Huawei’s low-cost and high-end IDEOS Android handset is what Africa needs.
In more Android news this weekend, it has just come to my attention that Huawei has launched a low-cost Android handset this past week at the IFA event in Berlin, Germany. The interesting thing about this handset is that its running Android version 2.2 (also known as Froyo) which is the latest version of the mobile operating system.
In addition, the IDEOS handset is pretty well featured in terms of functionality making it rival far more expensive Android handsets. The most interesting thing about this handset is that its expected to retail for between US$ 100.00 to US$ 200.00 without a contract to an operator. Considering that Huawei has already launched two Android handsets in Kenya recently, we could probably expect this model to make it to Africa in the next few months or so (we hope?).
Another important point about the new Huawei Android IDEOS handset is that its been developed in conjunction with Google. This means that its been built to pretty high standards that can be expected from the likes of Google. Its feature packed with a 2.8 inch QVGA capacitive screen, supports 7.2 Mbps HSPDA for 3G, and can create a mobile WIFI hotspot for up to 8 devices which would be ideal for rural or SOHO (Small Office Home Office) Internet connectivity in Africa.
I am not sure if this is possible but Google are holding their 3 day G-Kenya event this week in Nairobi at Strathmore University and I am willing to bet that they will announce the IDEOS as a key handset for Android growth in Kenya and the broader Africa region. I have already been asked to attend a round table session at G-Kenya tomorrow (Monday) as Google are expected to make a big media announcement and the IDEOS could be it.
Its also almost prescient that Huawei have launched the IDEOS at a price that would translate to Kes. 8,000.00 to Kes, 16,000.00 at retail in Kenya. This is prescient because Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph had intimated that he would like to see a high-end smartphone in Kenya for no more than Kes. 15,000.00 at retail soon during the recent Huawei event to launch its Android handsets in July 2010. It seems possible that the IDEOS could be just that smartphone for Africa.
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If they launch this IDEOS in Kenya, they will unlock a market like never before. If Safaricom will be the partner on this, then all price wars may just be a drop in the ocean for Safaricom. Looking forward to the news as from tomorrow on this.
I also think the same. After going after Ericsson in the BTS/network operator market, seems Huawei is now after the HTC/Motorola Turf in the handset segment, and coming at a time when Motorola is muling over a return to the African/Asian market, this will just put a nail in their coffins
You were very right: IDEOS retailing at Ksh 8,000/-
http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Company%20Industry/Kenya%20gets%20low%20priced%20smartphone/-/539550/1004304/-/rf069lz/-/
.-= Rafiki´s last blog ..Kenya Census- There are 20 camels in Nairobi =-.
@rafiki apparently so – Kui and I seem to be on the same page.
Hi,
As true as it is, where is it being retailed for at Ksh.8,000?
I’ve patiently waiting for it to arrive, but i’m yet to see it. If you have any information please do share with me at findideos@gmail.com. pliiiiiiz!!!!
@hideos. The IDEOS is not yet in Kenya. Last I heard they are still testing it. It looks like anytime around November/December 2010. In addition, from what I have heard, it will actually retail at Kes. 12,000.00 and NOT Kes. 8,000.00 as initially posted.
Such a phone would help realize the promise we have had in the recent past of the Mobile phone becoming the more natural internet tool than the PC/laptop.
.-= gmeltdown´s last blog ..Local content grants- Government information portal awards to firms first =-.
@gmeltdown yes indeed. The tide is coming in.
Great article hopefully this will turn up the pressure!
I am currently running Android 2.2 on an imported Google Nexus One and it is life changing. New, cheaper models can not come soon enough so I can convince friends to buy in and try switch company management over too.
Now all we need is HTC!
@kaz yes, we need up to date androids to take full advantage of the OS. Potential buyers need to know what they are buying, and what they are getting.
That was quick LOL
http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Company%20Industry/Kenya%20gets%20low%20priced%20smartphone/-/539550/1004304/-/item/0/-/35cknw/-/index.html
@kaz trust me I had no idea that BD was publishing a story today on the same lines. Its completely coincidence! 🙂
Almost too much of a coincidence! Is the phone launched here yet? Is there any confirmation of this other than the BD article? The price of 8000/= seems unrealistic when international sources are saying 100 to 200 US dollars. The quote from the Huawei CEO its also from international sources and not Kenya specific. Stinks of lazy journalism to me.
Would be great I’d true though!
Shock, it was launched n retail price 8k
Where can i purchase this phone
@penny no details just yet.
Who is selling the phone in Kenya?
@mrjay hard to say but I am guessing safaricom will pick it up.
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Maybe I was hasty switching to Bada with Samsung Wave, but I was getting impatient with google, but now the Giant has been awakened I sense big things coming soon
.-= kirima´s last blog ..Dragon flies =-.
[…] the weekend I did a blog post here about the low-cost but reasonably high-end Huawei IDEOS Android smartphone that had been […]
damn, dropped my glass in excitement bcoz of this article.
Seems i slept on the potential, check out what i was working on a while back in June.
http://weyahse.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=7:htc-g1&Itemid=53
Been a big android fan since V 1.0 and an even bigger HTC fan.
I wish I had put more effort into it now.
If you should see it anywhere, please do share details. Tired of chasing white elephants, but not ready to give up just yet!!!!
Its almost mid december and yet still no sign of it! Man! My patience is begging to run out. Not even a single mobile phone operator seems to be showing any interest in it. Are we doomed?
Hi guys. I have been searching for this phone in Nairobi Kenya with no success. Are you sure about its availability and price in Kenya?
@Phil its not yet in the country. There is another Huawei model though that retails for under Kes. 13,000.00. Check Safaricom.co.ke for details.
[…] the elders on the tech scene in Africa saw this coming , the likes of Whiteafrican , Afrinnovater , MosesKemibaro and ICTWorks. Android Mobile […]
[…] in September 2010 I did a blog post here about the global launch of the low-cost Huawei IDEOS smartphone. At the time, the main thing […]
awesome handset and anyone within 50miles of a customercare will agree,,,beyond my expectations it kicks the iphone in the ass
[…] (even to Google) leading up to the event was the announcement (via the day’s newspapers and blog) that Huawei was launching a low priced Android phone that would retail for just $100 (Kshs, […]