The low-cost localised tablets that were first announced in November last year, are now officially available in SA.
Released by local company Wise Tablets, the tablets were touted as the first to offer truly localised content. “After an unexpected manufacturing delay in January 2012, we are very excited to announce that the first stock of Wise Touch Tablets is now available,” says Wise.
The Wise Touch 1 comes in 7- and 9-inch formats, and run Android 2.3, but Wise currently only has the entry-level 7-inch models available.
“We have spent the last year developing the software, hardware, servers and hosting,” says Wise Tablets CEO Gian Shipton. “To see it coming together for the first time as a final end-user product is amazing.”
Wise Tablets maintains its offering is a “uniquely South African” product that is “far more applicable and functional” for the local market.
The Wise software platform comes preloaded on Wise tablets, but is also compatible with any version of Android from 2.3 and above.
The Wise Touch Bundle includes the Wise Shopping Mall, Business Park and Education Centre. The tablets also have a variety of over 100 local brand applications.
“Ongoing development and finalising is done on our own magazine and e-book store in conjunction with our local, strategic partners,” says Wise, adding that it is continuously developing its software bundle.
“Most technology platforms use international products and brands to function, such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, etc. We believe that the next new market exists in the localisation of tablet functionality, while still maintaining the international applications.”
Beyond tablets
Wise says the tablets are just the beginning, and it is looking at extending its product range to low-cost, high-spec Android phones and Wise TV boxes in upcoming months. Current stock is available for purchase from the Wise Tablet online store, and selected retailers. The 7-inch Wise Touch Tablet is available for R2 990. More stock is expected to arrive in April.
At the time of the initial announcement of Wise Tablets last year, World Wide Worx MD Arthur Goldstuck said the tablets would face two major challenges.
“The first is that it is not the first low-cost tablet in SA, and the second is that it's also not the first to offer localised content. The Colpad is currently available for R1 000, and also features some customised content for the local market - although not the same extent as the Wise Touch, but it is still a step in that direction,” said Goldstuck.
“Major manufacturers have also started doing the same thing by offering local apps. So from that perspective, it's not a long-lasting differentiator for the Wise Touch.”
Share