North Korea is reportedly taking pre-orders for a newly launched smartphone known as Hwawon, however particulars are scarce and potential prospects can solely order by telephone.
The Hwawon smartphone was formally launched final month, and might solely be bought by way of designated cellular service facilities in Pyongyang, in accordance with a Every day NK report revealed on Thursday, citing a number of nameless sources. Nevertheless, no precise Hwawon telephones have been placed on show in any service centres.
One supply stated that a number of service facilities have hung up posters that instruct prospects to name a quantity to ask concerning the Hwawon telephone. The posters give no info on worth or service plans.
Little can also be recognized concerning the telephone itself. In response to the report, two fashions have been revealed final month – the Hwawon 301 and Hwawon 201, the primary apparent distinction being the dimensions. One supply claims the small one is US$500 and the massive one is US$750.
One other supply who known as the pre-sales quantity and spoke to a salesman claims that options for the telephone embrace facial and iris recognition, high-resolution pictures, and sooner knowledge processing and connectivity.
The report additionally stated it seems the Hwawon smartphone is being produced at a manufacturing facility run by the Checom Expertise Joint Enterprise Firm, which manufactures the Pyongyang smartphone sequence.
The secrecy over the main points of the Hwawon telephone and the pre-order association appear designed to forestall info leaks concerning the telephone and handle purchasers, the report stated.
The Hwawon telephone additionally arrives forward of what seems like a transfer by North Korea to improve its cellular infrastructure. Final month, the nation reportedly started importing second-hand gear from Huawei to improve 3G base stations with newer gear, and doubtlessly launch a 4G community.
Every day NK additionally reported on Thursday that the time period “4G” was noticed in a smartphone advert in a video on North Korean propaganda web site “Chosun At present” earlier this month, suggesting that North Korea could also be producing new handsets that may use 4G networks.
