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Feature Phone Mobile App Company biNu Reaches 1 Million Unique Users in Less Than 6 Months


Posted by , March 25th, 2011

Cloud-based Mobile App Platform Brings Internet Services to 95% of the World’s Mobile Phone Users Who Don’t Have Smart Phones or PCs

SYDNEY, Australia – March 25, 2011 – Less than 6 months after launching its service, feature phone mobile app company biNu has reached 1 million unique users per month, with a current growth rate of over 40% month on month.

biNu provides simple, ultra-fast access to popular Internet services such as Google Search, Google Translate, Wordnik Dictionary, Wikipedia, News, Weather, Cricket & Soccer scores, exchange rates, mobile app stores as well as SMS services.

biNu’s 1 million unique monthly users come from over 150 countries with top markets including India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, USA and Nigeria. This diverse popularity stems from biNu’s ability to display content in any language on any handset with many popular services in Hindi, Tamil, Urdu, Arabic, Persian, Chinese and other Asian languages.

New research from Asymco shows there are 3.5 billion mobile subscribers in emerging and developing nations without smart phones or mobile broadband. While the feature phones they use are data capable, it is not easy, fast or cheap to access Internet services. Even in the U.S., 72% of mobiles are feature phones.

Snaptu – acquired earlier this week by Facebook – shares biNu’s focus of providing Internet services to the 95% of mobile users that don’t use smart phones. In addition biNu offers an open developer platform (http://www.developer.binu.com) which means any organisation or developer can utilize the biNu platform to dramatically improve access to Internet based services for feature phone users.

“Facebook’s acquisition of Snaptu highlights the strategic value of providing a much better way to deliver Internet services to 3.5 billion feature phone users. But you don’t have to buy a company like Snaptu to do it.” said Gour Lentell, CEO for biNu. “Our strategy is to provide an open development platform that companies and developers can use to deliver a more effective mobile Internet experience.”

The biNu mobile app delivers ultra-fast, easy-to-use, multi-lingual Internet services to virtually any mobile phone, from mass-market feature phones through to Android smart phones, with Blackberry support coming soon.

The end-user biNu experience is 5-10 times faster – using much less bandwidth – compared with the standard browsing experience on 2G feature phones. There is minimal processing performed on the user’s mobile device with 100% application processing performed on biNu’s cloud-based servers.

To demonstrate the speed and ease of use of biNu, the company has created a video demonstration at www.binu.com/demo comparing the performance of a Google Search on biNu compared to Google Search in a standard mobile web browser.

Editorial Contact
David Sanday
Bowes Communications
+61 (0)2 9387 2333
david.sanday@bowespr.com
####


3.5 billion feature phones


Posted by , March 21st, 2011

New research from Asymco shows there are 3.5 billion mobile subscribers in developing nations who do not yet have smart phones nor mobile broadband. Clearly, the opportunity is huge and you must keep in mind that feature phones are perfectly capable data phones, but it must be easy, fast and cheap for users to get data services.

Like biNu, Snaptu’s focus since it’s founding in 2007 was to provide useful and innovative services to the 95 percent of mobile users that don’t have access to advanced smart phones.

And their success in developing great technology and an excellent user experience on so-called ‘dumb-phones’ is a primary reason behind the announcement today that Facebook was acquiring Snaptu.

SmartCompany reported the news adding the comment the “acquisition not only highlights how importantly Facebook values its mobile solutions, but also how handsets apart from smartphones still control a significant portion of the telecommunications market.”


Ghandian Engineering – Getting more from less for more and more!


Posted by , October 26th, 2010

Innovation, compassion and passion…

Engineer RA Mashelkar shares three stories of ultra-low-cost design from India that use bottom-up rethinking, and some clever engineering, to bring expensive products (cars, prosthetics) into the realm of the possible for everyone.

“When you wish to achieve results that have not been achieved before, it is an unwise fancy to think that they can be achieved by using methods that have not been used before.”

