I remember when entertainment used to consist of what was on TV, radio and movie theaters. However it seems like everyday there is a new announcement of how entertainment companies are finding innovative methods to distribute content digitally. So it didn’t surprise me this past week when Virgin Mobile and buzzd announced a partnership that will bring the buzzd service to all Virgin Mobile USA handsets via the no-annual contract carrier’s WAP deck giving Virgin Mobile subscribers an interactive, real-time local mobile service.
The companies are also partnering to provide Virgin Mobile USA customers with a mobile-enabled location-sensitive city guide and social network. “buzzd on Virgin Mobile” is a unique new service that allows local entertainment information to be broadcast and shared among Virgin Mobile USA customers based on their location.
Accessible on all Virgin Mobile USA devices via the carrier’s WAP deck “buzzd on Virgin Mobile” delivers editorially driven event and venue information, along with up-to-the-minute reviews and ratings from friends and other members of the community. The mobile entertainment service currently lists events and venues across all major cities in the United States, Europe and India and is powered by New York-based buzzd.
The service is more than just local entertainment listings and reviews, however: it also allows its subscribers to instantly find, connect with and reach out to friends with easy-to-use SMS and messaging features. Users can also browse and search continuously updated event feeds, which include pricing, location and event details, as well as firsthand ratings and reviews posted from the event by other members directly via the mobile platform. Events and venues are aggregated first through multiple content partnerships such as Flavorpill, TimeOut, Zagat and many more. User-generated feedback for ‘real-time’ activity about venues and events is also layered at the top of event listings throughout the platform.
“Our community has a healthy appetite for entertainment, fun and what’s happening around them,” stated Ron Faris, Director of Brand Development and Partnerships for Virgin Mobile USA. “buzzd on Virgin Mobile is a free and open service that gives our members timely content from the likes of Time Out Magazine while, as usual for Virgin Mobile, respects their privacy with opt-in location.”
“We trust that buzzd on Virgin Mobile will turn the cell phone into a remote control that accesses the best a city has to offer,” said Nihal Mehta, CEO of buzzd. “We’re pleased that Virgin Mobile customers now have easy access to finding out the most timely information on their local bars, clubs, restaurants, events and more.”
Tags: business services, buzzd, entertainment companies, financial services, incorporate, interactive, liz roz, mobile distribution, mobile entertainment, mobile services, nationwide, partnership, service, services, Vcorp, virgin mobile, WAP
September 8th, 2008 at 4:31 am
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