Akoo debuts location-aware content app

Location-aware media solutions developer Akoo International announced the release of an m-Venue application enabling consumers to use their mobile handsets as "remote controls" to activate in-store entertainment and marketing. According to Akoo, the app allows mobile users to search, select and activate songs, music videos, sports highlights, user-generated content and related programming for shared public performance over standard audio/video systems. The m-Venue library includes content licensed from providers like Universal Music Group--subscribers may identify and tag music for subsequent purchase via premium digital storefronts such as Apple's iTunes, and earn and redeem loyalty and rewards points via handset. Each m-Venue interaction simultaneously captures consumer usage and behavioral data, promising retailers insight to launch targeted marketing messages, mobile coupons and incentives at the point-of-sale and after consumers exit participating locations.

"m-Venue supports Steve Jobs' vision of extending the iPhone's capabilities through innovative third-party applications, as expressed during WWDC 07, while addressing retailers and brand marketers' need to engage consumers at the critical point-of-sale, or 'moment of truth,' in more targeted and measurable ways," said Niko Drakoulis, Akoo CEO. "Mobile devices such as the iPhone are a catalyst for the growth of social networking and real-time consumer-to-brand interactivity in public venues."

For more on m-Venue:
- read this release

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Akoo, Universal Music partner on location-based service