The first mobile operators and retailers including the Puma Phone in their portfolio will see the device on sale in Germany, UK, Italy, Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, Romania, Macedonia and Slovenia.
In addition, a first distribution agreement has been inked in the UAE. Reflecting Puma’s long standing commitment to sport in Africa, the Puma Phone will also be carried by operators in Uganda, Madagascar, Kenya, Mauritius, Cameroon, Botswana, Tunisia and Senegal in a first wave of launches.
First unveiled at Mobile World Congress 2010 and now launching this month into key EMEA markets, the Puma Phone combines on-board sports lifestyle features and technology, with a unique user interface and connected services to create a complete Puma experience.
Targeting 18-30 year old subscribers who lead an active lifestyle, the Puma Phone is custom designed to reflect the DNA of the Puma brand.
“Whether it is the Unity Kit at FIFA World Cup 2010 or the groundbreaking yacht design for the Volvo Ocean Race, Puma is unlike any other sport lifestyle company. The Puma Phone is consistent with everything Puma stands for; joy, environmental responsibility and individuality,” said Jochen Zeitz, chairman and CEO of Puma. “Using the device to directly connect with the Puma community through services such as live sports feeds and m-commerce, the Puma Phone delivers not only a rich Puma experience, but uses sustainable technology such as integrated solar that is completely consistent with our mission to become the most desirable and sustainable sport lifestyle company.”
The Puma Phone is an active smartphone combining internet, messaging, and GPS localisation capabilities with solar charging, video calling and Bluetooth photo sharing to create a wearable fashion accessory for the active lifestyle.
The Puma World portal aggregates rich media content services from Puma into a single intuitive and entertaining mobile user experience where users can interact with multimedia content from puma.com, download Puma applications, and access Puma products through m-commerce services.
Thierry Buffenoir, CEO, Sagem Wireless, said: “This step into connected lifestyle devices and services is a strategic move for both Puma and Sagem Wireless, which is reflected in the quality of our operator partners who are joining with us to deliver the Puma Phone. The connected services and m-commerce opportunities will enable mobile operators to create and access new channels for reaching niche communities with highly customised products and services that drive data usage.”
The Puma Phone is available through mobile network operators, select mobile phone retailers and on Puma online store, with additional European and international markets following. The Puma Phone is available SIM-free for ERP of €399, or subsidised by local operators as part of a contract bundle.