“Value for money AND value for many.”


One million


Posted by , October 2nd, 2010

Since making biNu generally available at the beginning of August this year for download to mobile phones, we are delighted to announce that we passed the ONE MILLION download mark yesterday!

Our top five download countries in this period are:

  • India
  • Indonesia
  • USA
  • Bangladesh
  • Ghana
  • And our top five biNu content applications in this period are:

  • Wordnik English dictionary
  • Google Search
  • The Quran
  • biNu Cricket
  • The Times of India
  • We are continuously adding more content applications to biNu and at current download rates are doing over one million a month.

    Rollin’, Rollin’ Rollin’
    Keep movin’, movin’, movin’….


    Half a million


    Posted by , September 10th, 2010

    Since the first launch of a biNu mobile application in June this year in time for the World Cup in South Africa, we have now passed the half a million down load mark, i.e. over 500,000 downloads of biNu!

    Our most popular content is the Wordnik Dictionary. Check out Wordnik, it’s a fantastic 21st century web based English dictionary.

    One million, here we come…


    Mobile users like biNu


    Posted by , September 10th, 2010

    Recent end-user ratings of biNu apps on Getjar (score out of 5):

    6th Sep, South Africa, Kama Sutra – 5/5
    3rd Sep, Pakistan, Google Search – 5/5
    3rd Sep, Philippines, Wordnik – 5/5
    31st Aug, Kenya, Google Search – 5/5
    30th Aug, Ethiopia, Google Search – 5/5
    30th Aug, Sri Lanka, Google Search – 5/5
    30th Aug, India, Dainik Bhaskar – 5/5
    29th Aug, Pakistan, biNu Cricket – 4/5
    28th Aug, India, Wordnik – 5/5
    28th Aug, India, Wordnik – 5/5
    26th Aug, Canada, Kompas – 5/5
    25th Aug, Lebanon, Google Search – 5/5
    24th Aug, Indonesia, Bola News – 4/5
    23rd Aug, Indonesia, Media Indonesia – 5/5
    22nd Aug, South Africa, Peoples Daily English – 5/5
    21st Aug, Ghana, Wordnik – 5/5
    20th Aug, Cambodia, Google Search – 5/5
    21st Aug, India, Holy Bible – 5/5 (“Praise the lord, this is an awesome application which costs a very less space & now i can read bible anywhere. May god bless the team with wisdom & fullness of spirit.”)


    Tech23 presentation video


    Posted by , August 27th, 2010

    Video recording of the biNu presentation at the recent Tech23 conference in Sydney…


    biNu targets ageing WAP platform for mobile internet – CompterWorld


    Posted by , August 20th, 2010

    Despite exponential smartphones sales in first world countries, a small startup in Sydney has pinpointed keypad-laden mobile phones with WAP browsers as the key growth area for mobile internet…

    Read full article…


    We are one of the Tech23!


    Posted by , August 18th, 2010

    ————————————————————————

    We are one of the Tech23!
    19.AUG.10 | Sydney
    www.tech23.com.au

    ————————————————————————

    We are delighted to announce that our company has been chosen to present at Tech23 2010!

    So what is Tech23? Tech23 is a celebration of innovation, where 23 innovative Australian ICT companies – including us – will present before panels of esteemed industry leaders, experienced entrepreneurs, experts and investors including Roger Allen; Fiona Balfour; Chris Beare; Scott Farquhar, co-founder & CEO, Atlassian; Martin Hosking; Ryan Junee; Deepak Natarajan, MD, Intel Capital; Anthony Pascoe, CEO, Lend Lease Ventures and Emmanuel Rodriguez, Government CIO, NSW Department of Services, Technology and Administration.

    An audience of over 400 will be in attendance, including government, researchers, customers, industry members, and media. Our company is also eligible for a range of exciting prizes including $150,000 in Innovation Pathways prizes, sponsored by Industry & Investment NSW, which will be presented at Tech23’s after party.

