“With the arrival of T901 powered by KaiOS, users gain access to apps such as WhatsApp, YouTube, Google Maps, and others on an affordable TECNO smart feature phone for the first time. The phone also supports GPS, Wi-Fi, and 3G, with significant network speed growth and better anti-signal interference performance as well as faster signal reception in call mode than those in 2G. T901 also comes equipped with Google Assistant, allowing users to operate the device with their voice. With all these features, TECNO is practicing our commitment to allowing the consumers to reach beyond their current limitations and uncover a world of possibilities.” says Stephen Ha, Managing Director of TECNO Mobile.

“Launching with TECNO is a significant milestone for both our companies,” adds Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies. “The digital divide in Africa remains large, and we’re thrilled to be working side-by-side with TECNO to eliminate it. Visit any African city and you will understand how important TECNO is on the continent, with stores on nearly every corner; we can’t wait to see the KaiOS-enabled T901 show up in all of these outlets.”

T901 is equipped with a hybrid dual-SIM slot which can support two SIM cards and with 512MB +256MB memory for more spaces for users to save their precious memories. It boasts a 2.4-inch QVGA display with 240×320 pixels resolution, and a powerful 1900mAh battery which enables 25 days of standby time and up to 19 hours of non-stop calling.

The new device comes embedded with both a front and a rear camera with built-in flash light, which enables clearer photos even at night and in other dark environments.

KaiOS enables a new category of affordable smart feature phones that require limited memory, while still offering a rich user experience. It supports 3G and 4G/LTE, Wi-Fi, GPS, and NFC. KaiOS-enabled phones come with popular apps and services like WhatsApp, Google Assistant, Facebook, YouTube, and Google Maps, as well as a store for apps called the KaiStore.

About TECNO Mobile

Established in 2006, TECNO Mobile is a premium smartphone brand from TRANSSION Holdings. Upholding the brand essence of “Expect More”, TECNO is committed to giving the masses access to latest technology at accessible prices, allowing the consumers to reach beyond their current limitations and uncover a world of possibilities. TECNO understands the needs of consumers from different markets and provides them with localized innovations across a product portfolio featuring smartphones, tablets, and feature phones. It is a major global player with presence in around 50 emerging markets across the world. In 2017, TECNO achieved a sales volume of more than 43 million units. TECNO Mobile is also the Official Tablet and Handset Partner of Manchester City Football Club. For more information, please visit: www.tecno-mobile.com

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 100 million devices shipped in over 100 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, Google Assistant, YouTube, Facebook, Google Maps, and Twitter.

Find Out More

• TECNO News Hub
• TECNO Facebook
• TECNO Instagram
• TECNO Twitter
• TECNO Community
• Kai Website
• Kai Facebook
• Kai LinkedIn
• Kai Twitter

TECNO Media Contact

Ashley Lu
TECNO Mobile
Email: hongyan.lu@tecno-mobile.com

KaiOS Media Contact

Eletta Leung / Sarah Collins
eletta.leung@kaiostech.com / scollins@hoffman.com +1 206 423-6081

Hong Kong, <22 July 2019> – KaiOS Technologies, maker of KaiOS, the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones, and Facebook, the social networking company whose goal is to bring the world closer together, today announced WhatsApp’s availability for download in the KaiStore, on both 512MB and 256MB RAM devices. Further, by Q3 2019, most smart feature phones powered by KaiOS will have WhatsApp preinstalled upon shipment. Facebook is already available on KaiOS phones in India, Africa, Europe, and APAC.

“KaiOS has been a critical partner in helping us bring private messaging to smart feature phones around the world. Providing WhatsApp on KaiOS helps bridge the digital gap to connect friends and family in a simple, reliable and secure way.” said Matt Idema, COO of WhatsApp.

