Days after making public a new content partnership [1] with Google-owned user-generated video site YouTube, Vodafone Group announced a deal with Google itself, teaming with the search giant to develop mobile map and location services. According to Vodafone, the downloadable Java app promises subscribers maps and local listings in addition to local search and navigation capabilities. "Vodafone sees Google Maps as a new milestone in the relationship that both companies are developing," Vodafone global chief marketing officer Frank Rovekamp said in a prepared statement. "It is a prime example of how Vodafone, through its location service and distribution scale, can complement Google's products and unlock mass-market access to exciting services."
Vodafone first announced plans to add Google search to its deck at 3GSM 2006, rolling out service in the Hungarian market late last year with plans to launch in other European markets throughout the remainder of 2007.
For more on the latest Vodafone/Google deal:
- read this MobileToday article [2]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercemobilecontent.com/story/vodafone-inks-european-deal-with-youtube/2007-02-09
[2] http://www.mobiletoday.co.uk/content/15716.asp?men=2&sub=6