User Generated Content

Millennials to spearhead mobile social networking

Fri, 30 May 2008 06:59:57 -0400

So-called "Millennials" are driving mobile social networking according to a new report issued by market research firm In-Stat, which points to blogging, photo and video sharing, location-based socialization services, games and messaging as elements that will combine to create a complete social networking experience from a handset application. In-Stat forecasts that nearly 30 million U.S. Millennials will subscribe to mobile social networking services by 2012--in the short term, the firm anticipates social network ad revenues of $1.5 billion. In-Stat points to Apple's iPhone as the device that shifted mobile user expectations by enabling the least tech-savvy consumers to surf the mobile web, download music and record videos.

For more on the In-Stat report:
- read this release

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Forecast: Mobile Web 2.0 revs to $22B by 2012

Wed, 14 May 2008 06:59:55 -0400

Total global revenues for Mobile Web 2.0 services like social networking, user-generated content, mobile search and IM will increase to $22.4 billion by 2013, up from current $5.5 billion profits, according to a new forecast issued by market analysis firm Juniper Research. Crediting the growth to the evolution of UGC and the social web--which the report anticipates will increase from $1.8 billion worldwide in 2008 to $11.2bn in 2013, representing 50 percent of the combined Mobile Web 2.0 market--Juniper said service revenues will yield the majority of the segment's profits, although the mobile advertising opportunity is significant. The Far East and China, Western Europe and North America are expected to dominate the global Mobile Web 2.0 market in its initial stages, although Juniper added that developing regions will take the lead over the course of the forecast period. Potential roadblocks: Weaving together a badly fragmented marketplace, and overcoming regulatory concerns over privacy and data retention.

For more on the Juniper forecast:
- read this release

Related article:
Mobile social networking tops 4 million users in U.S.

Volkswagen drives multi-platform polling campaign

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:59:57 -0400

Automaker Volkswagen of America announced a national polling effort embracing media, technology and user-generated content in support of its new global brand platform Das Auto. According to Volkswagen, the campaign--launched in conjunction with public opinion research firm GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media--enables consumers to engage in live online and mobile polling to determine "what the people want," the fundamental message of the Das Auto effort; website visitors can click to see real-time results from an array of opinion polls, vote "yes" or "no" on a multitude of topics, share polls with friends and suggest additional polls. An interactive Times Square display will enable consumers to participate in live polling via the ABC SuperSign technology, which promises two-way dialogue with passersby via SMS.

"Volkswagen has a rich heritage as part of American popular culture and a deep personal connection with its customers," said Volkswagen of America vice president of marketing Tim Ellis in a prepared statement. "It's what the people want is a way of keeping in touch with what matters to people today. Through this campaign, we offer a unique way for consumers to interface with the brand by providing an interactive platform for their thoughts and opinions to be seen and heard on a global stage."

For more on the Volkswagen campaign:
- read this release

Nokia does the right thing with Spike Lee

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 06:59:58 -0400

Nokia announced a multimedia film production initiative in association with celebrated director Spike Lee. The handset giant's Nokia Productions division will team with Lee to create a social film generated from user-generated mobile content--according to Nokia, the project will spotlight "the way music tells the story of humanity," with Lee directing the film digitally via the Nokia Productions website while guiding and critiquing submissions as they are entered. Online assistant directors will additionally assist participants in revising and reposting their entries for consideration. Lee will select the winning entries integrated into the final film.

Contestants can submit original content consisting of text, music, video or images in any combination through August 21 at http://www.nokiaproductions.com. The final collaborative film will premiere this fall at Club Nokia in Los Angeles. "The future of filmmaking is changing and mobile-generated art is fast becoming the next medium for film," Lee said in a prepared statement. "In five years, I believe we will be watching films in movie theaters that have been shot on a mobile phone. Today, with state-of-the-art multimedia devices like what Nokia has to offer, you are seeing firsthand the democratization of film. Aspiring filmmakers no longer have to go to film school to make great work. With a simple mobile phone, almost anyone can now become a filmmaker."

