Vodafone unveiled the Webbox, a keyboard that plugs into a TV to bring internet access to the home screen. The product is aimed at emerging markets where cost and technology barriers may limit access to broadband services. Vodafone's subsidiary Vodacom will launch the Webbox first in South Africa, and the device will roll out to other Vodafone emerging markets later this year. The 14x25cm qwerty keyboard plugs in to the TV with a RCA cable and connects to the internet over the mobile network. A home screen provides access to the Opera Mini 5.1 web browser, SMS and e-mail, and media services such as a FM radio, photo gallery and music player. The browser also links to locally relevant apps such as sports and social network sites and a job search service, as well as games, a dictionary and a basic text editor. The Webbox launches 15 February at selected Vodacom outlets for ZAR 749 including VAT. The offer includes a 2GIG SD Card, a prepaid SIM card and 100MB of data valid for three months. It will also be available on a 24-month contract soon, Vodacom said.
