Content Providers
Content Providers

Content Providers

Vindigo Studios Acquired by For-Side.com Co., Ltd.

Vindigo Studios, one of the best-known publishers of consumer applications for mobile devices, today announced it has been acquired by For-Side.com Co. Ltd., a leading worldwide mobile content provider based in Japan. The Vindigo Studios acquisition was completed earlier this month for $36.5 million. Through the all cash agreement, Vindigo Studios will continue to operate as an independent entity led by existing management and will continue to market itself under the Vindigo Studios brand.

For-side.com Invests in iTouch

For-side.com U.K., a wholly owned subsidiary of For-side.com of Japan, announced August 9 that it will invest 8 million Euros ($9.8mil) in London-based leading content provider iTouch in mid-August in order to further accelerate its business globalization effort. For-side.com U.K. will own a 4.5% stake in iTouch. With For-side.com’s financial support, the UK partner plans to acquire Jippii, the leading content provider that mainly operates in Russia, to expand its service offerings in Europe.

Ryozanpaku Launches i-mode Pachinko Service in Japan

Ryozanpaku International, Inc., announced today that it has successfully established itself as an authorized Docomo i-mode content provider in Japan. Japanese consumers can now access the latest news and information on the Pachinko industry directly from their mobile phones. In April 2004, Ryozanpaku entered into a service and revenue sharing agreement with MS Communications Co., Ltd. Under the agreement Ryozanpaku is an authorized Docomo i-mode content provider and is permitted to deliver its proprietary content over the Docomo i-mode network.

KDDI's Chaku-Uta Hits 100M Downloads

KDDI has announced that their EZ “Chaku-Uta” service achieved the one hundred million song download plateau on July 5, 2004. Since its introduction, EZ “Chaku-Uta” has continued to improve, adding an AAC codec for improved sound quality and stereo playback. Also, with the cooperation of record companies, au has been able to provide more and more new songs from artists, even before they are released on CD. As a result, EZ “Chaku-Uta” is becoming established as a way to enjoy the latest releases first.

Yamaha Offers MTV for i-mode Users

Launched on 20 July by Yamaha, MTV Movies features mobile content that is closely tied to movie programs broadcast by MTV Japan. The i-mode site offers ring tunes, i-Motion movies, and movie trailers for titles including both old and new. The content service initially features 2,000 ring tunes and 200 songs, and Yamaha adds 40 titles every month. It costs 315 yen/month; the company is aiming for first-year sales of 100 mn with a total of 50,000 subscribers.