DUBLIN, Ireland-Vodafone has unveiled the latest stage in its data strategy. Vodafone Live is a menu of services accessible from camera phones, which will allow customers to receive and send picture messages, downloads games and ring tones, and send and receive voice and text messages (including e-mail).
The service will be available initially over General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), although the company hopes to roll out something similar over third generation (3G).
“We have changed our focus from selling technology-based solutions to selling end-to-end applications that customers want. We are now in a position to bring our customers a whole range of new applications, services and content that are affordable and easy to use,” said Paul Donovan, chief executive officer (CEO) of Vodafone Ireland.
The timing of the launch is no doubt designed at least in part to capitalize on anticipated sales of messaging-ready mobile handsets in the run up to Christmas, which would also explain the consumer focus.
Donovan added the company would soon introduce the Mobile Office solution for its corporate customers.
Vodafone Live has been launched simultaneously in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Ireland. Australia, Greece and New Zealand will follow early next year.
