Fox Mobile premieres Bitbop on-demand mobile video service

LAS VEGAS--Fox Mobile Group announced the introduction of Bitbop, a subscription-based mobile service enabling consumers to view premium content on their smartphone for $9.99 per month. According to Fox Mobile, Bitbop offers a catalog of full-length television programs for streaming or temporary download; the service supports both 3G and WiFi. Fox Mobile added that Bitbop is optimized for most advanced devices and operator networks--the press release promises "exciting programming from numerous top-notch content partners" but does not divulge specifics, although it seems safe to assume Fox network series will be featured. (In an interview with FierceMobileContent, National Geographic Mobile General Manager Aaron Kohn confirmed NatGeo as a Bitbop partner.)

Bitbop launches in the wake of reports Fox Mobile Group parent firm News Corp. is exploring the sale of its Jamster direct-to-consumer mobile content unit. Citing sources familiar with the company as well as three venture capital investors, The Financial Times reported earlier this month that News Corp. wants to concentrate its digital business around social networking service MySpace and compete more aggressively with rival Facebook--the company has divested several digital media properties in recent months, including Photobucket and Rotten Tomatoes. News Corp. declined comment.

For more on Bitbop:
- read this release