Mozilla, in partnership with Aga Khan University, has unveiled a brand new, user-friendly, and interactive App – Pocket. Built on the Android and iOS platforms, the app allows users to access written and visual content of their liking and even save it for offline browsing at a later date.
The latest sector report by Communications Authority indicates that the total data/internet and broadband subscriptions in Kenya stand at 46.5 million and 30.2 million respectively. This growth is attributed to the growing advancements in the network, and accessibility of cheaper smartphones and data plans, making Pocket a timely accomplishment as it grows both relevances and reaches the ordinary Kenyan subscribers.
The partnership with Aga Khan University will ensure that local content is curated and distributed to better optimize the product to meet the needs of Kenyan online users.
Speaking during the launch, Pocket Vice President & General Manager Mozilla, Matt Koidin said their mission is to ensure that the Internet becomes a global public resource, open and accessible to all.
“We believe in an Internet that puts people first, where individuals can shape their own experience, are empowered, safe, and independent. Through Pocket, we are empowering people to discover, organize, consume and share content that matters to them. The ability for users to save articles to “read it later” will be transformative. We believe that together with our Kenyan partners we will keep making the App better for Kenyans,” Matt said.
Articles saved in Pocket are stripped of ads and formatting which limits memory storage needs and users can also control how much memory they allow Pocket to use. Additionally, downloads are only possible over Wi-Fi to meet the needs of cost-conscious users who often have limited bandwidth.
“The Aga Khan University’s Media Innovation Center has partnered with Mozilla to identify and work with a team of curators who have put together fascinating and exceptional content from East Africa. For the first time, we have a series of collections from outstanding Kenyan curators who bring fresh perspectives from Kenya and East Africa” says Dr. Njoki Chege, Director, Media Innovation Center.
Globally known for its popular web browser Firefox, Mozilla is a vibrant global community with a mission to promote openness, innovation, and opportunity on the web. Mozilla builds products that put people back in control of their connected lives and advocate for public policies that improve the health of the Internet by creating & promoting interoperable open standards that enable innovation & advance the Web as a platform that is open and accessible for all.
