Blyk and Vodafone: Possible partners of convenience in mobile ads?
Some business models are so implausible that it’s only a matter of time before they implode, or search for a crutch — as is the case for British company Blyk, a “free” mobile virtual network operator (basically a reseller of minutes bought wholesale from long distance companies) with an advertising-only revenue model. Today, reports emerged that the company is planning to shutter its retail operations in favor of offering its service through other mobile operators… Continue Reading
T-Mobile’s runs into trouble in the U.K.
Deutsche Telekom’s T-Mobile has banked on being the first operator to launch the much-hyped Google Android phone. But that strategy’s falling short for at least one of its subsidiaries. Today, Deutsche Telekom reported that its mobile division lost $849 million, including a write-down of $2.4 billion in assets at T-Mobile U.K.
This performance does nothing to dispel rumors that T-Mobile U.K. may be put up for sale. The operator has yet to confirm anything, but sources… Continue Reading
Android attack continues: Skytone Netbook to cost $250, Samsung i7500 confirmed
Everyone has been waiting for the wave of Google Android-based phones and devices to arrive, and here they come.
This week, we’ll see the second Android phone, the G2, launch in Germany.
Now we’re getting news that a bunch of other Android devices will hit the market soon. The most exciting is the first Android netbook, called the Alpha 680 (pictured left). Made by China’s Skytone, it will cost $250. It will run on an ARM chip,… Continue Reading
O2 Germany alone has 6 to 8 Android phones planned this year
Basic Thinking, the recently sold “German TechCrunch” quotes an O2 product manager saying that “we want to get out 6 to 8 Android devices this year.” (the post is in German). The quote was made yesterday at an official press conference at the O2 Innovation Days 2009 in Munich, Germany.
O2 Germany is a subsidiary of Open Handset Alliance (OHA) member Telefonica — the world’s third largest carrier with over 220 million subscribers. The remark is… Continue Reading