For more on the Nokia/Spike Lee project:
- read this release

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Nokia to officially launch Mosh in June
Nokia: UGC to account for 25% of entertainment

Nokia to officially launch Mosh in June

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 06:59:59 -0400

Nokia announced its Mosh user-generated content effort will shed its beta tag and formally go live in June. Mosh--a.k.a. "Mobilize and Share"--emerged last summer, just weeks after Nokia acquired personal media sharing platform provider Twango; touted as the first mobile social network created by a handset maker, the mobile website promises to bridge the gap between mobile and PC social networking, enabling users to upload, share, collect and download a variety of personal and premium media. According to Mosh project leader George Linardos, the beta site has drawn significant interest from developers and consumers alike, drawing 12 million to 15 million unique users since August--an average of 100,000 visitors and 175,000 to 200,000 downloads a day.

"Mosh isn't about moving the revenue needle--it is about finding the things that will," Linardos told Dow Jones Newswires, declining to comment on the site's sales but forecasting it will break even by late 2009. Linardos added that Nokia is presently exploring different Mosh revenue models, including mobile web ads delivered via its Nokia Interactive division--the handset giant also plans to introduce Spotlight, a new program enabling advertisers to pay for brand placement within designated services and games. Also in the works: free, ad-supported mobile games delivering different pop-up ads each time a player initiates gameplay. "Nokia is making a big bet on evolving," Linardos said. "Mosh is out in front of that."

For more on Mosh's future:
- read this Dow Jones article

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Nokia introduces mobile wallet phone

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:59:56 -0400

Handset giant Nokia introduced the Nokia 6212 classic, a new 3G handset featuring integrated Near Field Communication technologies enabling users to share content and access services as well as conduct payments and ticketing transactions. According to Nokia, travel tickets may be charged over the air, eliminating waits at service counters--users can securely store their credit card info on the 6212 classic and access accounts directly from the handset. A single tap on an NFC-enabled tag also enables users to receive new content like weblinks, audio files or contact data--they may also activate profiles and open applications including FM radio or web browsing. Photos and videos may be easily shared by tapping another NFC-capable phone and pairing with a Bluetooth NFC-enabled device. The Nokia 6212 classic is expected to start shipping in the third quarter in selected European and Asian markets.

For more on the Nokia 6212 classic:
- read this release

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CBS launches citizen journalism site

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 06:59:55 -0400

CBS quietly launched Cbseyemobile.com, a new citizen journalism effort enabling viewers to upload video and still images of headline-worthy events from their mobile phones. CBS soft-launched the mobile service last week, encouraging users to submit content via email or MMS shortcode--for now, additional interactive features are scarce, and limited largely to user comments and story rankings. Cbseyemobile.com follows in the tradition of other citizen journalism efforts, most notably CNN's iReport--according to CBS, the service is primarily soliciting breaking news, weather, sports and political content.

For more on Cbseyemobile.com:
- read this Journalism.co.uk article

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Raketu unveils new social networking app

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 06:59:55 -0400

Internet communications, information, and entertainment firm Raketu announced a new mobile social networking application enabling users to contribute, share and interact regardless of device. According to Raketu, the Mobile Social Networking app fuses desktop, web-based and mobile social networking with advanced communications features into a single service and single account, enabling users to post blogs, bulletins and comments, upload pictures and video content, create custom profiles and share and interact with other users either through via IM, text or voice. "Many of our users approached Raketu to provide a way to contribute content, create and participate in blogs and bulletins, and to share opinions, pictures, and videos from any device, so that no matter what mobile or desktop device they were using, they could access and interact with their social network," said Raketu president and CEO Greg Parker in a prepared statement. "The new Raketu Social Networking does just that--enables any Internet-connected device to actively participate, share and communicate, in real time."

For more on Raketu's Mobile Social Networking app:
- read this release

Samsung to embed new CNN mobile news app

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 06:59:58 -0400

Handset maker Samsung Electronics announced an agreement with media giant Turner Broadcasting System to embed multimedia news content from CNN International on a range of mobile devices. Promising one-click access to CNN news output, the Java-based application enables users to prioritize favorite categories and view hourly on-demand CNN World News Now video headlines--in addition, a 360-degree globe and interactive maps enable users to search more than a thousand international cities for detailed five-day weather forecasts. Mobile users may also submit iReports to CNN's citizen journalism website. Samsung will host the new CNN mobile service on handsets distributed across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, launching the initiative via the Samsung G810.

