Vodafone has landed the next Google Android phone from
manufacturer HTC on an exclusive basis.
A
deal was confirmed at the GSMA Mobile World Congress today, and
sees Vodafone make further ground on rival operators.
O2 sells Apple's iPhone, and T-Mobile sells the first version of
the Google Android device, in both instances on an exclusive
basis.
Orange has also just agreed to sell the latest Windows
Mobile-driven smartphones. Although Vodafone sells the new Rim
BlackBerry Storm on an exclusive basis, that device still has not
captivated the market like the iPhone.
Getting the latest version of the Android device is seen as a
coup by Vodafone, and T-Mobile will be left asking what it has done
wrong.
The new HTC Magic Android smartphone will be available in the
spring, said Vodafone.
Pricing has to be confirmed, although potential customers can
pre-register for the device.
The handset is exclusive to Vodafone in the UK, Spain, Germany
and France, and available on a non-exclusive basis in Italy.
"The introduction of the HTC Magic is the result of a successful
relationship between Vodafone and HTC, and Vodafone's joining, late
last year, of the Open Handset Alliance," said Vodafone.
The Alliance promotes open standards for smartphone development
and customer operation.
The tablet-style device will be available in white in the UK,
Spain and France, black in Germany and in both colours in
Italy.
"Delivering an unbeatable mobile internet experience for our
customers is a priority for Vodafone, so we are very excited to be
introducing our first Android-powered smartphone in the spring,"
said Patrick Chomet, global director of terminals at Vodafone
Group.
"The announcement of the HTC Magic is an important step for
Android and the Open Handset Alliance," said Andy Rubin, senior
director of mobile platforms at Google. "With it, Vodafone is
opening up the mobile web for consumers across Europe and giving
more third-party developers a platform on which they can build the
next wave of killer applications."
The HTC Magic has a 3.2" QVGA touch-screen display and features
a trackball and navigational buttons for quick, easy access. The
HTC Magic includes a variety of e-mail options such as Google Mail,
POP3 and IMAP, as well as Google Talk for instant messaging.