14 DAY TRIAL // Virgin Mobile USA announced the launch of a new service that allows users to backup their contact information found in the cell phone's address book. Currently available on the Switch_Back or Cyclops handsets, Contact Vault enables users to store, retrieve, delete and transfer their phone's contacts list in the event the handset is lost, stolen, damaged or upgraded.
Contact Vault can be accessed directly from the mobile phone via the Virgin XL menu or from the Internet at Virgin Mobile's website. After subscribing to the service, all users need to do to get started is download the application to the handset.
Users can configure Contact Vault to synchronize the two personal contacts lists on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. The service automatically updates contacts, phone numbers and instant messaging buddy lists the moment they are added or changed on the user's phone. In addition, Contact Vault offers other useful features such as the ability to import contact information from Microsoft Outlook and Yahoo! Mail. Customers using the Switch_Back or Cyclops also have the option to share selected information from their address books with friends who are Virgin Mobile customers, allowing them to easily transfer instant messaging buddies, email addresses and phone numbers. Contact Vault also includes a security feature which can delete all contacts from the handset in case it is lost or stolen. The contacts can then be restored on any handset that supports Contact Vault.
"Virgin Mobile determines what products and services to introduce through close dialogue with our customers, and we know the ability to save, store and transfer contacts is a valuable and appealing concept," said Howard Handler, chief marketing officer, Virgin Mobile USA. "A feature like our new Contact Vault is a valuable addition that makes mobile phone use that much easier and convenient."
Contact Vault is available to Virgin Mobile customers for a subscription cost of $1.99 per month, which includes unlimited use of the service.