Thumbplay News
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Business Week - Bypassing Carriers for Mobile Content
Sales of ringtones and games through phone makers and the Web are way up, another sign service providers are losing their grip on the industry.
by Olga Kharif
(excerpt)
... the emergence of vendors such as Thumbplay is just the latest indication that wireless carriers are losing their grip on the industry. The field has gotten crowded in the past year with upstarts like Apple (AAPL), which gets a big slice of the monthly revenue charged by companies that carry its iPhone, and Google (GOOG), which came out with a system that makes it easier for indie developers to create and profit from tools, games, and other wireless applications. The Federal Communications Commission has done its part to foster competition by requiring winners of the most recent auction of wireless airwaves to open their networks to rivals' handsets and applications.
Thumbplay and other content providers are capitalizing on the proliferation of mobile browsers and handsets equipped with Wi-Fi connections. Carriers can no longer act as the sole gatekeepers that determine what services a customer can download onto a phone.
read entire article here
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posted by Heather Fink at 12:41 PM
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
bNetTV.com -
bNet Interviews Thumbplay's Evan Schwartz at CTIA
View bNet's interview with Evan Schwartz here.
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Labels: press
posted by Heather Fink at 7:42 AM
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
VC TechNews -
Thumbplay gets a payday
by Clifford Carlsen
Mobile content publisher Thumbplay Inc. said Monday, March 17, it picked up a pair of late-stage crossover investors and $18 million in expansion capital in a fifth investment round that brings total equity investment in the four-year-old company to $54 million.
New York-based Thumbplay landed Brookside Capital Inc. of Boston and Cross Creek Capital of Salt Lake City as lead investors in the deal, joining previous venture investors i-Hatch Ventures and Redwood Partners LLC, both of New York; Softbank Capital of Boston; Bain Capital Ventures of New York; Meritech Capital Partners of Palo Alto, Calif.; and New Enterprise Associates of Baltimore.
The transaction is aimed at firms specializing in deals positioned as mezzanine rounds prior to a public offering, and Thumbplay founder and CEO Are Traasdahl said the company put word out in mid-February that it was looking for money and had several term sheets to choose from before closing on Feb. 28.
Brookside is the private equity arm of Bain Capital, whose venture arm led Thumbplay's $10 million third round in October 2006. Cross Creek, which is the private equity affiliate of money management firm Wasatch Advisors, was introduced to the deal by NEA. Traasdahl would not disclose a valuation for the new investment, but said the round was oversubscribed and that it came at a healthy premium in pricing on the company's $17.5 million round led by Meritech and NEA in May 2007.
"We were specifically looking for public market investors and crossover funds, and there was a lot of excitement among investors that allowed us to close it in 10 days," Traasdahl said. "The high quality of our new investors is very significant, since both typically invest in companies which offer opportunities to realize substantial long-term capital appreciation."
Greg Bohlen, a managing director of Cross Creek, said the firm only invests in deals it expects will be the final round before an exit, though he said the firm is successful in that goal about half the time. But he said the firm was attracted by Thumbplay's revenue growth and potential to remain an independent company.
"The growth rate of the company is pure evidence they have a good model, and it looks like they could be a very good public company," Bohlen said. "It is clear that more and more stuff is being done on cell phones all the time, and becoming more attractive for multiple uses. We see them as being ubiquitous devices."
Eric Hippeau, a managing partner with SoftBank, said Thumbplay has evolved with the market while claiming the largest market share as a seller of multiple forms of mobile content, including games, ringtones, music, wallpapers, videos, voice tones and text-based services. The company was recently adjudged the market leader in non-carrier revenues by research firm A.C. Nielsen & Co. in its Mobile Content Storefront Revenue report covering the third and fourth quarters for 2007.
"They have grown tremendously and are clearly the market leader, and this is a classic expansion round from classic late-stage investors, Hippeau said. "They are twice the size of their nearest competitor, and what they are developing is continuing to grow as they build a catalog of licensed content and community of users."
Traasdahl said the company will continue to license content from third-party developers, as well as acquire content and partners, and he said the largest focus of the current funding will be on inorganic growth. He said the company will look at all manner of potential acquisitions, while noting that the most likely deals would be for publishers with similar business models operating in new geographic markets.
Traasdahl said the company is poised to take the Thumbplay brand global, and he said any overseas acquisitions likely would transition to operate under the Thumbplay name.
