Google and Vodafone collaborate more in Europe

The European expansion of Vodafone’s partnership with Google in the areas of mobile messaging services, Pixel devices, and Vodafone’s TV platform was announced today.

By utilizing Google Jibe Cloud to power Vodafone’s use of Rich Communications Services, the expanded agreement will make it possible for Vodafone customers to enjoy rich new messaging experiences. In addition, Vodafone customers will be introduced to the Pixel 7 handset as part of the agreement, which will also expand Vodafone functionality for other Pixel categories. In addition, Android TV will become the preferred platform for Vodafone’s television service in nine nations. Google will also be able to take advantage of Vodafone’s 5G and ultra-fast fibre-optic networks more effectively thanks to the expanded agreement.

“Google and Vodafone are teaming up to bring users modern messaging with RCS, an engaging interactive TV experience, and exciting new Android smartphones,” said Hiroshi Lockheimer, Senior Vice President of Platforms and Ecosystems at Google. “We appreciate the partnership with Vodafone and we’re excited to delight our millions of mutual customers across Europe.”

Aldo Bisio, Vodafone Group’s Chief Commercial Officer, added: “Expanding our excellent relationship with Google further will enable us to leverage their technological innovation to provide our consumer and business customers with engaging new experiences built on best-in-class services, all of which will be underpinned by our 5G and Gigafast broadband networks.”

The expanded partnership between Vodafone and Google will encompass three key strategic areas:

Messaging – On all Android devices sold through Vodafone’s carrier sales channels, the default messaging app will be Messages by Google, which is powered by Google’s Jibe Cloud. By supporting the Rich Communication Services (RCS) standard, which is compatible with all Android smartphones, regardless of model or mobile network, Vodafone customers will enjoy interactive modern messaging. Read receipts, enhanced group messaging, encryption for one-on-one chats and support for high-quality photos and videos are all part of this, as is the highest level of data privacy and security. As messaging grows in importance as a means for businesses of all sizes to connect with customers, Vodafone Business customers will also benefit from the expanded relationship with Google. Vodafone’s use of Google’s RCS business messaging platform, which currently serves over 500 million users across the world, will significantly simplify business onboarding and operations, facilitating innovative conversational experiences for services and sales engagement with customers.

Pixel devices – In 2023, Vodafone intends to make Pixel smartphones and wearable devices available in additional markets. With Vodafone’s award-winning 5G coverage, Vodafone mobile customers in these nations will be able to use the fantastic new Pixel 7 phone, Pixel Watch, and Pixel Buds. Through Vodafone’s mobile network and OneNumber service, Google and Vodafone will also significantly enhance the user experience of other connected devices, such as the Pixel Watch.

Vodafone TV – Going forward, Vodafone will use Android TV as its preferred Group-wide set-top box platform for Vodafone TV services. This means that customers will continue to have access to the widest range of entertainment options via VTV and can now use the user-friendly VTV interface to access thousands of Android apps and games.

Your entertainment can be accessed from a single location with Vodafone TV powered by Android TV. You can talk to Google and do more on your TV, and the built-in Chromecast lets you show videos, music, and other content on the big screen.