Vodafone and Google, announced a 10-year extension of their partnership to bring new generative AI-powered devices and enhanced cloud services across Europe and Africa.
Under this further strengthened partnership, Vodafone will allow Google's AI-powered Pixel devices to reach even more customers across Europe under the aegis of its fast 5G network.
Moreover, with Google Cloud's generative AI technology, Vodafone will build on its Android TV offerings for the development of content discovery, personalized recommendations, and search functions. Customers will also get more relevant ads as Vodafone will make Google Ad Manager available on its TV platform.
Vodafone's Group CEO Margherita Della Valle said, "Together with Google, Vodafone will introduce new AI-powered content and devices to the hands of millions more customers. Using these services, our customers can discover new ways to learn, create, communicate, and consume TV on a scale we haven't seen before."
"I'm excited about the opportunities this creates," said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet.
"Our deepened partnership with Vodafone will enable us to offer the most advanced AI products and services, such as our Gemini models, to more people in Europe and Africa. I am excited to see how Vodafone's consumers, small businesses, and governments will use generative AI and Google Cloud to transform their ways of working and accessing information".
The partnership aims to deepen Vodafone’s use of Google Cloud’s enterprise AI capabilities through the Vertex AI platform. The crux of this partnership is the development of a new, cloud-native cybersecurity solution for Vodafone's business customers, designed from the Google Cloud Security Operations platform. This will be a real-time detection and response tool against cybersecurity risks.
Vodafone also intends to integrate this technology into its security operations and fortify its network infrastructure and customers further.
Vodafone aims to offer its Google One AI Premium subscription plans by 2025, including Gemini Advanced capabilities. Vodafone will also consider subscription-based YouTube services, with additional photo and video storage, all underpinned by Google Cloud.
Vodafone and Google are preparing to redefine the consumer and business landscape ahead, with Gen AI at its core.