Thumbplay used no outside adviser for the new round, and the company had legal work on the deal from Christian Porwoll in the New York headquarters of Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP. Alan Bell of Dorsey & Whitney LLP in Salt Lake City represented investors.
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posted by Heather Fink at 12:43 PM
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Fierce Mobile Content -
Thumbplay Inks Content Deal with Sony BMG
Mobile entertainment portal Thumbplay announced a new digital distribution agreement with Sony BMG Music to add more than 7,000 pieces of content including ringtones, music videos, wallpapers, voice clips and mobile games. Sony BMG's artist roster includes Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and Beyoncé--Thumbplay will also issue an exclusive ringtone celebrating the 25th anniversary of the label's flagship catalog title, Michael Jackson's landmark Thriller. "The popular artists signed with Sony BMG's labels are a compelling addition to the Thumbplay catalog," said Thumbplay CEO and founder Are Traasdahl ...
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posted by Heather Fink at 9:00 AM
Mobile entertainment Web site Thumbplay has signed a distribution deal with Sony BMG Music Entertainment for ringtones, music videos and other mobile content from Sony artists.
The Sony deal, announced today (Feb. 21), will add 7,000 pieces of music-related content to Thumbplay’s library of more than 80,000 pieces of ringtones, wallpaper, games, videos, voice tones and other mobile content. Thumbplay already has distribution and licensing deals with EMI and Universal Music group.
“The popular artists signed with Sony BMG’s labels are a compelling addition to the Thumbplay catalog,” Thumbplay CEO/founder Are Traasdahl said. “This deal reinforces Thumbplay’s position as the leading U.S. provider of mobile content to consumers who are looking to discover and manage their personalized mobile entertainment experience.”
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posted by Heather Fink at 8:35 AM
They have inked a deal that allows Thumbplay the digital distribution rights to the Sony BMG Music library which gives Thumbplay an amazing advantage and a slew of new music to download to your mobile devices!
Thumbplay now has licensing & distribution deals with three of the four major recording lables: Sony, BMG, EMI & Universal Music Group. Thumbplay’s more than 4 million unique consumers will be able to access ringtones, music videos, wallpaper, voice clips and mobile games from SONY BMG’s extensive artist rosters, which include some of the greatest superstars of today, as well as some of the most important and influential recordings in history.
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Thumbplay now has licensing & distribution deals with three of the four major recording lables: Sony, BMG, EMI & Universal Music Group. Thumbplay’s more than 4 million unique consumers will be able to access ringtones, music videos, wallpaper, voice clips and mobile games from SONY BMG’s extensive artist rosters, which include some of the greatest superstars of today, as well as some of the most important and influential recordings in history.
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posted by Heather Fink at 8:26 AM
New deal gives D2C specialist access to 7,000 pieces of licensed content.
It means Thumplay now has agreements in place with three of the four major labels (EMI and Universal are the other two).
Thumbplay is marking the deal by offering an exclusive Billie Jean ringtone to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Michael Jackson's Thriller album.
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posted by Heather Fink at 8:24 AM
Mobile entertainment content company Thumbplay has teamed with record label giant Sony BMG Music Entertainment to offer more than 7,000 of Sony's releases for mobile device use. This new digital distribution agreement will allow Thumbplay to offer ringtones, music videos, wallpaper, voice clips and mobile games based on Sony's vast collection of current artists and back catalog hits.
"We had been circling each other for some time but never quite able to come to terms. I think our recent partnerships with AOL, MSN, iLike and other social & music discovery services presented a new and exciting sales channel," says Mitch Rotter, vice president of content acquisitions and merchandising. "I also think over the past six months or so Thumbplay has established ourself as the clear market leader and it made sense for Sony BMG to offer their content to our subscribers and it made sense for Thumbplay to forge ahead to offer that content."
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posted by Heather Fink at 8:22 AM
Mobile entertainment firm Thumbplay Inc. will bulk up its content portfolio thanks to a new pact with Sony BMG Music Entertainment.
The New York-based, direct-to-consumer aggregator said it will add 7,000 goodies including ringtones, music videos, voice clips and mobile games from Sony BMG’s stable of artists. Sony BMG subsidiaries include Arista Records, Columbia Records, Epic Records and RCA Records, and the umbrella corporation boasts talent such as Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce and Bruce Springsteen.