WhatsApp is a messaging tool used by more than 1.5 billion people worldwide who need a simple, reliable and secure way to communicate with friends and family. Users can enjoy voice recording and messaging capabilities and more, all with end-to-end encryption that keeps correspondence private and secure. WhatsApp was first launched on the KaiOS-powered JioPhone in India in September of 2018, and now with today’s broad release, the app will reach millions of new users across Africa, Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, Latin America and beyond.

“We’re thrilled to bring WhatsApp to the KaiOS platform and extend such an important means of communication to a brand new demographic,” said Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies. “We strive to make the internet and digital services accessible for everyone and offering WhatsApp on affordable smart feature phones is a giant leap towards this goal. We can’t wait to see the next billion users connect in meaningful ways with their loved ones, communities, and others across the globe.”

KaiOS currently powers more than 100 million devices shipped worldwide, in over 100 countries. The platform enables a new category of devices that require limited memory, while still offering a rich user experience. Together with its partners, Kai aims to close the digital divide 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.

For more details related to WhatsApp’s availability on specific KaiOS devices, please visit:  Meet The Devices That Are Powered by KaiOS

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 100 million devices shipped in over 100 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 Google Assistant, YouTube, Facebook, Google Maps, and Twitter.

KaiOS Media Contact

Eletta Leung / Sarah Collins
eletta.leung@kaiostech.com/scollins@hoffman.com (206) 423-6081

KaiOS Technologies, is excited to announce Brazil’s first KaiOS-powered smart feature phones: the Positivo P70S and the Multilaser ZAPP.

Together with their new partners, the local Brazilian tech giants, Positivo and Multilaser, Kai is eager to bring smart feature phone technology to Brazil, connecting users to the digital revolution, through affordable mobile technology. According to market research conducted by Positivo, the new devices will aid the specific needs of people between the ages of 26 and 40, who are looking for simple mobile phones to use at work or as a companion device. Additionally, the devices will meet the needs of people over 40 who prefer basic and easy-to-use mobile phones.

Both phones are affordable market options that provide internet access to a previously untapped segment of the Brazilian population. They also enable access to the KaiStore, which hosts leading apps such as Google Assistant, Facebook, and WhatsApp, as well as other local content.

“Brazil represents the largest market opportunity in all of Latin America, and we’re thrilled to bring technology, usability, and affordability to its consumers,” said Sebastien Codeville CEO of KaiOS Technologies. “Through these new devices, we offer alternative options to smartphones, and implement opportunities for those impacted by the digital divide.”

The P70S from Positivo (2.8” WVGA, Quad Core 1.3 GHz, 512MB/4G Memory, VGA Camera, 1350mAh battery) will be launched in Q3 2019 at $279R.

“The Positivo P70S is an example of materializing our mission: making technology accessible to everyone. This is an economical and accessible cellphone option that packs the punch of advanced connectivity and functionality,” says Jorge Bosch, head of Positivo Tecnologia’s Product Marketing Area.

The ZAPP from Multilaser (2.4” QVGA, Quad Core 1.3 GHz, 256/512MB Memory, VGA Camera, 1200mAh battery) will be launched in Q3 2019 at $249R.

“By providing the affordable and, yet reliable ZAPP phone to the Brazil market, we continue to put our users’ needs first. The ZAPP gives our consumers the necessary tools to become fully integrated into the digital revolution,” says Fabiano Favero, Product Manager of Multilaser.

KaiOS is the third most popular mobile operating system worldwide, running on more than 100 million phones shipped across North America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and now, Latin America. By the end of 2019, KaiOS expects to run on more than 150 million devices.

For more on the Positivo P7OS and Multilaser ZAPP, please see below.

