Print

Mail

wiki links

MySpace launches free, ad-supported cellphone service

The social networking Web site MySpace introduced its free, advertising-supported cellphone version yesterday as part of a wider bid by parent News Corp to attract advertising for mobile Web sites.

Fox Interactive Media, which oversees News Corp's Internet properties, said it will also roll out versions of FoxSports.com, the gaming site IGN, AskMen and its local TV affiliates in the coming months that will work on cellphones that can access the Internet.

The company said it also plans to offer a mobile version of its Photobucket picture sharing site in coming months.

The company already offers premium, subscription-based versions of MySpace through AT&T Inc and Helio wireless services. Those versions include special features integrated into specific handsets, such as uploading cellphone photos directly to a user's profile page.

The new version that was launched yesterday works on all US carriers and allows users to send and receive messages and friend requests, comment on pictures, post bulletins, update blogs, and find and search for friends.

The company said advertisers have become more interested as the quality of the mobile Web experience has improved.

"Accessing the Internet from your mobile phone will soon be as common as text messaging and voice calling," said John Smelzer, senior vice president of mobile at Fox Interactive.

Initially, advertising will taker the form of sponsorships and banner ads that can be clicked on.

Eventually, Fox Interactive will seek to sell more targeted advertising, using registration data from cellphone carriers.
This story has been viewed 1059 times.