Final answer:
Zindle, an American smartphone manufacturer targeting children under ten with free games and applications, is using an 'age and life-cycle segmentation' strategy, which caters to the specific needs and interests of different age groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
The marketing approach described in the scenario is reflective of an age and life-cycle segmentation. This type of market segmentation involves dividing a market into different age groups and offering products or services that suit the specific needs and interests of those age groups. In this case, Zindle, a smartphone-manufacturing firm, is targeting children below the age of ten by providing free games and applications. Such a strategy recognizes that the consumer needs and wants evolve as they go through different stages of life, starting from childhood to retirement. This segmentation is particularly useful for products that are age-specific such as toys for children, financial services for adults, or healthcare products for seniors.
By zoning in on the under-ten demographic, Zindle is tapping into a market segmentation strategy that aligns product offerings specifically with the preferences and behaviors associated with young children. This differs from other forms of segmentation like geographic, which divides the market based on location, or gender, which separates the market along male and female lines.