A new exclusive strategic partnership between Orange and Chinese search engine specialist Baidu will develop a co-branded internet browser for smartphone customers in Africa, the Middle East and Asia (AMEA). The partnership marks the first time Baidu has signed such an agreement with a global operator, and supports the partners’ mutual aim of making the mobile web available for all in emerging markets.
Mobile internet usage in Africa is increasing rapidly, and as Orange continues to deploy 3G networks and make more low-cost smartphones available, customers have been steadily moving from basic feature phones towards more low-cost Android smartphones.
The new browser offers a highly customisable but simple interface for customers in AMEA, enabling them to access web-based apps and internet services like Wikipedia, Facebook or Twitter, amongst others. Customers benefit from a new, feature-rich user interface that provides one-click access to all of their preferred local and global services.
The browser is faster and more data efficient compared to others, reducing the amount of data consumed by 30-90% depending on the types of services and files accessed. An Arabic and English browser is launching for Mobinil customers, with French versions of the browser soon to follow.
Marc Rennard, senior executive vice president for Orange activities across Africa and the Middle East, commented: “The appetite for mobile internet services is very strong in Africa, for example demand for Android devices in Egypt has doubled in the second half of this year. Building on the partnerships we’ve signed with major brands such as Wikipedia and Facebook in AMEA, we continue to innovate in Africa and honour our commitment to make the internet accessible to all customers across our footprint.”
Hu Yong, general manager of Baidu’s International Business Unit, said: “Baidu's success has been built on developing technologies, products and services appropriate for China, the world's largest emerging market. We’re now bringing that experience to bear in other markets now enjoying rapid growth. Baidu hopes to contribute meaningfully to the [AMEA] region’s growth by making the mobile internet easier than ever to use.”
