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Windows Apps unveils airtime billing [Business Daily (Kenya)](Business Daily (Kenya) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Local software developers are the biggest winners following the launch of a new service that enables customers to buy applications from Windows Apps Store using airtime. The mobile operator billing service dubbed Nunua Apps na Credo, unveiled by Microsoft and Safaricom, is set to open a window of opportunities for tech developers. Besides getting a 70 per cent share of the revenue realised, innovators will be able to tap local customers who are uncomfortable using credit cards for online purchases. "With the launch of this service, we want to drive creativity amongst developers and bring convenience and usage to customers," said Mariam Abdullahi, Microsoft operator channel lead for sub-Sahara Africa. A report by UK-based Informa indicates that by the end of last year, Kenya had 4.3 million smartphone users. The increase in the number of mobile devices has in turn led to a rise in uptake of applications. GSMA's Digital Entrepreneurship in Kenya 2014 report also highlighted Kenya's potential to become a hub for digital entrepreneurship. "One of the contributing factors to the smartphones penetration has been the uptake of mobile apps that has transformed the way we interact," said Microsoft Kenya country manager Kunle Awosika. "However, users have had challenges in accessing the apps due to limited payment options." (c) 2014 Nation Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). |