Technology

Microsoft signs deal for Lumia Apps purchase on Safaricom

Kunle pix

Kunle Awosika, Microsoft Kenya Country Manager. Photo/FILE

Microsoft has signed a deal with Safaricom to offer mobile subscribers the ability to purchase Windows Phone applications (Apps) using their airtime.

The deal has the potential to increase Safaricom’s airtime sales, as well as the uptake of Nokia’s Apps.

Mobile phone users had to use credit cards to purchase Nokia mobile Apps from the App store, which will still remain one of the options available while paying for the Apps.

Devices

The mobile operator billing is only available for Nokia Lumia devices on the Safaricom network.

The price of Apps is set in Kenya shillings.

“One of the contributing factors to the smart phones penetration has been the uptake of mobile apps that has transformed the way we interact. However, users have had challenges in accessing the apps due to limited payment options,” said Kunle Awosika, Microsoft Kenya Country Manager.

To buy an app through mobile operator billing, a user will be required to go to the Windows Phone Store and select the application they would like to buy. The consumer will then be able to see the name of the app, the price, publisher, app size and payment method displayed.

The service will allow users to download apps from the Windows Phone Store and make payments using their mobile phones opening a potentially lucrative revenue channel for the developer community.

Application

“A majority of Kenyan tech start-ups have challenges in developing and showcasing their apps, this platform will go a long way in enhancing growth of paid-for mobile services,” said Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore.

Available local apps and content that can be bought under this model include the Daily Nation’s ePaper, Camera Pro+, Car Tracer, Find Me, FlashLight Elite Pro, MemoryGame, NumberTrack, Yoyo Paint, kTranslate and Pro,Paint+.

Other popular global apps include MetroTube, Phototastic Pro, Nextgen Reader, Runtastic PRO, SoundClouda, Podcast+ Pro, Wordpress for Phone, Plants vs Zombies, Angry Birds Star Wars and PreSchool Essentials.