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 thousands of 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. 
 
For more information about KaiOS, please visit www.kaiostech.com and www.twitter.com/KaiOSTech 

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/ 

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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.  

For more information about KaiOS, please visit www.kaiostech.com and www.twitter.com/kaiOSTech.

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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.  

For more information about KaiOS, please visit www.kaiostech.com and www.twitter.com/kaiOSTech.

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

The post JazzCash on KaiOS to unlock mobile payment capabilitiesThe first mobile wallet app available in smart feature phones in Pakistan to accelerate financial inclusion appeared first on KaiOS.

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.

For more information, visit https://storms.com/instant-gaming/ and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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.  

For more information about KaiOS, please visit www.kaiostech.com and www.twitter.com/kaiOSTech.

Press Contact:
Storms Media Contact
Margareta Anastasia
+65 8436 4978
anastasia@storms.com

KaiOS Media Contact
Eletta Leung
eletta.leung@kaiostech.com

The post Storms and KaiOS Technologies bring “Fruit Ninja” and “Jetpack Joyride” to 150 million KaiOS-enabled devices appeared first on KaiOS.

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.  

For more information about KaiOS, please visit www.kaiostech.com 

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.

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“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.  

For more information about KaiOS, please visit www.kaiostech.com and www.twitter.com/KaiOSTech 

KaiOS Media Contact  
Eletta Leung 
eletta.leung@kaiostech.com

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. 

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Wikipedia forms the largest collaborative collection of free knowledge in human history. Now it’s available in an app designed specifically for first-time internet users on smart feature phones running KaiOS. With this launch, Wikipedia becomes available to millions of people in emerging markets in addition to the 1.5 billion unique devices that already access Wikipedia every month.

Wikipedia and KaiOS share a mission of empowering all people through the Internet by creating equal access to free, quality content that helps people learn and experience the world. Two hundred eighty thousand volunteers write, debate, and fact-check Wikipedia’s articles, so readers can trust that the information on Wikipedia is neutral and reliable.

“Wikipedia embodies the values we cherish at KaiOS,” said Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies. “The website equalizes access to quality and relevant information, and it’s one of the, if not the best example of the power and potential of the Internet to make a positive impact on people’s lives. It’s been our longtime wish to become partners, and the whole team here is extremely excited to have the official Wikipedia app launched on KaiOS.”

“Through the Wikipedia app on KaiOS devices, millions of people will be able to access the world’s knowledge for the first time,” said Toby Negrin, Chief Product Officer at the Wikimedia Foundation. “This new app was built by our engineers based in these markets, working directly with local users to understand their needs and the languages in which they look for information. With today’s announcement, we are able to put knowledge directly in the hands of new Wikipedia readers as we move closer to our vision of a world where all people can participate in the sum of all knowledge.”

The Product team at the Wikimedia Foundation designed the app specifically for KaiOS, taking into account the lack of a touchscreen on smart feature phones and the specific needs of first-time internet users in emerging markets. The team initially launched the app in India, where it quickly hit 1.4 million downloads. The app is now available in nearly all countries around the world, on both 256 and 512 MB RAM KaiOS devices.

Since the first KaiOS-enabled device hit the market in 2017, KaiOS has gained widespread popularity. Over 140 million devices have shipped worldwide, with a unique mix of capability and affordability breaking new ground for mobile devices. 

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. The Wikipedia app is now available for download from the KaiStore in more than 100 countries with active KaiOS users.

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 135 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.

For more information about KaiOS, please visit www.kaiostech.com and www.twitter.com/kaiOSTech

KaiOS  Media Contact
Eletta Leung
eletta.leung@kaiostech.com

About Wikipedia
Wikipedia is the world’s free knowledge resource. It is a collaborative creation that has been added to and edited by millions of people from around the globe since it was created in 2001: everyone can edit it, at any time. Wikipedia is offered in more than 300 languages containing a total of more than 55 million articles. It is the largest, collaborative collection of free knowledge in human history, and today its content is contributed and edited by a community of more than 280,000 volunteer editors each month. 

About the Wikimedia Foundation
The Wikimedia Foundation is the nonprofit organization that operates Wikipedia and the other Wikimedia free knowledge projects. Our vision is a world in which every single human can freely share in the sum of all knowledge. We believe that everyone has the potential to contribute something to our shared knowledge, and that everyone should be able to access that knowledge freely. We host Wikipedia and the Wikimedia projects, build software experiences for reading, contributing, and sharing Wikimedia content, support the volunteer communities and partners who make Wikimedia possible, and advocate for policies that enable Wikimedia and free knowledge to thrive. 