    As one of the 23, we are excited to be part of Tech23 and would like to invite you to celebrate innovation with us by joining us there on Thursday 19 August 2010 at The Auditorium, 37 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills!

    We are also delighted to offer you a special rate – as a valued member of our network – of $150 (+gst). Register now at https://www.slatteryit.com.au/RegoPages/Tech232010Mates.aspx using promotional code ‘TECH23MATES’.

    And why should you attend? Tech23 is a great opportunity to get a glimpse of Australia’s emerging ICT innovations, network with key industry members in attendance, and enjoy a great day celebrating Australian innovation. And, of course, we’d love to have you there to support us on the day!

    Thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you at Tech23!

    ————————————————————————
    Tech23 2010 Details
    ————————————————————————

    when
    Thursday, 19th August 2010

    time
    (main event) 8.30am – 5.30pm
    (awards presentation event) from 5.45pm

    where
    (main event) The Auditorium, 37 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills
    (awards presentation event) Equilibrium Hotel, World Square, Cnr Goulburn and George Streets, Sydney

    register here

    ————————————————————————

    www.tech23.com.au

    ————————————————————————

    Sponsored by
    Industry & Investment NSW | Australian Technology Showcase | AusIndustry

    ————————————————————————

    Supported by
    AIMIA | ANZA Technology Network | AVCAL

    ————————————————————————

    Tech23 is a SlatteryIT event

    ————————————————————————


    Teacher in my pocket – mobile phones and education


    Posted by , July 22nd, 2010

    Queen Rania of Jordan addressed GSMA leaders earlier this year at the Mobile World Congress and talked about the potential of mobile technology to improve the lives of millions of children around the globe.

    biNu would like to help make that happen…


    biNu Football feedback


    Posted by , July 14th, 2010

    We launched the “biNu Football” application at the start of the FIFA World Cup tournament in South Africa to provide ultra-fast, simple access, in multiple languages for feature phones to live scores, results, standings, news, voting and comments, in multiple languages. We generated over 50,000 downloads from all corners of the world. In conjunction we also launched a Facebook Page and Twitter account to promote the mobile service as well as feed live data from biNu Football mobile users into the mainstream web.

    Here are some of the feedback comments we received from mobile users of biNu Football:

