California company enters Kenyan mobile app market

Mobile-XL has introduced a mobile application to the Kenyan market, a move expected to boost the level of mobile content in the country.

XL Browser allows mobile phone users to send text messages, chat and access Internet-based information for a fee.

"This release brings Mobile-XL closer to realizing its goal of bridging the digital divide, and we believe we are well positioned to make the Kenya launch successful by reaching the broadest audience," said Guy Kamgaing-Kouam, Mobile-XL CEO.

To access the market and reach the whole spectrum of mobile phone users, Mobile-XL has partnered with FoneXpress, a Kenyan retail chain offering ICT products and services.

"We believe the XL-Browser enhances our current product offering," said Faiza Kana, an officer at FoneXpress. He emphasized that the application will allow FoneXpress to boost sales and provide its customers with added value.

On a phone fitted with the XL Browser, a user's command is translated into an SMS (Short Message Service) and sent to the Mobile-XL content server. A reply is then generated and sent back to the mobile phone, where the XL Browser formats and displays the response directly on the handset.

Kenya is the first of eight countries that the California firm is targeting for operations.

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.