Vodafone Essar has collaborated with Facebook to launch the Vodafone Blue handset. Vodafone Blue offers users popular social networking functions, from status updates to sharing a photo, and is priced at Rs 4,950.

The Vodafone Blue packs in a QWERTY keypad, an optical track pad, a QVGA screen, offers access to mobile internet and supports the Opera 5 browser. Other features include a 2 megapixel camera with flash, Bluetooth technology and 16 GB of expandable memory.

Speaking at the launch, Kumar Ramanathan, CMO, Vodafone Essar said, “The mobile internet plays a central role in the daily lives of millions of Vodafone customers, many of whom are avid Facebook users. Vodafone Blue is the answer to our youth’s mobile social networking needs. The phone has been designed to let everyone experience the fun of connecting with friends on the go, at a pocket friendly price. With our fully integrated Facebook customization, the Vodafone Blue offers a compelling, out-of-the-box experience.”

Commenting on the launch of the phone, Henri Moissinac, head, mobile business, Facebook said, “Facebook wants to make every phone social and Vodafone has taken the integration of Facebook to the next level with the Vodafone Blue”.