KaiOS says Google has agreed to invest $22 million in its light-weight mobile operating system.
The investment from Google follows commitments made earlier this year by Google, Facebook, and Twitter to support the platform.
“This funding will help us fast-track development and global deployment of KaiOS-enabled smart feature phones, allowing us to connect the vast population that still cannot access the internet, especially in emerging markets,” said Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies.
KaiOS is already available on a number of low-cost phones, including Nokia’s 8110 5G “banana” phone and the Doro Phone 7050. KaiOS says it is working with other manufacturers, including TCL, HMD Global, and Micromax, and that it has partnerships with carriers including AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile.
Beyond the investment, Google plans to bring Google Assistant, Google Maps, YouTube, and Google Search to KaiOS. Google said it is “excited to work with KaiOS to further improve access to information for feature phone users around the world.”