For more on the Samsung/CNN deal:
- read this release

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Mobicious unveils SnapMyLife

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 06:59:55 -0400

Mobile content directory Mobicious launched SnapMyLife, a new mobile social media site enabling users to instantly share photos snapped on camera phones. According to Mobicious, SnapMyLife promises instant web and mobile web uploads via MMS or e-mail, bolstered by content sharing, real-time alerts and photo messages, and related personalized entertainment. Mobicious said that during 90 days of pre-launch trials, SnapMyLife added roughly 1,000 new users each day, in March 2008 serving over 4 million page views to 500,000 unique visitors from more than 180 countries.

For more on SnapMyLife:
- read this release

WorldTV teams with Qik for cross-platform video

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:59:55 -0400

Online video service provider WorldTV announced a partnership with mobile video streaming technology firm Qik that enables both companies' subscribers to share real-time content streams via customized WorldTV channels. Qik users may now send live feeds from their mobile devices for broadcast on their personal WorldTV channel--Qik subscribers may also incorporate archived videos to their WorldTV channels and highlight favorite clips ranging from vacations, sporting events, weddings and concerts.

For more on the WorldTV/Qik deal:
- read this release

Nokia premieres Mobile Filmmaking Awards

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 07:59:55 -0400

Nokia announced the launch of its 2008 Nokia Mobile Filmmaking Awards, encouraging contestants to upload their user-generated shorts to the handset giant's Share on Ovi free media sharing service. Nokia is mounting the contest in collaboration with Pangea Day, an event created by documentary filmmaker Jehane Noujaim to connect people via film in an effort to encourage viewers to consider the world from someone else's perspective. Consumers who register via Nokia's Ovi mobile web portal may vote to select five finalists, who will have their videos screened during the Pangea Day broadcast event May 10 and win a trip to the live Pangea Day broadcast site in Los Angeles.A panel of professional judges including Noujaim and pop musician Dave Stewart will select a grand prize winner who will also receive a production budget to record their trip to SoCal.

Contestants may submit their 2008 Nokia Mobile Filmmaking Awards entries through April 15. To be eligible for consideration, each short must clock in under two minutes and focus on one of the following themes: Acts of kindness, inspirational figures, the best part of the day or something that makes you smile. "This competition is a great way for anyone in the world to get involved in the global Pangea Day event and increases awareness for how converged mobile devices and services are helping to connect people of diverse backgrounds," said Nokia Entertainment and Communities executive vice president Tero Ojanpera in a prepared statement.

For more on the 2008 Nokia Mobile Filmmaking Awards:
- read this release

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Gizmoz scores $6.5 million in Series B

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 07:59:55 -0400

Social expression and user-generated media service Gizmoz announced the completion of a $6.5 million Series B financing round led by DoCoMo Capital, with additional funding from ngi capital, Benchmark Capital and Columbia Capital. Gizmoz said the funding is earmarked to extend its expansion into the Asian market, beginning with Japan. The Gizmoz service enables consumers to create, customize, animate and share photorealistic 3D talking characters and videos for communication across social networking platforms--partners include AOL.

For more on the Gizmoz financing:
- read this release

FunMobility scoops up Moblastic

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 07:59:55 -0400

Wireless community and media services provider FunMobility announced its acquisition of mobile social applications developer Moblastic. Financial terms were not disclosed. Moblastic's proprietary technology combines photo editing with mobile social networking services, enabling users to share, exchange and customize user-generated content on handsets and PCs; the firm also boasts a live Facebook application and mobile slideshow tech. According to FunMobility, the deal will help expedite its entrance into the direct-to-consumer space, bolstering fledgling products like PhotoFun and MyShow: "Moblastic's technology will dovetail nicely into these launches, as well as a few other products we have in development that will be released in the coming months," said FunMobility CEO Adam Lavine in a prepared statement.

For more on the FunMobility/Moblastic deal:
- read this release

Related article:
FunMobility acquires InfoSpace Media Studios

NewBay Software scores $4.9 million in Series B

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 06:59:55 -0500

Digital lifestyle solutions provider NewBay Software announced the completion of a $4.9 million Series B financing round led by Fidelity Ventures, with participation by existing investor Balderton Capital. According to NewBay, the funds will accelerate its global expansion plans as well as enable the firm to explore acquisition opportunities and increase investment in R&D. NewBay's LifeCache product suite powering user-generated mobile content/social networking services including T-Mobile USA MyAlbum, Orange Photography, Vodafone MyCommunities and O2 Bebo.

