Damien Saunders

Vodafone has agreed to acquire 100% of ZYB which operates a social networking and online management tool enabling mobile phone users to back-up and share their handsets’ contact and calendar information online.

Source: http://www.vodafone.com/start/media_relations/news/group_press_releases/2007/vodafone_announces5.html

Vodafone has launched its Vodafone Music Manager software for your PC. The new software allows you to browse, buy and play music on your computer. Additionally it will sync or sideload music to your mobile phone.

When you shop, you are buying songs and tracks encoded with Windows DRM, but you are able to copy this to a number of devices and of course burn to CD.

Sideloading is simple -  as the DRM rights object gets sent to your phone when you buy something. Connect your phone to the PC, run the software and select the tracks to copy.

Vodafone Music Manager is currently available in Germany and Italy. You might need to click on the link to Music Manager after confirming you are running windows/internet explorer.

Vodafone today announced it has signed an agreement with Apple to sell the iPhone in ten of its markets around the globe. Later this year, Vodafone customers in Australia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Italy, India, Portugal, New Zealand, South Africa and Turkey will be able to purchase the iPhone for use on the Vodafone network.

Comment: Shows how far technology has come to enable Vodafone users in 14 countries to watch Madonna perform fron New York on their mobile or PC

FROM NEW YORK’S ROSELAND BALLROOM ON 30 APRIL 2008

• Show to be broadcast live on 30 April 2008 from Roseland Ballroom in New York City on Vodafone live! and from www.vodafone.com/music
• Social networking technology will allow customers to chat to other online show goers and change camera angles to capture the atmosphere, excitement and vibe of this unique event
• Vodafone customers will have an opportunity to win tickets to the event and become one of the lucky few to see Madonna perform in person

This has many implications - first is drive awareness of Vodafone Music as not just a ringtones shop and could now help internet usage. This will showcase state of the art technology with a simulcast live on PC and mobile.

The show will also be replayed on mobile for up to 2 weeks and users can join a replay on their PC at specific times and chat to others watching the show.