Mobile Content Bits: Verizon Adds Video; Sony Uses Kyte; Flurry Analytics; AT&T On Facebook; Abphone
—Verizon (NYSE: VZ) adds content to V Cast: Verizon Wireless said today that it is adding a host of content to its V Cast Video, including on-demand and full-length episodes from ABC Entertainment, ABC News, Disney Channel and ESPN. Full-length programs include: “Desperate Housewives,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Lost” and “Ugly Betty” from ABC; “Nightline,” “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” “World News with Charles Gibson” and “20/20” from ABC News; and “Hannah Montana,” “The Suite Life on Deck” and “Phineas and Ferb” from Disney (NYSE: DIS). The agreement extends an original deal from V Cast’s launch in 2007 for ESPN short-form content and live sports events.
—Sony Music licensing Kyte: Kyte said today Sony Music Entertainment will be licensing its software in the U.S. and in Germany to let its artists create and stream content to fans online. Just a week ago, Universal Music announced a similar deal. Sony (NYSE: SNE) artists such as Franz Ferdinand, John Legend and Raheem DeVaughn are using Kyte to stream raw video live from a mobile phone while on tour, in the studio, or during a live performance. Release.
The rest is after the jump...
—Flurry launches free analytics for smartphone apps: San Francisco-based Flurry said today that more than 300 developers are using its free service to gather analytics about how their applications are doing on the iPhone, Android, Blackberry and Java platforms. The service allows developers to track custom user events within games and applications to understand how their products are used and where to make improvements. The company said it was also taking the service out of beta today, and opening it up to all developers. Release.
—Artist releases song on AT&T’s Facebook page: Lil Wayne will release his new single “Prom Queen,” from his upcoming new album Rebirth on two AT&T Facebook pages at 9:40 p.m. PST tomorrow, and an exclusive ringtone on AT&T (NYSE: T). AT&T said the partnership was formed after more of its customers downloaded Lil Wayne ringtones in 2008 than any other artist. In addition, Lil Wayne will perform the single during a concert in San Diego, which will be streamed to AT&T’s FREEdom of Choice page on Facebook and also on AT&T’s Mobile Music page. Release.
—Abphone available on three French carriers: Abphone, a mobile search provider for entertainment and multimedia content, said its search engine is being used on the three French mobile operators’ decks. Through its partnerships, Abphone is recording more than a hundred million page views every month. In addition, the company said last year, its global audience increased by 30 percent in countries such as the U.S., the U.K., France and India, and saw associated advertising revenue increase by 40 percent. Release.
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