HOLLYWOOD, Calif.-Social networking sites and user-generated content have taken the driver's seat in the world of digital media, Michael Stroud, CEO and co-founder of iHollywood Forum, said in opening remarks at the Digital Media Summit in Hollywood."Hollywood's stock and trade generally is passive content,"...
Editor's Note: In this monthly feature, RCR Wireless News talks to retail managers across the country to get a first-hand view of what's hot in wireless.Cingular Wireless L.L.C., now a part of AT&T Inc., has historically held the South as its stronghold. Kevin Balgobin,...
The mobile handset has become something of a looking glass in Wonderland. And mPortal Inc. was founded in 2000 to help clients-network operators, mobile virtual network operators, content providers and enterprises-offer consumers and employees a means to step through that looking glass into the...
As the flurry of mobile virtual network operators that launched in 2006 start to settle in, some are proclaiming customer gains with stand-alone business models-but MVNOs are also taking alternate tracks to promote their brands and content. Both Helio L.L.C. and Amp'd Mobile reported...
Disney Mobile has chopped the price of two handsets for a limited time, and is promoting a limited-edition "Steamboat Willie" phone aimed squarely at Disneyophiles. The "Steamboat Willie" phone comes complete with collector packaging and a collector pin.The mobile virtual network operator is offering...
Conventional wisdom says, and consumers certainly seem to think, that family wireless plans offered by cellular carriers are a great deal. In exchange for tying other family members into one service plan at the standard $10 per month, consumers can cut down on their...
BURBANK, Calif.-The Walt Disney Co. appears ready and willing to work with Apple Computer Inc. across a number of media devices, if a recently filed patent is any indication.In a patent application filed last month, Disney specifically cites the iPod-among other technologies-as a possible...
There's always something happening in the wireless industry that makes the RCR Wireless News editorial staff stop working on our stories to comment, clap or kvetch about issues affecting the industry. We suspect that you all are as obsessed with all things wireless as...
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif.-Disney Mobile has added a slim, silver clamshell phone from Pantech Corp. as its third handset choice for subscribers. The Bluetooth-enabled DM-P205 has a VGA camera, color interior and exterior screens and web browsing capability. It sells for $100 with a two-year...
BOULDER, Colo.-The Mobile Marketing Association continues to gain steam, adding high-profile members including Playboy Enterprises, NBC Networks and The Walt Disney Co.The MMA, which looks to fuel the growth of mobile marketing by establishing industry standards and guidelines, unveiled more than two dozen new...
Disney Mobile is trying to lure customers to sign up for its service during the holiday season by lowering the cost of its handsets and offering a month of service for free, according to promotions on the mobile virtual network operator’s Web site.Disney Mobile...
LOS ANGELES-Helio L.L.C., the self-proclaimed mobile virtual network operator for the young and hip, will launch additional handsets this year and next, according to Rick Heineman, the company's head of media relations. Heineman promised to give more details on the company's handsets soon. Helio...
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif.—Disney Mobile is trying to lure customers to sign up for its service during the holiday season by lowering the cost of its handsets and offering a month of service for free, according to promotions on the mobile virtual network operator’s Web...
Editor's Note: Welcome our Monday feature, Analyst Angle. We’ve collected a group of the industry’s leading analysts to give their outlook on the hot topics in the wireless industry. In the coming weeks look for columns from Current Analysis’ Peter Jarich, M:Metrics’ Seamus McAteer...
NEW YORK-Outlining Walt Disney Co.'s strategy for tackling a consumer-driven TV future, Anne Sweeney, co-chair of Disney Media Networks and president of Disney-ABC TV, revealed some of the company's numerous new-media initiatives around the globe at Mipcom, an international programming sales conference. Mobile TV,...
By Claire AtkinsonNEW YORK—Outlining Walt Disney Co.'s strategy for tackling a consumer-driven TV future, Anne Sweeney, co-chair of Disney Media Networks and president of Disney-ABC TV, revealed some of the company's numerous new-media initiatives around the globe at Mipcom, an international programming sales conference...
BURBANK, Calif.—It will cost The Walt Disney Co. about $30 million to shut down its Mobile ESPN MVNO, but the company remains positive on the prospects for its Disney Mobile service, according to Disney’s chief financial officer. Thomas Staggs, senior executive vice president and...
NEW YORK-Jamster International bulked up its content portfolio in North America with a deal to offer ringtones, graphics and mobile games from the Walt Disney Internet Group. Disney and its third-party content licensing arm Starwave Mobile already use VeriSign Inc.'s mobile content business to...
NEW YORK-Fatherhood was the inspiration for creating and naming mobile virtual network operator Kajeet Inc., and the market will test whether those fathers really do know best when it comes to offering a wireless service that will appeal to kids. Daniel Neal, Kajeet's chief...
NEW YORK-Mobile ESPN seemed to have all the qualities of a successful MVNO: a highly successful brand and recognized brand, a unique user interface, slick handsets and content that would appeal to its sports-enthusiast demographic. But after eight months on the market, the mobile...
NEW YORK—After a mere eight months on the market, Mobile ESPN has decided to get out of the mobile virtual network operator business. The brand’s entrance into the wireless space was eagerly anticipated, scrutinized and praised for its innovative user interface, but handset problems...
NEW YORK—Jamster International bulked up its content portfolio in North America with a deal to offer ringtones, graphics and mobile games from the Walt Disney Internet Group. Disney and its third-party content licensing arm Starwave Mobile already use VeriSign Inc.’s mobile content business to...
Most of the new generation of mobile virtual network operators are less than six months into their operations, but that hasn't prevented a recent spate of speculation and rumors about how well they are doing. Analysts have generally predicted that there will be some...
LOS ANGELES--Starwave Mobile announced new licensing deals and a move to sell content directly to consumers. Starwave Mobile gained licensing rights from Beyonce Inc. and Sony BMG to develop and publish a mobile game around the singer. Expected to launch in 2007, Starwave Mobile...
