Tech Shout!

Vodafone has announced that it plans to work with Google, to develop a location-based version of Google Maps for mobile phones. This soon-to-be launched service is expected to offer customers in selected markets easy-to-use maps as well as local listings, local search and navigation tools. The mobile phone giant also announced plans to launch a Vodafone-branded mobile-based international money transfer service. Read on to find out more about these soon-to-be launched services.

Just last week, Vodafone tied up with YouTube to offer its mobile customers a YouTube Mobile service, which allows them to view and upload videos on to YouTube via their mobile devices.

The Vodafone service in partnership with Google will be available for download free of cost as a Java application. This Google Maps service for mobile devices will allow users to browse through maps and listings of local restaurants as well as other attractions and services.

According to Frank Rovekamp, Global Chief Marketing Officer of Vodafone, “Vodafone sees Google Maps as a new milestone in the relationship that both companies are developing. It is a prime example of how Vodafone, through its location service and distribution scale, can complement Google’s products and unlock mass-market access to exciting services.”

Google’s Nikesh Arora, vice president of Europe, Middle East and Africa operations, said: “Our goal as a company is to help people find information they’re looking for, so giving Vodafone customers the chance to find out where they are going while on the move is a very important step.”

The second service that Vodafone plans to launch is in partnership with Citigroup, which will allow money to be transferred internationally from person to person using mobile technology. The service will initially be launched in Kenya, with other countries lined up for the future.

According to Vodafone, the system was “set to greatly assist the flow of funds from migrant workers back to their families.”

When a payment is made the recipient is notified of the transfer using two text messages - one containing an alert and the other a secure PIN number. The recipient can then use the text messages in a bank or with an in-country mobile network provider to redeem their cash after answering a series of security questions.

Although the person sending the cash must use the Vodafone network, the recipient can be on any network or go to any bank to redeem the funds.