Yes, you read it right. The leading company, Google is launching Smartphone in Nigeria for such a low cost. The ICE 2 will be available for public sale in the month of September.
Sundar Pichai, CEO Google, confirmed that the Android device will launch September. The cool thing about the device is the price. ICE 2 will be marked at $40, which is N13,000. He also revealed that the device will come with Google Play Protect. It constantly works to keep devices, data, and applications safe and secure.
Cesar Segunutpane, VP, Product Management at Google, elaborated on the company’s motive to empower Africans through the internet. He said “We don’t want to create the internet for African rather enable them to create the internet they want through the access, platforms and products we create. Access is important; by making sure they are connected to the internet.”
“Students or workers, MTN, Mainone and others have done a lot of internet and broadband distribution. They empowered the people in Nigeria. We strongly believe faster broadband will improve Africans Lives and Innovation”.
Segunutpane added that Google not only builds platforms but eco-system for other companies and start-ups to advantage.
“Android is the largest operating system in the world today. In 9 years it got multiplied by trillions across the world. We have continued to work with partners and OEMs to develop devices for Africans, especially Nigerians, like $40 Smartphone; we are bringing another device ICE2 in partnership with MTN. The device comes with all Google apps and will start shipping in September for only N13,000. It will be the first device to come with Google Play Protect”, the VP Product Management said.
He also acknowledges the company’s engagement to helping local entrepreneurs. He revealed that Google will also launch apps to enable strong FinTech uptake in the country. Android is a platform for innovation and modernization meant for local entrepreneurs to advantage.
“For products, we have made YouTube, Google maps and Search more relevant to Nigerians. For instance, Google Gboard now supports major Nigerians- Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba. We will help the locals retain their languages”, he concluded.