Moto launches Motofone at emerging markets

Mobile behemoth Motorola has announced its intention to sell its thinnest phone yet, the Motofone, in emerging markets where the promise of new revenues is attracting big name investors.

The world’s second-largest mobile manufacturer will manufacture the new phones which the company says are even thinner than its Razr line at just 9mm and form part of the company’s new SCPL.

The phone will incorporate a new user interface that uses icons and voice instead of traditional text and comes with a polyphonic ring tone (only). The cost of the Motofone was not revealed.

The arrival of the thin device comes at a crucial time for Motorola as emerging markets could be key to the company usurping rival Nokia as the world’s leading manufacturer. Ron Garriques, head of Motorola’s handset division told investors on Tuesday that Motorola “must go out there and disrupt the high growth markets”. Without revealing details, the company said it would also improve its distribution in the emerging sectors.

Surprisingly, Motorola said it would launch two new CDMA handsets for consumers. Garriques said Motorola would go after the market, which Nokia recently exited, with zeal.