Upgraded dual-screen Russian Yotaphone on sale in December

Global Business

The second generation of the Russian YotaPhone is set to go on sale later this month. The novel dual-screen smartphone was recently unveiled in Moscow.

The phone is expected to be available in 20 European countries by January, as well as China and other Asia-Pacific countries by spring.

The upgraded YotaPhone 2 has a traditional smartphone display on the front, and an e-paper display on the back. Yota Devices founder Vladislav Martynov is confident YotaPhone will survive the fierce competition on the digital market. The Android-based phone works with Google Maps, Calendar, and most of the basic applications. It will cost about $600 in Russia and Europe.

Russia’s state-run technology company Rostec took a 25 percent stake in Yota Devices earlier this year. Russian retailers, however, are somewhat cautious about the company’s new phone. The first YotaPhone was criticized for having glitches, which the new model is intended to address.

During his visit to China earlier this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave one to Chinese President Xi Jinping, making him the first owner of YotaPhone 2. The special edition of the smartphone included an advanced data protection system and Chinese language support. Yota Devices said it plans to expand into the Chinese market by the first quarter of 2015.

CCTV’s Anya Ardayeva reports.
Follow Anya Ardayeva on Twitter @AnnaArda

Charles Ortel, the managing director at Newport Value Partners, joined Biz Asia America to discuss Russia’s economy.
Follow Charles Ortel on Twitter @charlesortel


James Jatras talked about Russia’s economy

For more on the state of Russia’s economy, CCTV America talked with James Jatras. He’s the deputy director of the American Institute in Ukraine and also a veteran government relations and public advocacy specialist.