    • This is the best application ever in my handphone.
    • Thanx
    • It is nice software..
    • you wellcome
    • Thanks for binu for latest football updates
    • i m very happy when spain won the world cu because this is the first time to win.
    • GRACIAS
    • thanx
    • yesterdays messages from our fans.Lets do other leagues now!
    • binu i love you so much you did a great role
    • during fifa month thank you
    • shafiq
    • Thank you
    • KG
    • It is nice software..
    • Thanky for ur futbl updates.wat worries me irp that live matches were not being updated every minute.
    • well done
    • Je felicite tous les membres de binu. C etait un exellent travail translation: I congratulate all members of binu.
    • C was an exellent work)
    • i am Nepalese user of binu football from Asian country-NEPAL.I am very happy for using binu fot bal & hope in Then it’ll be great..
    • YES SPAIN YES.GRACIAS POR TODO SPAIN
    • really good application for my mobile. THANK YOU binu Team..!!
    • Binu is the best in the world of sport. Keep be the BEST!!! .
    • Slt moi c7 saoud du burkina faso! Je crois q Dieu a b1 faid,la france car elle
    • Votre service est tr\xc3\xa9s int\xc3\xa8ressant
    • pens\xc3\xa8 au football africain (translation: Your service was very firm believed to African football)
    • thanj u too
    • thanks for this software
    • SOUTH AFRICA
    • It is very good.
    • Thank u very much u 2 for planing such an idea which we always wish. Thank u very much once again/ Maradona
    • Thank u
    • gracias a ustedes por mantenernos al dia con el f\xef\xbf\xbdtbol ;-)
    • great work, wish all the best
    • THANKS
    • Thanks for that
    • its great application i enjoy a lot n i respect such a creative mind.keep it up-Bhola from nepal
    • Thanks for your service!
    • SUPER
    • um in lv of binu
    • thanks for the wonderful program
    • thanyou
    • give more information about indian foot ball and about all world rankings
    • Harus Lebih menarik
    • sajad panahi
    • BINU OK
    • L espagne va remporter la coupe
    • thanks so much
    • its very nice. Is it will be update after worldcup?
    • I appreciate heart binu
    • thankx
    • well done sa
    • ok
    • i hope this will continue.Ambrose,Nigeria
    • thanks a lot
    • I always liked this application and it helped me find d score whenever I cudnt do anything thank you
    • very good programm,i like it but germany losed against spain:(
    • good work. Keep up da good work. And try 2 cover epl scores. Thank u
    • Thank u so much
    • wat a lovely program guys. Keep it up. Job well done.
    • some photo or small clipings should be there
    • i love this apps
    • thank u
    • i should say thank you so much i enjoyed this app to the fullest.it kept me so update of all matches thank you
    • keep it up.from fred.
    • Thank you For help us.
    • Nasir
    • its gud binu
    • GO GO GO
    • THANK YOU BINU.\nYOU ARE A GOOD APPLICATIONS FOR ALL PEOPLE HOW LIKE’S FOOTBALL.\nTHANKS TO YOU BEST.
    • your software simply rocks.Try to improve the user interface.
    • love u
    • fast and good information. Keep it up.
    • i really love the program.. And i wish you to cover the other leagues
    • bagus
    • Welldone\nDo it
    • thank you
    • hai
    • very nice
    • Best and Fentastic
    • thanks
    • lanjutkan binu,thanks for all information
    • thanks very much i am very happy with binu
    • u rock man! u will alwayz remain in ma heart.
    • Keep it up


    Mobile internet for everybody


    Posted by , July 1st, 2010

    Talisa McMillan’s blog in South Africa is a fan of biNu!


    Marc Andreessen’s 3 Criteria For Startup Success


    Posted by , May 28th, 2010

    Mark Andreessen gave a presentation at Stanford recently. He detailed the three requirements for a successful startup:

    1. Enormous market (either existing, or new)

    2. A fundamental technological or economic change (the product must be “10 times” better/faster/cheaper than what’s on the market now)

    3. A kick-ass founding team (tech and sales “superstars” are most important)

    Well, the mobile market is gigantic, the biNu mobile internet platform is 3-5 times faster than the typical browsing experience on low-end feature phones and we have a kick-ass tech team!


    Facebook Zero


    Posted by , May 26th, 2010

    Facebook recently launched Fast and Free Facebook Mobile Access with 0.facebook.com in partnership with over 50 mobile carriers.

    An article in TechCrunch noted “This mobile site could play a big role in Facebook’s growth going forward, especially given the predictions that browser-equipped mobile phones will be more abundant than PCs in the not-too-distant future. For some people, 0.facebook.com will probably be their only Facebook experience — it may even be the only mobile site they’re accessing from their cell phones.”

    Recent media reports speculated that Facebook recently reached 500 million registered users and I’m sure 1 billion uses is within their planning horizon. Most of FB’s new users are going to be mobile subscribers and this move highlights the importance of mobile to their future growth.

    we soon hope to release a FB application on the biNu platform that will be 2-3x faster than the current Facebook mobile or 0.facebook browser websites.

    Watch this space!


    In 1987 there were only 0.3 phones for every 100 Indians, now there are 51.


    Posted by , May 26th, 2010

    Mobile phone helps reshape Indian politics and the poor

    “Because mobiles do not require literacy they have become a powerful tool for poor, self-employed people such as small traders, farmers, fishermen and rickshaw drivers to get information that helps save time and boost earnings.”

    “They describe the mobile as the ”most disruptive device to come to India in modern times” and argue consumer and communication capitalism is posing new challenges for established structures of authority and power.”!