Ora et eLabora

Ultra-Low Cost Handset segment.

The Emerging Market Handset Programme has, as its target, the expansion of the mobile phone use in developing Countries.

Research estimates that in the region of 80% of the world's population have wireless coverage, but only 25% of people use mobile services.

As a consequence of the two phases of the project, they managed to obtain the production of a handset for less than $30.
Certainly, the achievement is controversial: undoubtedly selling the handset is going to produce profits, and multinational companies do not act for charity.
However, I would say, if the criteria of the project are really customer aware, which I did not have the time to check in depth, it is a good initiative.
Furthermore, on the same site, I found a document on micropayment systems experimented in Philippines, South Africa and Kenya, but it's late and I'm too tired to read it all.

posted by Galilei @ 11:26 pm Comments: 0

I imagine I am in one of my minimalist moments...

From here (Feynman), at the very end of the lecture:

It has apparently been known for a long time that high objects are struck by lightning. There is a quotation of Artabanis, the advisor to Xerxes, giving his master advice on a contemplated attack on the Greeks-during Xerxes's campaign to bring the entire known world under the control of the Persians. Artabanis said, "See how God with his lightning always smites the bigger animals and will not suffer them to wax insolent, while these of a lesser bulk chafe him not. How likewise his bolts fall ever on the highest houses and tallest trees." And then he explains the reason: "So, plainly, doth he love to bring down everything that exalts itself."
Do you think-now that you know a true account of lightning striking tall trees-that you have a greater wisdom in advicing kings on military matters than did Artabanis 2300 years ago? Do not exalt yourself. You could only do it less poetically.

posted by Galilei @ 11:44 pm Comments: 0