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… 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… Continue Reading
HTC takes a European vacation with the G2. Will we see it stateside?
The Mobile World Congress is officially underway in Spain, and one of the biggest stories of the show so far seems to be the complete and utter lack of new phones running Google’s Android mobile platform. While many companies are promising to have their own… Continue Reading
Dexterra raises $21.5M to expand mobile platform, carrier partnerships
Mobile business software provider Dexterra announced today that it scored $21.5 million in sixth round financing from existing investors led by New Enterprise Associates and including Canaan Partners, Intel Capital, Mesirow Financial, Motorola Ventures and Sigma Partners. This brings the company’s total funding to $106.5… Continue Reading
Roundup: Facebook suspends Super Wall, Khosla joins Obama and more
Here’s the latest action:
Facebook suspends RockYou’s Super Wall – The social networking site has turned off the Facebook application’s viral aspects, like invitations and notifications, presumably as part of its efforts to crack down on spammy app activity. RockYou chief executive Lance Tokuda says he’s… Continue Reading
Vodafone acquires mobile social networking startup ZYB
Vodafone has acquired a Danish mobile startup called ZYB for 31.5 million euros ($48.7 million).
ZYB combines a back-up service for your mobile contact and calendar info with social networking tools that allow you to share the info with your friends. Its service also allows you… Continue Reading
The iPhone to go around the world in 80 days (or whenever the 3G version is ready)
The world’s largest mobile phone seller, Vodafone, today announced that it has a deal in place with Apple to sell the iPhone in 10 new markets around the world. These are: Australia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Italy, India, Portugal, New Zealand, South Africa and… Continue Reading
Vodafone, Telefonica select Amobee for mobile ads — fend off Google
Amobee Media Systems, a San Francisco company building advertising technology for large wireless carriers, has won investments from two large carrier groups, Vodafone and Spain’s Telefonica.
The move reflects how Vodafone and Telefonica are taking steps to defend themselves from players like Google and Yahoo, which… Continue Reading
MySpace goes mobile in Europe, with Vodafone
Let the land-grab continue.
The big social networks are looking for ways to reach more people, and they’re having to partner. MySpace.com, the giant social network, will enter the European mobile phone market with an exclusive relationship with Vodafone, they just announced. This comes just… Continue Reading