Microsoft smartens up non-smart phones

Microsoft is giving people with regular cell phones access to the same kinds of programs smart phone owners have embraced.

Microsoft's OneApp program, announced Monday, is aimed at developing countries where so-called "feature phones" and prepaid systems are prevalent.

Microsoft's first partner for OneApp is Blue Label Telecoms Group of South Africa, which sells prepaid cell phone minutes. The OneApp program will deliver programs such as Facebook and Twitter to Blue Label Telecoms customers' phones.

OneApp stores data on servers to avoid taxing the devices' limited resources.

Most feature phones already can run games and other programs. Many wireless carriers have marketplaces to sell them. But Microsoft says OneApp will boost data usage in emerging markets.

- AAP