KENYA, Africa – This week has seen the release of the Nokia 2600 Classic in Kenya.

A low-cost handset tailored to suit the common phone sharing way of life existent in many emerging markets including Africa, this device marks the beginning of a brand-new breed of device.

The built-in prepaid tracker system is one of the key features, ensuring the owner of the phone keep close track of spending, as is the phonebook which is capable of storing up to 1000 contacts. And despite the handset costing 65 euros, it offers extras such as a VGA camera, FM radio, Bluetooth and email.

Hot on the heels of the 2600 Classic is the upcoming Nokia 1209 (35 euros). This is the handset that promises to fully embrace phone sharing – the 1209 will provide a multi-phonebook feature, enabling up to five people to store separate phonebooks of up to 200 contacts each on a single device. Design-wise it has been built to withstand relentless use and tough environments, constructed of robust materials, dust resistant and equipped with a hardtop keypad.

We’ll be exploring the design process and progress of Nokia devices tailored for emerging markets over the coming months, so watch this space for full updates.

Elsewhere…
“Kenya: Nokia Model to Support Phone-Sharing” – allafrica.com
“Nokia model to support phone-sharing” – bdafrica.com