The global mobile industry leaders consortium, LiMo Foundation, announced today the launch of Vodafone 360 Samsung M1, the second handset powered by the LiMo Platform Release 2 (R2). The new device is set to provide users with a great deal of capabilities, including the feature-rich, highly customizable Vodafone 360 user interface, fast access to Internet services, and to communications and entertainment features. The mobile phone follows the launch of Vodafone 360 Samsung H1, but addresses a wider range of customers, sporting a lower price and new features.

“LiMo’s independent platform and governance constructs were established to foster the type of collaboration that is evidenced in this second Vodafone 360 device from Samsung, which brings a deeply customized and highly compelling Vodafone 360 experience to a broader range of mobile consumers,” said Morgan Gillis, Executive Director, LiMo Foundation. “These first R2 handsets from Vodafone and Samsung mark the beginning of an exciting period of broad market adoption led by LiMo’s global operators that will usher in a highly-interactive and trusted mobile internet experience for mobile consumers around the globe.”

The specifications list of the new handset includes HSDPA 3.6 Mbps 2100 and EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900 frequency options, the Linux OS (2.6.24) LiMo R2.0.1 operating system, a 3.2-inch WQVGA display, a 3-megapixel photo snapper with digital zoom and fixed focus, media player with support for MPEG4 / H.263/ H.264, Divx, Xvid, WMV /and VGA 15fps recording and for MP3, AAC, AAC+, AAC+(e), WMA, AMR audio files, GPS receiver, Bluetooth 2.0 / USB 2.0 connectivity options, 1GB of internal memory, MicroSD memory card slot with support for up to 32GB of additional storage space, and a 1500mAh battery, all packed inside a device that measures 55.4 x 112 x 13.4 mm.

The fresh Vodafone 360 Samsung M1 comes towards mass-market consumers with both cost and technology values, as its LiMo R2 Platform reaches a market segment previously locked for the smartphones market, the Foundation stated. The handset comes with a sophisticated design, an easy-to-use 3D user interface, and an affordable price tag. According to the LiMo Foundation, it is only one of the handsets that will reach the market with LiMo R2 on board during this year and the next one. The total number of mobile phones powered by LiMo has reached 44 with this release, the Foundation added.

“One reason Vodafone has chosen to launch our Vodafone 360 service strategy on the LiMo Platform is because it enables us to work within the LiMo ecosystem to bring high-caliber devices and innovative services to our customers,” said Patrick Chomet, Vodafone Group Director of Terminals, and a founder director of LiMo Foundation. “The Vodafone 360 Samsung M1 will revolutionize the way that a broader segment of Vodafone customers access their favorite mobile and social media services through a sleek and user-friendly handset.”