Msnbc.com and Zumobi today announced the launch of the msnbc.com application for the iPhone and iPod touch, offering access to breaking news, videos, photos, and more from msnbc.com, America's number one online news source, according to Nielsen Online. Now available for free on the Apple App Store, consumers can tap the uniquely designed dial to access their favorite news topics, NBC News and MSNBC Cable shows, blogs and even Twitter streams - anytime, anyplace. In addition, Best Buy, the leading specialty retailer of consumer electronics and technology, is the flagship advertiser for the launch, and is featuring an innovative mobile campaign integrated directly in the app.
"We've expanded our mobile platform to reach millions of ‘news explorers' who get their news on an iPhone or iPod touch. These consumers will enjoy the innovative design and interactive features that allow them to watch video, read stories, catch up on blogs or follow us on Twitter - everything the site offers, right from the app," said Charlie Tillinghast, President of msnbc.com. "For advertisers, we've created a rich environment for premium brand sponsorships, something far more engaging than banner ads."
With the msnbc.com app, millions of "news explorers" can now immerse themselves in the video and news stories that inform, excite and ignite the imagination - right from their iPhone or iPod touch. The radial interface allows for easy navigation by offering consumers a full view of the colorful menu so they can select what they want to explore. The settings allow users to easily scan and scroll through content, play and pause video, or select and read news stories. The Twitter integration enables consumers to easily share articles as well as track Twitter feeds from their favorite NBC News and MSNBC Cable anchors.
In addition to offering outstanding news and lifestyle content, the msnbc.com app also offers compelling advertising opportunities, as demonstrated with Best Buy's campaign. In the msnbc.com application, Zumobi has integrated an innovative sponsorship from Best Buy which links to the Best Buy featured deal of the day and incorporates Best Buy's Twitter feed. Msnbc.com's audience, combined with the flexibility that both the iPhone and social media delivers, creates the ideal, easy-to-use environment for Best Buy to engage with consumers.
"Integrating social media and mobile commerce to present Best Buy as part of the msnbc.com app is a powerful and effective way for us to connect with the msnbc.com iPhone audience," said Tracy Benson, head of Interactive Marketing & Emerging Media. " Best Buy is very excited to be able to work with Zumobi and msnbc.com to incorporate this capability as part of our campaign communications."
"We're thrilled to bring msnbc.com's expansive programming to The Zumobi Network in an original and engaging way, and delighted to break new ground with Best Buy as our exclusive launch partner" said Ken Willner, CEO of Zumobi.
The free msnbc.com app, presented in a striking new design inspired, in part, by the iconic NBC logo is available on the Apple App Store here: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=319740707&mt=8. Consumers can also download free apps for TODAYshow.com and The Rachel Maddow Show. These apps are all part of The Zumobi Network, which offers a portfolio of entertaining, informative and useful programming and applications to enjoy on next-generation smartphones.
About msnbc.com
Msnbc.com delivers a fuller spectrum of news. Drawing on its award-winning original journalism, NBC News heritage, trusted sources and Microsoft's advanced technologies, the site presents compelling, diverse and visually-engaging stories on the consumer's platform of choice. Nielsen Online reports more than 37 million unique visitors for May 2009, making msnbc.com the number one news site, ahead of Yahoo! News, CNN, ABC, CBS, and Fox News.
About Zumobi
Zumobi is a leading company for the design, development, distribution, and monetization for mobile content and experiences. Zumobi's growing portfolio of leading media properties, brands, and innovative mobile advertising solutions for next-generation smartphones comprises The Zumobi Network - an innovative, interactive environment for advertisers and consumers to connect and engage. For more information, please visit www.Zumobi.com.