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Business 2.0 (August 2005 edition) describes a fascinating innovation: mobile phones specifically targeted at the needs of Muslim users. The Ilkone i800 contains features such as the full text of the Koran in both Arabic and English, a feature that detects the direction of Mecca from more than 5,000 spots and Arabic-lettered keys for text messaging. According to the journal, the $350 phone has sold about 100,000 units since its June 2004 launch with intentions to grow dramatically once penetration to nations with significant Islamic populations such as India and Pakistan.
Next year, the plans are to release two new phones with features such as cameras and checklists for those on pilgrimages to Mecca.
Posted by Rita at August 11, 2005 02:36 PM
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