For more on the NewBay financing:
- read this release

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Pelago tunes up Whrrl for Noise Pop 2008

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:59:56 -0500

Consumer technology solutions developer Pelago announced its new mobile social discovery service Whrrl will serve as the official web and mobile sponsor of this week's Noise Pop 2008 festival in San Francisco, enabling concertgoers to access venue, location, artist and performance information via mobile device. According to Pelago, each Noise Pop venue will promote its own Whrrl short code, enabling attendees to share their locations in real-time; Whrrl will additionally enable status updates allowing hipsters to instantly share their snarky comments on particular performances.

Noise Pop 2008 runs from Feb. 26 through March 2, and features more than 100 acts appearing at close to 20 Bay Area venues; highlights promise to include the Magnetic Fields, the Mountain Goats and Quasi. "Whrrl provides a perfect way for festival-goers to discover and share with others in real-time all kinds of information on venues and performances," said Pelago co-founder and CEO Jeff Holden in a prepared statement. "And since Whrrl users can broadcast their location and status in real-time, it will make it easier for friends at separate venues to not only find each other, but also to share information on how a show is going or what the scene is like at that venue."

For more on the Whrrl/Noise Pop deal:
- read this release

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Report: UGC vital to the future of LBS

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:59:55 -0500

User-generated content is emerging as an increasingly critical component of location-based services and navigation tools, according to a new report issued by market research firm ABI Research. According to ABI, professional content like map updates and points of interest will remain the bread and butter of location-aware services, but in recent months LBS firms have embraced UGC to update existing content and create new features, with many of these initiatives embedded within the context of real-time mobile social networking. ABI points to TomTom's recent announcement that one million map improvements have been suggested by users via the company's Map Share technology as well as start-up GyPSii's new mobile social networking application enabling users to create and share location-based content via mobile device.

"As connected PNDs, handset-based pedestrian navigation, and location-based services begin to emerge, user-generated location content will become a key component that permits companies to enhance their services with real-time information in a cost-effective way that strengthens their communities and brand names," said ABI Research principal analyst Dominique Bonte in a prepared statement. "Initiatives like GyPSii may ultimately reach a status comparable with existing social networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace."

For more on the ABI report:
- read this release

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VC: Cellfire scores $12 million in Series C

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 06:59:52 -0500

VENTURE CAPITAL
COMPANY	AMOUNT/ROUND	LEAD INVESTORS	DESCRIPTION
Cellfire San Jose, CA	$12M C	Silver Creek Ventures, Menlo Ventures, Storm Ventures	Mobile coupon and discount offer service provider Cellfire delivers discounts from brand-name merchants directly to consumers' handsets.
PublicEarth San Francisco	$3.05M A	Polaris Venture Partners	Location-based mobile service provider PublicEarth is developing a database of geo-specific, user-generated content.
iamota Vancouver, BC	$1M A	N/A	iamota operates an end-to-end mobile marketing, messaging and payment platform promising access to more than 243 million mobile consumers.

Intercasting adds Bebo access

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 06:59:55 -0500

Mobile social networking platform provider Intercasting announced it will partner with Bebo, enabling the global social media network's 40 million-plus members to produce and share convent via mobile device. Bebo is the latest addition to Intercasting's Anthem platform--a dedicated mobile application promises members users an efficient and user-friendly interface to view photos, send and receive messages, post comments and search profiles. The mobile app also enables deeper integration between handsets and the Bebo website. Bebo presently boasts operator deals with Virgin Mobile, Sprint, T-Mobile UK, Orange, O2 and 3 UK.

For more on the Bebo/Intercasting partnership:
- read this release

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ShoZu grabs $12 million in Series C

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 06:59:55 -0500

User-generated content solutions developer ShoZu announced the completion of a $12 million Series C financing round led by new investor SEB Venture Capital. Previous investors Atlas Venture, Crescendo Ventures and TTP Ventures also participated in the round. ShoZu's patented technology promises one-click uploads of photos and video clips from mobile devices to the web--the company said its application is presently available on 317 handset models with users in over 100 countries, and will ship pre-installed on more than 50 million mobile phones in the year ahead.

For more on the ShoZu financing:
- read this release

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