NAIROBI, Kenya, May 23 – As efforts to raise Kenya’s Internet penetration through mobile devices gets underway, Samsung Electronics East Africa, has unveiled a sub Sh10,000 mobile device tailor-made to introduce millions of Kenyans to the wide variety of Smartphone applications.
Samsung electronics has introduced the Samsung Galaxy Pocket handset which is designed to provide a platform for more than eight million mobile subscribers to upgrade from basic mobile handsets functionalities to smart phone capabilities.
Speaking during the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Pocket handset, Samsung Electronic East Africa Business Leader, Robert Ngeru, confirmed that the handset is expected to perform well amongst discerning subscribers seeking to enjoy a superior Smartphone experience at an affordable cost.
The new Galaxy Pocket which is part of the Samsung Built for Africa range will also be backed by a 24months warranty further confirming its superior quality.
The Galaxy Pocket, Ngeru pointed out, brings out everything you want in a mobile, slim, compact form Powered by a strong processor, this mobile phone delivers a rich and smart mobile experience.
“Samsung Galaxy Pocket as well as other Samsung smartphones provides our users with two unique benefits not available in feature phones. First, the user is able to multi task between several applications without having to close any of them. This enhances the user’s experience and allows them to be more productive.”
Samsung smart phones also allow the users to add new features and services to their phones from downloaded applications.
Hence, the users are not restricted to only the factory installed applications but can expand their experiences by downloading new applications. More than 400,000 applications are available for download.”
The new Galaxy Pocket has been developed as part of Samsung’s commitment to provide consumers with a variety of smart devices designed to fulfill their needs.
Improved text input provides speedier, more accurate typing for Web searches or quick messaging with friends. The device offers 3GB user memory for applications, MP3 files, photos and other media, as well as an in-built FM radio which allows users to tune in to their favourite station.
Integrated high-speed Wi-Fi and HSDPA 3.6 connectivity ensure lag-free Web browsing and fast downloading for multimedia content.
In addition, the handset has been developed and priced to bridge the cost of ownership barrier that has been long identified as a drawback to internet penetration in developing countries.
“In developing countries, mobile phones have been identified as a key avenue to bridge the digital divide and the launch of Samsung Galaxy Pocket falls squarely as a suitable tool to raise internet penetration,” Ngeru explained.
And added: “on this score, Samsung has developed the Galaxy Pocket as an affordable handset that can provide a superior internet experience at the entry level combining multimedia communication and social media applications.”
Galaxy Pocket – 11.98mm slim, weighing only 97.0g and featuring a 2.8” display – is portable while still ensuring comfortable viewing of content and images.
This device will be available in five colours yellow, white, orange, pink & black to suit every users own taste.
Samsung’s upgraded TouchWiz user interface offers smoother menu navigation through easy-to-access widgets, providing easy shortcuts to frequently-used functions.
To support ongoing efforts by the Communications Commission of Kenya to beef up mobile devices security, the Galaxy Pocket will feature Samsung’s new Find my Mobile remote tracking feature. This new service provides SIM card change alert and a web based tracking system where one can find the location of the phone, get the call logs, lock the phone as well as remotely wipe out the phone’s data among other features.
Improved text input using the intuitive Swype feature provides speedier, more accurate typing for Web searches or quick messaging with friends. The device offers 3GB internal user memory for applications, MP3 files, photos and other media, as well as an in-built FM radio which allows users to tune in to their favourite station.