Featured 
As of now, the title of The Facebook Phone was held by the HTC Chacha. Now we have another contender for the title. We reported that Vodafone would be launching a Facebook phone, and today they did just that.
At an event in Mumbai, Kumar Ramanathan, CMO, Vodafone Essar Ltd. launched the Vodafone Blue. He said, “The mobile internet plays a central role in the daily lives of millions of Vodafone customers, many of whom are avid Facebook users. Vodafone Blue is the answer to our youth’s mobile social networking needs. The phone has been designed to let everyone experience the fun of connecting with friends on the go, at a pocket friendly price. With our unique, fully integrated Facebook customization, the Vodafone Blue offers a compelling, out-of-the-box experience.”
The phone hardware was made by Alcatel, but it was the Vodafone design team who crafted it to ensure an acceptable User Experience, said Peter Becker-Penrich, Terminals Marketing Director of Vodafone Group. They wanted the device to do one thing and do it better than anything out there. He said the phone is all about the experience. Interestingly, similar words were said by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos about their Kindle E-Reader. Vodafone considers this device as setting the stage for the mobile internet era.
It should be noted that they had some innovative props. With an entire wall was constructed with real life models behind windows doing activities Facebook users normally do, it was a lively display.
One of India’s main problems is the vast Rural-Urban divide. They aim to bring one-touch-access to the masses in their effort to bridge this Digital Divide. The Vodafone Blue is there first step on this journey. Some statistics were thrown around: 40% Indians are under the age of 19, amounting to 500 Million people.
Here are the specs of the device
All in all it is a pretty impressive package and can be seen as a compelling buy in any country. Now here is the jaw-dropper. It is priced at Rs. 4950/- and users enjoy an entire year of unlimited access to Facebook from the device. We think it has the potential to sell in real numbers to a specific audience.
The device will begin shipping shortly and will be available both from Vodafone stores and from regular retailers. It will not be locked only to Vodafone devices and has no penalty clause for switching operators either.
What do you think of the device? Do you see a market for it now that Android devices are hitting new price points? Do let us know in the comments below!
Recent Comments