TNM has partnered with KaiOS Technologies to launch an affordable 4G KaiOS-enabled smart feature phone in Malawi.

Priced at $34, the TNM Smart 4G will offer customers access to essential and popular apps such as WhatsApp, Google Assistant, Google Maps, YouTube and Facebook.

“These devices will help people to entertain and educate themselves or have broadband internet,” says TNM CEO, Michiel Buitelaar. He believes that this device has been designed to suit the communication needs of first-time users and people in rural areas.

To address low digital literacy issues, Buitelaar says the KaiOS phone comes with an easy-to-use interface, an in-house app called Life which features training and lessons related to digital literacy and other educational content. It also provides access to Google Assistant that allows first-time internet users to use voice to easily navigate and connect with the digital world.

“Smart 4G runs on a Mediatek MT6731 chipset, enabling 4G connectivity and other smartphone-like features such as Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth. It has a 2.4” display, 4GB of storage (expandable to 32GB via microSD) and boasts a powerful battery which enables extended 8 hours of talk time.”

Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies, says “As the first company to make KaiOS smart feature phones available in Malawi, the launch cements TNM’s reputation as a pioneer in offering new services that help improve the lives of the country’s people and increases economic prosperity.  We will work with TNM to ensure that our devices carry content that is relevant and useful to the people of Malawi”.

Source: IT News Africa