Positivo P7OS – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Operating System: KaiOS 2.5
Chipset: Unisoc SC7731EF
Processor: Quad Core 1.3 GHz
Memories: 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage
Screen: 2.8” TFT WVGA (320×240)
Cameras: Rear VGA | LED Flash
Battery: 1,350 mAh, Li-Ion, Removable Battery
Apps and Functions: WhatsApp, Facebook, Google Assistant and many more apps available for download in the KaiStore. Other built-in apps include Music, Flashlight, Calculator, GPS Videos, GLONASS and FM Radio
Weight and dimensions: 106 g | 135x59x13 mm (with battery)

Multilaser ZAPP – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Operating System: KaiOS 2.5
Chipset: Unisoc SC7731EF
Processor: Quad Core 1.3 GHz
Memories: 256MB of RAM and 512MB of storage
Screen: 2.4” QVGA (320×240)
Cameras: Rear VGA | LED Flash
Battery: 1,200mAh, Li-Ion, Removable Battery
Apps and Functions: WhatsApp, Facebook, Google Assistant and many more apps available for download in the KaiStore. Other built-in apps include Music, Flashlight, Calculator, GPS Videos, GLONASS and FM Radio
Weight and dimensions:105 g | 123.8*51.2*13.6 mm (with battery)

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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 100 million devices shipped in over 100 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 Google Assistant, WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, Google Maps, and Twitter.

About Multilaser  

Multilaser is one of the largest tablet manufacturers in Brazil and one of the national leaders in the telephony, electronics and computer industries. Founded in 1987, Multilaser has a modern industrial complex in Extrema (MG), as well as a plant in the Manaus Free-trade Zone (ZFM) and a testing laboratory in China. It currently employs more than 3 thousand employees and invoices R$ 2 billion per year. Its more than 3.500 products – computers, smartphones, electric barbecue grills, skateboards, toys, drones, healthcare, beauty and gourmet products – are distributed in more than 40,000 retails spread throughout the country. In 2018, in recognition of its ethical and successful performance, Multilaser won the Exame Magazine’s Award Best and Biggest in the category of Electronics.

About Positivo Tecnologia

Founded in 1989, Positivo Tecnologia (B3: POSI3) is present both in Brazil and abroad, and offers the most advanced technology solutions, from the production of computers to the development of educational tools. The Company operates through two business divisions: Hardware and Educational Technology. The Hardware division portfolio offers a complete line of personal computers (desktops and notebooks), tablets and mobile phones. In order to provide support for all of its activities, it maintains a technical support network covering every Brazilian city, as well as the CRP (Positivo Relationship Center). In the Educational Technology segment, Positivo Tecnologia is renowned for being at the forefront of development and for the high quality of its technological solutions in the three segments in which it operates: Private Education, Public Education, and Retail. Positivo Tecnologia’s educational solutions are present in more than 14,000 schools and are exported to more than 40 countries. Positivo Tecnologia on the Internet: www.positivotecnologia.com.br/ri

Most of us are familiar with the expression, “It takes a village.” When it comes to bridging the digital divide — the phrase is particularly apropos.

Given Kai’s dedication to this mission and technology solution,  A4AI invited the company to join in their quest to find a solution to this widespread inequality.

The 2018 Affordability Report released by A4AI sheds light on the magnitude of the issue, as well as the challenges many within the digital divide are facing. According to the research, more than 2.3 billion people live in an area where even just 1GB of mobile data remains out of reach due to cost.

This greatly impacts low- and middle-income economies,  where the cost of 1GB of data is more than 5% of their average monthly income — a price that is well over the affordable threshold of 1GB of data priced at 2% or less of average income. In fact, only 24 of the 61 countries assessed in the report have what is considered affordable internet; further illuminating the extent of the problem.

As the study concludes, the high cost to connect is keeping billions offline and pushing the global goal of universal internet access further out of reach.

That’s where A4AI comes in. As the world’s broadest technology sector coalition — comprising over 90 member organizations from across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors in developing and developed nations — they’re working to drive down the cost of internet access through policy and regulatory reform.

Together with like-minded companies and organizations, including Google, Microsoft, Intel, and WorldWideWeb Foundation, Kai is proud to support these collective efforts to reduce the cost to connect, and close the gap to make universal, affordable internet a reality for all.

Check back on our blog for regular updates on Kai’s latest partnerships and programs as we continue to focus on expanding widespread access to mobile internet and offering advanced digital services.