Kalistani Major History

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KalMD develops first generation of Kalistani Consumer electronics"Model 1" to roll out early next year
Sulari, Suldanor
September 7, 4444


KalMD's "Model 1" has been prototyped and will begin mass production in January

The first generation of cellular phones to be produced in Kalistan will begin production in January and will reach the market by February.  Early orders for the phone, called the "Model 1" by manufacturer Kalistani Micro Divisions are promising, said KalMD spokesman Jeffery Edwards.  "There have been a decent number of early adopters for the technology who wish to invest in this program to kickstart the industry.  We've received orders for 10,000 phones from large retailers who usually sell foreign after market technology and online distributors.  If the early sales meet orders, we will see how the market sits and adjust."

The Model 1 features a battery life of 6 hours per charge, the ability to store music and pictures and the ability to text over Short Message Service (SMS).  While it does not yet compete in terms of capability with even last generation foreign smart phones, the Model 1 is not intended to do that.  "What we are launching is essentially a bare bones mobile phone which will allow us to continue funding research and development and bring out newer models sooner.  We need to start selling products sooner rather than later, and the Model 1 is more like a toe in the water than a full fledged cannonball."

The Model 1 has been positively reviewed by several independent reviewers.  Deanna Phillips, from Kaliburg's Tech Today said: "For what it is, it is better than comparable devices that other countries have been dumping in Kalistan for decades.  It has a sleeker profile, it allows us to store and play music locally, and doesn't require an internet connection.  In fact, you can't connect to the internet at all from this device, which some would see as a negative, but it will allow users to cut down on data fees that are associated with using outdated technology to connect to a modern internet.  We don't have the greatest mobile tower infrastructure in Kalistan, so this lack of capability will save Kalistani consumers in the long run.  Meanwhile, Kalistani's love their music, and having a mobile music player included upsets nobody."

The batteries in the Model 1 have come from a joint partnership between KalMD and the new startup KalTech, who got into producing batteries using lithium provided by Yoshimi Salts.  Combined with KalMD's microprocessors and motherboards, the Model 1 becomes the first all Kalistani model cell phone.  "We have the factory space to produce a million cell phones a year right now," said KalMD's Edwards.  "A few bottlenecks might slow us down:  for example, the lack of battery capacity.  But we are working with KalTech to expand production, and hope to overcome that limitation by the time that demand increases if it does.  Foreign capital might also be of some help if a deal with the Lourennaise company Manon-Maison goes through.  Further specialization will likely help reduce redundancy in the market too.  It is too soon to say right now, but smart and efficient investment will keep KalMD profitable and in a good position to supply the Market in the coming years."

The Model 1 will retail for 12,500 KRB, and while this price seems a bit steep for most casual users, Edwards insists that the all Kalistani Model 1 from KalMD represents a great step forward.  "In addition, we have included a lifetime full repair and replace warranty on all Model 1's sold in Kalistan."