Vodafone presents hardware innovations at IFA
New smartphones and tablets with LTE technology Smartphones go prepaid – over 1 million CallYa Smartphone Fun customers
Düsseldorf/Berlin, 30 August 2012. Vodafone Germany will be showcasing the latest hardware trends next week at IFA 2012 in Berlin. The spotlight is firmly on hardware that supports 4G LTE technology. Vodafone currently provides LTE products and services in 67 towns and cities. The new additions to the hardware portfolio reflect the undiminished smartphone boom. According to the BITKOM association, consumers have bought around 23 million smartphones this year - which is 43 percent more than last year. Low-cost starter models such as the Vodafone Smart II or the Vodafone Smart Tab II, which is due to be launched in autumn, are on display at the Vodafone stand alongside the high-performance 4G and 3G hardware. Smartphones are also a growing trend in the prepaid segment. The popular Vodafone 858 Smart has persuaded over 1 million Vodafone customers to date to subscribe to the CallYa Smartphone Fun prepaid smartphone tariff. Just a few weeks ago Vodafone launched the Vodafone 858 Smart’s successor, Vodafone Smart II, to meet the continued high demand.
New LTE hardware for the Vodafone high-speed network One of the highlights at the fair is the Samsung Galaxy S III LTE. Thanks to LTE it can achieve downlink rates of over 50 mbps in the Vodafone network. The smartphone features a 1.4 GHz quad core processor and has optional internal memory of 16, 32 or 64 GB. This means that even applications requiring high processing power can be used without any limitations. The 4.8 inch HD super AMOLED display delivers sharp and clear photos and websites. An 8 megapixel camera, GPS, Wi-Fi and NFC round off the premium features of this smartphone. The Galaxy S III LTE will be available from all Vodafone shops in mid-October. No information on price is currently available. In addition to the LTE smartphone Vodafone also has a new LTE-capable tablet - the Asus TF 700 KL LTE - on display at the IFA. This Asus tablet boasts a 10.1 inch
Vodafone D2 GmbH, Corporate Communications Am Seestern 1, D-40547 Düsseldorf, T + 49 (0) 211/533-5500, F + 49 (0) 211/533-2154 [email protected], www.vodafone-deutschland.de
display with 1,920 x 1,200 pixel resolution and an 8 megapixel camera. It is one of the thinnest tablets available at only 9 millimetres and can be used as a notebook with an optional keyboard dock. The Asus TF 700 KL LTE is now available for EUR 819.90 (EUR 169.90 in conjunction with a data tariff) from all Vodafone shops.
3G UMTS smartphones – impressive even without LTE In mid-September Vodafone will be adding another model to its Xperia range, the Sony Xperia miro. This slimline 3G smartphone has a 3.5 inch display and a built-in 5 megapixel digital camera. Unique illuminations notify the user of incoming messages and social media updates. The Sony Xperia go is already available for EUR 259.90 and the Sony Xperia tipo for EUR 119.90. RIM is launching the new BlackBerry Curve 9320 at the IFA - a smartphone for social networkers. It incorporates all the key BlackBerry social communication and messaging services so that users can keep up with their friends. The BlackBerry Curve 9320 costs EUR 209.90.
Tablets to go At the IFA 2012 Vodafone will be previewing two new Vodafone branded tablets, both of which are due to go on sale in autumn. The Vodafone Smart Tab II will be available with a 7 or 10 inch display. Both versions are equipped with an Android 4.0 operating system, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and a MicroSD card slot. The Vodafone Smart Tab II7 has an integrated UMTS modem that achieves data rates of up to 7.2 mbps. It features a 1 GHz processor and a 4 GB internal memory. The 7 inch display has a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels. The Vodafone Smart Tab II10 operates with a 1.5 GHz dual core processor. It achieves downlink speeds of up to 21 mbps in the Vodafone UMTS network and has up to 16 GB of internal memory. The tablet can be connected up to a click-on keyboard for an authentic notebook experience. The prices of the Vodafone tablets will be announced prior to the launch.
Vodafone D2 GmbH, Corporate Communications Am Seestern 1, D-40547 Düsseldorf, T + 49 (0) 211/533-5500, F + 49 (0) 211/533-2154 [email protected], www.vodafone-deutschland.de
The Asus TF 300 T is another new 3G tablet that will be available from Vodafone in the near future. It weighs only 635 grams and is perfect for uncomplicated mobile working thanks to a keyboard dock and additional battery. The Asus TF 300 T costs EUR 629.90 (prices start at EUR 39.90 with a data tariff).
Prepaid smartphone and senior citizen’s camera phone for under EUR 100 There is also high demand for inexpensive smartphones in the prepaid market. This is a clear indication that prepaid customers want to share in the smartphone experience. Vodafone was very successful in marketing its Vodafone 858 Smart and now has over 1 million customers subscribing to its CallYa Smartphone Fun prepaid tariff - and the market is nowhere near saturated. Just a few weeks ago Vodafone launched the Vodafone 858 Smart’s successor, Vodafone Smart II, to satisfy growth in demand. It has a 3.2 inch touchscreen display, a 3.2 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi and GPS. At EUR 99.90 it is less expensive than any other Android smartphone with the same features.
The Emporia CLICK is now available from Vodafone. This clamshell phone has large keys and is very easy to use. It also features a special emergency call button on the back. If the user presses this button up to five telephone numbers that the user has programmed into the phone are dialled in sequence. The Emporia CLICK costs EUR 89.90 and is available from all Vodafone shops.
Visit Vodafone at the IFA 2012 Hall 18, Stand 101. All Vodafone press releases, photos, videos and audio material are published in the press section on www.vodafone-deutschland.de.
Press contact: Thorsten Höpken +49 (0) 211 533-5597 +49 (0) 211 533-5500
Vodafone D2 GmbH, Corporate Communications Am Seestern 1, D-40547 Düsseldorf, T + 49 (0) 211/533-5500, F + 49 (0) 211/533-2154 [email protected], www.vodafone-deutschland.de
Vodafone Germany is one of the largest and most modern telecommunications providers in Europe. It realises turnover of more than nine billion euros and has 12,000 employees. Based in Düsseldorf, Vodafone Germany is a one-stop innovative and integrated technology and service provider with a portfolio including mobile communications, fixed network telephony, internet and broadband data services for business and private customers. Continuous development, numerous patents and investments in new products, services and the modern network have made Vodafone an innovation leader in the German telecommunications market. In July 2011, the Stiftung Warentest consumer organisation tested all four of the German network operators’ networks and gave the Vodafone network the quality rating of ‘Good’ (2.4). Vodafone is committed to CSR. The German Vodafone Foundation is a socio-political think tank that initiates and supports numerous projects in the fields of education, integration and social mobility. The company is part of the Vodafone Group. Visit the website at www.vodafone-deutschland.de for further information.
Vodafone D2 GmbH, Corporate Communications Am Seestern 1, D-40547 Düsseldorf, T + 49 (0) 211/533-5500, F + 49 (0) 211/533-2154 [email protected], www.vodafone-deutschland.de