ESPN Inc. today announced it will unveil its first mobile phone and limited service later this year, teaming with Japanese handset maker Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd. to offer a high-resolution EV-DO-capable multimedia handset that offers users real-time access to sports content such as video, box scores and statistics.
Mobile ESPN, whose parent firm is owned by the Walt Disney Co., will debut the new phone on a limited scale in time for the holidays, with a nationwide service rollout using the Sprint Nextel Corp. network next February.
“Mobile ESPN has defined a new wireless category, and with that, we are positioning the service and our marketing around the idea that life will never get in the way of sports again,” said Manish Jha, senior vice president and general manager of ESPN Mobile. “We’ve all had that Saturday afternoon commitment that kept us from the big game. This is more than a phone-it is like putting ESPN in your pocket.”
Mobile ESPN, a mobile virtual network operator, said it will offer customizable ESPN content-including real-time scores, breaking news, commentary and analysis; fantasy sports information and team management; audio and video programming; and MP3 audio playback capability-on unique ESPN-branded handsets.
“The rich feature set of the SANYO MVP is especially well suited for delivering the Mobile ESPN experience,” said Andy Kodera, senior vice president and general manager of SANYO Fisher Co.’s Wireless Communications Division. “Its EV-DO capability, high-quality LCD displays and stereo headset make it perfect for watching sports content, while its advanced digital imaging and memory card features make it perfect for capturing the many wonderful moments that surround any live sporting event. We are very happy that ESPN selected SANYO to team on developing this inaugural device.”
The imaging and audio-capture capabilities of the SANYO MVP include a built-in 1.3-megapixel camera with a flash, digital zoom and macro switch for up-close pictures.
