Microsoft announced the launch of its OneApp software application that enables entry-level handsets, usually found in the emerging markets, to run a wider range of applications. The target is to allow users of feature phones to play games, access social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook, and use Windows Live Messenger and Windows Wallet, or similar applications supported only by smartphone models.
Feature phones are those models with limited processing power, which come with basic functionalities, but that don’t support advanced applications.
Microsoft OneApp occupies only 155KB on the handset’s memory and delivers small applications of around 30KB. It provides a cloud service so users can get what they need from the web, without the need to store things on their handsets.
In South Africa, the first telecommunication company to provide this feature to its customers is Blue Label Telecom. Via the “mibli” service, users will be able to access Twitter, Facebook and Windows Live Messenger, while developers will have the possibility to create new applications.
Mobile Wallet is another feature provided by Blue Label Telecom, through which users can make money transfers on their handsets.
“When people see these apps running on a feature phone, their eyes light up. It’s pretty exciting,” says Tim McDonough, senior director of Mobile Product Management at Microsoft. “What we’re letting you do is get access to the applications and services you want from a device you already own. If you don’t own a PC, or you share a PC, your mobile phone may be your first or only computing device.”
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