Russian tech giant Yandex launches its first smartphone

Russian internet company, Yandex, has released its very first smartphone.

Named Yandex.Phone, the device is the first phone that’s fully powered by Yandex’s intelligent assistant, Alice.

Using AI, Yandex says the smartphone delivers a “highly personalised mobile experience based on the users’ location routine, and their usage pattern.”

The Android-powered smartphone will be sold in Russia and will feature Yandex’s own maps, weather and GPS apps.

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“Yandex.Phone is built to offer Russian users a smartphone equipped with all the localized tools needed for users to navigate their daily routines,” says Fedor Yezhov, Corporate Vice President of Ecosystem Products at Yandex.

“Users can interact with Alice and the most widely used Yandex applications in a new way on this phone.

“Fully integrated into the phone, Alice provides users with comprehensive access to Yandex apps. It’s not necessary to open individual apps to solve a task - just ask Alice.”

The Yandex.Phone runs Android 9.1 and sports a Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of expandable storage as well as a 16-megapixel / 5-megapixel dual rear camera.

The 5.65-inch phone will costs 17,909 rubles ($270) when it goes on sale.

In May, the Russian firm launched its own smart speaker called the Yandex Station.

Earlier this year, Yandex also completed a deal to merger its ride-sharing business with Uber's Russian arm.