The Wikimedia Foundation is a charitable, not-for-profit organization that relies on donations. We receive donations from millions of individuals around the world, with an average donation of about $15. We also receive donations through institutional grants and gifts. The Wikimedia Foundation is a United States 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization with offices in San Francisco, California, USA.

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PONG and KaiOS devices are a perfect match, pairing nostalgic gameplay with a simple and easy-to-use keypad interface. It brings a classic and fun gaming experience for all ages to first-time internet users on smart feature phones. Available via the KaiStore worldwide, the PONG app is optimized for all KaiOS-enabled devices, with both 256MB and 512MB of RAM.

“We’re very excited to welcome Atari to the KaiOS ecosystem,” said Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies. “The classic arrow and keypad format of KaiOS-enabled devices is perfect for old-school gaming, and PONG is the ultimate classic. I myself am eager to give this new KaiStore addition a try!” 

“PONG introduced video games to an entire generation when it first launched in 1972,” said Jean-Marcel Nicolai, COO of Atari. “In partnership with Kai, we’re thrilled to introduce PONG to a new market of gamers, and we look forward to bringing more Atari games to KaiOS in the future.”

Since the first KaiOS-enabled device hit the market in 2017, KaiOS has gained widespread popularity. Over 135 million devices have been shipped worldwide, with their unique mix of capability and affordability breaking new ground for mobile devices. 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. 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.

Since KaiOS is built on open web technologies, developers can easily port their games and other apps to KaiOS, reaching a previously untapped audience of millions of smart feature phone users. Developers can also monetize their KaiOS apps via KaiAds, the first advertising software development kit (SDK) and supply-side platform (SSP) designed for smart feature phones. KaiAds offers brands (including Atari) and advertisers entry into new regions via KaiOS-enabled devices to reach new users previously not reachable through digital marketing.

Created as a simple-but-challenging table tennis simulation, the influential PONG arcade game debuted on November 29, 1972. It was the first commercially successful video game and an immediate smash hit that effectively established the video game industry. PONG was originally meant to be a simple training exercise, assigned to newly hired engineer Allan Alcorn by Atari founder Nolan Bushnell to acclimate him to creating games. Alcorn went above and beyond, adding appealing features such as segmented paddles that changed the angle of the “ball” and accelerating speeds as play went on. Alcorn also elected to retain a “glitch” that didn’t allow the paddles to reach the top of the screen, which added to the game’s difficulty. Lastly, Bushnell had Alcorn add cheering crowd noises and other sound effects. The game was so well-received that Bushnell and the team were able to rapidly grow Atari and an entire industry was born.

To stay up-to-date on all things Atari and retro-pop-culture, follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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 135 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 the Google Assistant, WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook and Google Maps.   

For more information about KaiOS, please visit www.kaiostech.com and www.twitter.com/kaiOSTech.

About Atari

Atari® is an interactive entertainment company. As an iconic brand that transcends generations and audiences, the company is globally recognized for its multi-platform, interactive entertainment, and licensed products. Atari owns and/or manages a portfolio of more than 200 games and franchises, including world-renowned brands like Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, PONG®, and RollerCoaster Tycoon®. Atari has offices in New York and Paris. Visit us online at www.atari.com.

KaiOS Media Contact 

Eletta Leung / Sarah Collins
eletta.leung@kaiostech.com / scollins@hoffman.com +1 (408) 286 2611

Atari Media Contact 

UberStrategist Inc.
Mario R. Kroll and CJ Melendez
pr@uberstrategist.com
1-646-844-8983

The post KaiOS Technologies and Atari®️ bring iconic game PONG®️ to smart feature phones appeared first on KaiOS.

South Asia is one of the areas hit hardest by the global digital divide according to the GSMA, as 55% of the population remains isolated from mobile internet, severely limiting access to both educational resources and popular applications. To create a rich user experience without a costly price tag, the T15 combines affordable feature phone hardware with KaiOS, giving users access to hundreds of popular apps including WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and the Google Assistant through the KaiStore.

Bangladesh is also in dire need of digital tools to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 390 thousand^* confirmed COVID-19 cases and a ranking as the sixth most densely populated country globally. Combining an IR thermometer with high-speed 4G internet access, the Geo Phone T15 democratizes access to instant, touchless temperature monitoring and online health resources, enabling the people of Bangladesh to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

“This combination of high-speed internet, on-the-go temperature monitoring, and affordability are perfect for Bangladesh,” said Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies. “Popular apps and other vital digital resources are more accessible than ever via the T15, alongside the potentially life-saving power of contactless temperature readings. With E. B. Solutions Ltd., we’re taking a crucial step towards closing the digital divide in South Asia, and helping stop the spread of COVID-19 through an affordable, innovative device.”

