Ilkone launches first fully Islamic mobile phone

At a press conference to announce the launch Saqer Tellawi, CEO of Ilkone, said that while there was only a five percent growth of the global mobile phone sector, the Gulf region is experiencing a boom.

He added that products which are serving niche consumer markets are experiencing greater success than regular mobile devices which only differs in outlooks and colors.

Explaining the reasons for the launch ilkone i800, Tellawi said: "The current size of the GCC mobile phone market is five million units a year, set to grow by 40% annually. The tremendous increase in number of potential first-time users as well as those who keep abreast of latest phone technology and frequently upgrade their phone models is one of the main reasons for the projected growth."

He cited that the life cycle of a mobile phone in the region has reduced from two years in 1998 to less than nine months in 2003, making the GCC one of the fastest growing mobile phone markets with highest phone replacement turnover.

"Consumers nowadays view mobile phones as devices which can add value to their self being and inner feelings rather than just a simple communication tool. Ilkone i800 is specially designed to serve Muslims all across the world to address their needs, and add value to their spiritual self being," Tellawi added.

The launch of ilkone i800, the smart new Islamic mobile phone, is a perfect example of how mobile wireless technology enhances the power and functionality of a mobile device, tailoring to the specific needs of the Muslim end-user.

Among its many features, ilkone i800 offers automatic precise prayer timing anywhere in the world, an alarm option which can be set to sound before and after the call to prayer (Azan) with actual Azan voice which could be automatically set to silence throughout prayer. It is also capable of establishing Qibla directions from anywhere in the world, automatically pointing towards Mecca, giving full text of the Holy Qur'an approved by Al-Azhar, with English translations. It also provides other features such as Hijri calendar converter and automatic alarm for Sohour Imsak and Iftar during Ramadan.

Moreover, the revolutionary phone is equipped with GPRS Class 12, giving users the fastest internet connection anywhere in the world.

The ilkone i800 was launched earlier this year in many markets including Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Sudan, Algeria and the Far East, and will be introduced to the GCC countries and other major Islamic countries by September 2004.