Just because it’s not a smartphone doesn’t mean it’s dumb. Norway’s Opera is bringing increasingly advanced functionality to its most low-end Mini browser, with version 4.5 boasting a privacy mode and download manager. Read more »
Facebook wants the first app accessed by new smartphone owners in emerging markets to be its social networking service. It’s working with Spreadtrum to ensure its software will come pre-installed in millions of inexpensive Android phones. Read more »
One day before Nokia announces results for the most recent quarter, the company is touting a sales milestone: 1.5 billion Series 40 phones sold. That’s a huge accomplishment, but Series 40 now faces challenges from low-priced Android phones, so the momentum may not continue. Read more »
A legitimate copy of The Dark Knight costs about $641 in India, if you adjust the price based on the comparative purchasing power of local consumers. These pricing discrepancies drive people in many emerging markets around the world to piracy, a new study finds. Read more »
For residents in emerging countries where income can be under a dollar per day, a handset purchase can be a luxury. Dual-SIM phones are one solution to extend mobile devices in emerging areas, but Movirtu has a cloud solution that could give phone access to millions. Read more »
When you think of mobile data revenues, the countries that come to mind are those with 3G networks or better. But the increasing reliance on life improvement and mobile commerce in developing nations will shift such dollars, accounting for 36 percent of such revenues by 2014. Read more »
The worldwide 3G market provides ample opportunity for growth — especially in emerging markets — according to new figures from Wireless Intelligence. 3G connections grew by roughly 60 million in the third quarter yet still account for just 20 percent of mobile connections. Read more »
