We’ve seen Samsung’s H2 (I8330) couple of times before and frankly, it has every ingredient to make a good smartphone. However, as it turns out, Vodafone has cancelled the device and apparently, the M2 (I6420) as well.
The main reason is because Vodafone wants to provide its 360 services in many devices and not restrict to those that were developed exclusively by and for the operator. However, we wouldn’t be surprised if Samsung decides launch these devices without any Vodafone or 360 branding.
Vodafone’s core strategy remains to offer the best range of smartphones in all markets in which we compete. We have decided to accelerate our Vodafone 360 services strategy, making 360 services available on as many devices as we can as soon as we can. From now we will be focusing all efforts on expanding the range of handsets and platforms that support Vodafone 360 and in developing and enhancing the suite of Vodafone 360 services. Consequently there will be no further development of bespoke Vodafone 360 handsets, and activity on the H2 ceases with immediate effect.
We have always been clear that Vodafone 360 is about a suite of services, not just about bespoke devices. Our intent was always to provide services across as many handsets as possible on as many platforms. Today Vodafone 360 is available across a wide range of over 100 handsets and on 5 platforms and this will continue to expand going forward.
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