SEATTLE—Direct-to-consumer mobile content provider 3GUpload is the latest to join the user-generated content rush.
The company rebranded as Mixxer and launched a package of Web-to-mobile features designed to help members to create ringtones, publish songs and discover music from emerging acts. The site, www.mixxer.com, offers members a personalized “locker” for content as well as a portfolio of more than 50,000 ringtones, images, games and other applications.
Mixxer has distribution with 19 U.S. carriers including all four Tier 1 operators.
3GUpload was founded three years ago and gained traction in the early days of direct-to-consumer wireless content. The company earlier this year received a $20 million investment from VantagePoint Venture Partners and acquired Mophone, a Canadian mobile community company.
Mixxer hopes to use the acquisition to create a mobile wireless community centered on both independent music and user-generated content, mirroring successful Internet startups such as MySpace and Facebook. Other wireless players crowding the playground include Mercora Inc., Juice Wireless Inc. and Intercasting Corp.
“Our new features and functionality provide our millions of members with a unique content discovery platform and a much more immersive experience,” said Bill Bryant, Mixxer’s chief executive officer. “And with the goal of being the world’s largest and most dynamic mobile music community, we recognize the importance of being accessible to all Web and mobile users.”
