KaiOS Tech pockets $22 million from Google

BENGALURU: KaiOS Technologies, the developer of the KaiOS operating system for smart feature phones, has received a $22 million investment from Google as part of the American company’s ‘Next Billion Users’ programme. Following the partnership, Google Assistant, Google Maps, YouTube, and Google Search will be available to KaiOS users, the Hong Kong-based company said in a post.

KaiOS has been able to push the feature phone demand in India, also helping Reliance Jio to become the leading feature phone brand with its 4G-powered JioPhone in Q1 2018, according to Counterpoint Research.

“We want to ensure that Google apps and services are available to everyone, whether they are using desktops, smartphones or feature phones,” Anjali Joshi, vice-president, product management, Next Billion Users, said in a statement.