Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd has officially launched the new Samsung Galaxy Note II Smart phone in the Kenyan market. Samsung, which is also the world’s leading smartphone vendor, has confirmed the launch of the Galaxy Note II smartphone as part of a strategic commitment to bridge the digital divide in Africa.

Speaking at the launch of the new Galaxy Note II, Samsung Electronics East Africa Deputy Managing Director Robert Ngeru explained that the firm’s strategy to enhance smartphones penetration is based on growing demand locally.

The demand for smartphones, Ngeru explained is currently being fuelled by growing mobile data services usage on the local 3G mobile networks. Currently, Samsung estimates that 50% of Internet connections is exclusively on mobile devices, effectively confirming the need for further Smartphones penetration.

With investments in new generation mobile phone technologies expected to reach the KES 127.5 Billion (US$ 1.5 billion) mark by 2015, Ngeru disclosed that smartphone are outselling personal computers at the ration of 4:1 in key African markets such as Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.

 “The launch of Galaxy Note II is part of our efforts to bridge the digital divide by delivering internet enabled easy to use devices in Africa which is not the 2^nd largest and fastest growing mobile phone market in the world,” Ngeru said."Unlike in Europe, it’s highly likely that with mobile penetration rates of up to 65%, more Africans are only likely to enjoy their first internet experience on a Smartphone and not on a personal computer.”

Features

The GALAXY Note II features a 5.5” HD Super AMOLED screen, providing clear and detailed visuals. It also features a longer, thicker and ergonomically designed S Pen for a better grip providing a more comfortable and natural writing experience.

The multi-tasking function allows users to launch multiple windows on one screen without closing applications to launch new ones. When users are completing a task in one application, they can immediately load another application on the screen.

The GALAXY Note II comes with an 8 Megapixel rear facing and 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera with HD video recording. In Kenya, the Samsung GALAXY Note II will be available in Marble White or Titanium Gray colour options.