KaiOS Technologies has announced the availability of WhatsApp on smart feature phones that run on its operating software such as the Nokia 8110.
This means that WhatsApp will now be available to millions of low-cost KaiOS mobile phones with at least 256MB of RAM. All that is needed is to download the app from the KaiStore.
The company also added that as from 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.
More than 1.5 billion people worldwide currently use WhatsApp.
Users can enjoy calling 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,” revealed Sebastien Codeville, Chief Executive Officer 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.
In Africa, KaiOS is gaining momentum. In February 2019, KaiOS Technologies announced a partnership with six new partners in Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania to launch mobile phones running on its operating system for smart feature phones.
It also powers MTN’s low budget Smart T launched in March 2019 and Orange’s $20 phone, Sanza which is available in West African countries: Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Mali.
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.
