Oct
31
Innovative affordability: bridging the digital divide
Posted by: cyeungs | October 31, 2011 | Leave a Comment
We should be aware that over half the world’s population cannot afford the $799.99 iPhone 4. Smaller companies such as China’s Huawei have recognized this and started to develop phones that specifically target consumers in Africa. They are looking to “bridge the gap between the digital divide”. This means their focus will be on one thing: affordability.
Huawei has brought an $80 phone called the “Ideos” to the market using the Android system. Their secret is using less powerful hardware such as a RAM that is only half the size of other phones. Furthermore, Android has flexibility on its side. Companies like Apple have strict regulations which prevent developers to fully customize applications to the needs of the community. Android has consistently been showcasing many agriculture and health based apps.
This app called “Medkenya” can act as a guide for the sick to the nearest hospitals/doctors and gives basic information on symptoms and different drugs.
This is a huge step for technology because this could change how people in developing countries live entirely. Also, there is a whole new market being opened up. I think we will continue to see more and more products going in this direction. Moreover, I wonder how big-name companies will react; will they also start to produce low-cost technology to cater to the shift in the market?