Notice how many of those apps solve an actual need, and/or save money. Not all, but I still find that inspiring, if not shaming, compared to the apps I tend to read about on HN and elsewhere.
Gosier added that many young people were now solving problems using apps: "This generation of Africans will build an app that demands their governments come to their villages and fill holes".
Of course Microsoft is doing this for more selfish reasons, but I just wanted to point out that being able to connect and communicate is important and does help people to help themselves; they don't have a lack of smartphones per se, but a lack of that infrastructure. Desktop PC and landline internet everywhere just aren't in the cards yet.
I have no idea of Microsoft meddling around with this will actually help, or make things worse, as seems to be so often the case. In that respect I agree with you. But still, what is often just a frivolous gadget "here", can really become a tool for others, it certainly does so for many Africans; so I'd be all for supporting such efforts that have no strings attached.
http://akirachix.com/Blog/finalists-of-mobile-garage-student...
Notice how many of those apps solve an actual need, and/or save money. Not all, but I still find that inspiring, if not shaming, compared to the apps I tend to read about on HN and elsewhere.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201202090172.html
Gosier added that many young people were now solving problems using apps: "This generation of Africans will build an app that demands their governments come to their villages and fill holes".
And last, but surely not least:
http://www.howwemadeitinafrica.com/how-mobile-phones-are-tra...
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Of course Microsoft is doing this for more selfish reasons, but I just wanted to point out that being able to connect and communicate is important and does help people to help themselves; they don't have a lack of smartphones per se, but a lack of that infrastructure. Desktop PC and landline internet everywhere just aren't in the cards yet.
I have no idea of Microsoft meddling around with this will actually help, or make things worse, as seems to be so often the case. In that respect I agree with you. But still, what is often just a frivolous gadget "here", can really become a tool for others, it certainly does so for many Africans; so I'd be all for supporting such efforts that have no strings attached.