“Geo Phone T-15 will be an affordable device which can narrow this digital divide for rural populations. Geo Phone T15, powered by KaiOS, is a 4G VoLTE enabled device with necessary apps for your digital lifestyle,” said Rafiur Rahman Khan Yusufzai, Managing Director of E. B. Solutions Ltd. “It is notably the first smart feature phone with a built-in infrared thermometer.”

Accurate down to 0.2 degrees Celsius, the T15’s IR thermometer is located next to the smart feature phone’s rear-facing camera. Users simply point it at the subject’s forehead for an instant, accurate temperature reading. The Geo Phone T15 also provides access to educational resources such as Kai’s in-house app Life, which features lessons and self-help articles related to COVID-19, general health, digital literacy, agriculture, and more.

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 135 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 Google Assistant, WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook and Google Maps.

About E. B. Solutions Ltd. (a concern of EBS Group)

E. B. Solutions Ltd. (“EBS”) is the parent company of EBS Group, founded in 2004 and currently the largest Telecom Value Added & IT Solution Provider in Bangladesh with 100+ deployments at home and in 10 different countries worldwide. EBS Group also has other spin-off companies, each of which provides products and services in different industry verticals. With an experience of delivering telecom VAS services, smartphone apps and carrier-grade solutions for the telecom industry, EBS is now determined to do something about the persisting digital divide in the country where 59% rural households still do not have access to a smartphone. Therefore, with the newest product, country’s first smart feature phone run by KaiOS – Geo Phone T15, and with “Dream-Innovate-Enjoy” as its brand philosophy, EBS’s new mission is to provide value for money for fiscally conservative population who needs social connectivity to enrich their lives.

KaiOS Media Contact

Eletta Leung / Sarah Collins
eletta.leung@kaiostech.com / scollins@hoffman.com +1 (408) 286 2611

EBS Media Contact

Rajkumar Chakraborty / Shomeshwar Oli
rajkumar@ebsbd.com / shomeshwar.oli@ebsbd.com
+8801751993707 / +8801710510377

* As of 19 October, 2020 

The post KaiOS Technologies partners with E. B. Solutions limited to bring first smart feature phone with a built-in infrared Thermometer to Bangladesh appeared first on KaiOS.

Available to KaiOS users via the KaiStore, the wikiHow app features a set of how-to articles dedicated to helping people make the most of their KaiOS-powered devices, including step-by-step guides on connecting to Wi-Fi, downloading apps, and more. One can expect to find anything from articles on saving money to internet safety to relieving stress and anxiety as part of wikiHow’s expanding library of educational content.

“wikiHow’s expertly crafted how-to articles make step-by-step learning easy for first-time internet users,” said Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies. “Together we can help those impacted by the digital divide learn how to use the internet, and build general life skills related to health, finances, and more from wikiHow’s extensive, curated library.”

“Our mission is to educate everyone on the planet,” said Elizabeth Douglas, CEO of wikiHow. “We’re very delighted to work with Kai to expand the reach of our guides to millions of people in need; together we can make knowledge more equitable around the world.”

According to the GSMA, lack of education is one of the largest barriers to closing the global digital divide, alongside the expense of digital devices. Digital literacy training is important in helping first-time users make the most of digital resources related to banking, healthcare, and education; however, devices capable of high-speed internet access have remained inaccessible to those in need. This partnership tackles both barriers at once, allowing users to access educational articles on thousands of topics from affordable KaiOS-powered devices.

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  135  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 Google Assistant, WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook and Google Maps.

About wikiHow

wikiHow is a collaborative effort to create the world’s most helpful how-to guides. Available in 18 languages and read in every country and territory of the world, wikiHow helps over 150 million unique people learn how to do anything every month. Since 2005, wikiHow has helped billions of people to learn how to solve problems large and small. wikiHow works with credentialed experts, a team of trained researchers, and a devoted community to create the most reliable, comprehensive and delightful how-to content on the Internet.

KaiOS Media Contact

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

wikiHow Media Contact

Allyson Edwards, Head of Marketing
allyson@wikihow.com
+1 916 947 8911

The post KaiOS Technologies and wikiHow partner to close the global education gap appeared first on KaiOS.