Huawei Technologies Limited in partnership with leading telecommunications operator Airtel Nigeria and software giant Microsoft have launched Windows 8 smart phone specifically designed for Nigerians and Africans.

Speaking at the launch yesterday in Lagos, South-West Nigeria, Tony Lien Wen, Managing Director of Huawei, said that the phone was produced to satisfy the need to give Africans a phone that specifically addresses their needs.

Addressing a press conference, Wen noted that the African market is challenging due to competition. “We are very happy to come up with this mobile device for Africans especially for the African market. It is easy to use and we hope that Africans and indeed Nigerians will embrace it,” he said.

Mark Ihimoyan, Consumer Channels Group Director at Microsoft, believes that the mobile device will produce another vista in the history of mobile phone, noting that the features in the phone make it a must-have.

Said he: “In Microsoft we focus on quality. The partnership between Huawei Technologies, Microsoft and Airtel Communications has produced a device that no phone user should ignore. The phone is unique and invented around the people, it is such that no two screens are alike. “

Ihimoyan observed that the device has a feature called kid’s corner where children can assess all the available tools to play with, without deleting any information in the phone.

“All the information that you care about, your socio network amongst others, are uniquely customised in the start screen. On the start screen one can see all information including messages that are coming in without having to touch it, that is innovation,” he said.

David Umoh, Data Manager at Airtel, on his part noted that the mobile operator’s stride is such that it has continued to give its subscribers innovative and cutting edge services.

•Photo (R-L): David Umoh, Data Manager Airtel; Tony Lien Wen, MD Huawei Technologies; Mark Ihimoyan, Consumer Channels Group Director Microsoft; and Mr. Inusa Bello, Chief Sales Officer, Airtel Nigeria.