Vodafone UK launches iPhone, custom apps
updated 09:30 am EST, Thu January 14, 2010
Carrier expects 50,000 in first-day sales
Vodafone has launched its version of the iPhone in the UK, where it expects to sell roughly 50,000 devices on the first day, according to CEO Guy Laurence. The amount is based on the number of pre-orders the company has received, which if translated one-for-one will easily beat Orange UK, which moved approximately 30,000 units in initial iPhone sales. Snow and ice is said to be hampering deliveries however, even around the company's UK headquarters in Newbury. "Local roads are treacherous and most villages and outlying areas remain inaccessible," the company says.
The carrier is meanwhile releasing two custom iPhone apps. The first, 360 People Sync, lets people transfer contacts from one of nearly 500 other phones to the iPhone. The download is free, and contacts are backed up and synced regardless of provider, Vodafone notes.
The other app is Vodafone Navigation. Users gain access to turn-by-turn navigation in the UK, with voice directions and speed camera warnings. The app is currently free, but after April will cost £3 per month for the duration of a contract, or £5 on a month-by-month basis. Access to maps of Western Europe costs another £5 per month. The app must be used in conjunction with a Vodafone SIM card.
