Simfy Africa, Prezence Digital develop BlackBerry app

This service brings together back-end technology and general streaming know-how from Simfy on top of over a decade's worth of in-depth experience from eXactmobile in dealing with digital content, local infrastructure, and customer support on the ground in South Africa.

The new BlackBerry Simfy Africa app is part of a roll-out of entirely fresh apps for the three major platforms in South Africa's smartphone market: iOS, Android, and BlackBerry.

"The all-new apps are a giant step forward, featuring fresh design and improved usability and stability as they were rewritten from scratch," commented Davin Mole, CEO of eXactmobile.

"Having listened to a lot of feedback, we set out to give our users the very best possible service. The new apps also offer features previously available only via the Web and desktop interfaces, a step we feel is critical in Africa with the bias towards mobile as the access method of choice."

Developed in South Africa

In contrast to the iOS and Android apps, which were developed in Europe, the new BlackBerry app was developed in South Africa by Prezence Digital. "It was a critical decision to develop the BB app locally," said Mole. "We have a unique domination in the South African smartphone market by BB users and so this app was developed for the specific challenges of our environment - chief amongst them signal quality and the high cost of data. The new BB app feels like a high-powered smartphone app, and offers 'touch and type' recognition."

"Prezence Digital prides itself on not only having the expertise to develop world-class mobile solutions and apps for iOS or Android, but also BlackBerry," said CEO of Prezence Digital, Prakash Patel.

"Sadly, for consumers, and ultimately those brands seeking to engage with those consumers, too often the BlackBerry platform is ignored in favour of iPhone and Android. With near on 70% of South African smartphone users preferring BlackBerry smartphones, Simfy Africa was spot on in recognising this app as a cornerstone for success in this market."

Lynette Hundermark, head of product strategy of Prezence Digital, noted that this will not be a watered-down version of the iPhone and Android apps.

"This will be a feature-rich, highly engaging app that provides the same user experience found on Android and iOS devices. In keeping with Prezence Digital's philosopy, and with BlackBerry the dominant device in South Africa, it's imperative for brands to deliver world-class iPhone and Android rivalling apps in order to mobilise the masses."

The app offers new features as well as access via mobile to features previously available only online or via the desktop app.

A full guide to the new apps can be found at next.simfyafrica.com.