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posted by Heather Fink at 7:58 AM
NY mobile content firm Thumbplay has inked a distribution deal with Sony BMG, including ringtones, music videos, wallpaper, mobile games, etc. To celebrate, the companies are promoting a Thumbplay-exclusive ringtone: The intro to Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean."
Thumbplay now has deals with three of the four major record labels: Sony BMG, EMI, and Universal Music Group.
View Here
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posted by Heather Fink at 7:47 AM
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
NBC -
Thumbplay on NBC
Thumbplay got some live coverage a couple of days ago on Channel WRC-NBC in Washington, DC. Click the video clip to check it out!
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posted by Heather Fink at 12:24 PM
Friday, January 11, 2008
Switched.com (AOL News) -
Top Ringtone Downloads In 2008 (to Date)
By Will Safer for Switched.com
The early results are in. No, not for the next presidential primary. It's Thumplay's list of the top mobile phone ringtone downloads thus far for 2008. At $2.99 a pop is it worth it to you? Give them a listen and decide for yourself.
read more
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posted by Heather Fink at 2:44 PM
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Mobile Marketer -
Off-deck market, ease-of-use will drive mobile content
By Lauren Mooney for Mobile Marketer
The key to mobile content’s growth in 2008 lies in the consumer experience. WAP sites will have to mirror Web sites in their functionality and content offered on mobile should match online.
Evan Schwartz, chief marketing officer of Thumbplay, a leading mobile content provider, is gung-ho about the future of content consumed on the phone. Mobile Marketer’s Lauren Mooney interviewed Mr. Schwartz.
Excerpts:
What is the key trend in mobile content in 2008?
A shift to more sophisticated content-like video. Thumbplay is excited, especially with the new hand-sets out on the market. Also, expanded content, longer tail. The key to expanding the market is to make it simple.
read full PDF here (p. 40)
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The key to mobile content’s growth in 2008 lies in the consumer experience. WAP sites will have to mirror Web sites in their functionality and content offered on mobile should match online.
Evan Schwartz, chief marketing officer of Thumbplay, a leading mobile content provider, is gung-ho about the future of content consumed on the phone. Mobile Marketer’s Lauren Mooney interviewed Mr. Schwartz.
Excerpts:
What is the key trend in mobile content in 2008?
A shift to more sophisticated content-like video. Thumbplay is excited, especially with the new hand-sets out on the market. Also, expanded content, longer tail. The key to expanding the market is to make it simple.
read full PDF here (p. 40)
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Labels: press
posted by Heather Fink at 8:47 AM
Sunday, January 6, 2008
New Communications Review -
Thumbplay Brings Ringtones to Qloud
by Cindy Davis for New Communications Review
Qloud, a social music service that allows users to listen to music inside of social networks, and Thumbplay, a mobile entertainment content destination company, recently announced a partnership to contextually feature Thumbplay's ringtones throughout each deployment of Qloud's My Music application. This deal will allow users across a range of social networks to discover, purchase and download ringtones to more than 2,000 supported and compatible mobile phones. "We selected Thumbplay as our first mobile entertainment content provider, as it delivers a broad and deep catalog of content that will enable Qloud My Music users to extend their enthusiasm about the social music experience to their cell phones," said Mike Lewis, co-founder of Qloud. "Thumbplay's ability to offer ringtones regardless of users' wireless carrier or mobile phone is consistent with our commitment to connecting consumers with music wherever they want it."
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Qloud, a social music service that allows users to listen to music inside of social networks, and Thumbplay, a mobile entertainment content destination company, recently announced a partnership to contextually feature Thumbplay's ringtones throughout each deployment of Qloud's My Music application. This deal will allow users across a range of social networks to discover, purchase and download ringtones to more than 2,000 supported and compatible mobile phones. "We selected Thumbplay as our first mobile entertainment content provider, as it delivers a broad and deep catalog of content that will enable Qloud My Music users to extend their enthusiasm about the social music experience to their cell phones," said Mike Lewis, co-founder of Qloud. "Thumbplay's ability to offer ringtones regardless of users' wireless carrier or mobile phone is consistent with our commitment to connecting consumers with music wherever they want it."
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posted by Heather Fink at 8:46 AM
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Branding Unbound -
Resolutiontones: Ringtones To Help Keep All Those New Year's Resolutions
By Rick Mathieson for Branding Unbound
It's January 2nd and I already want to drop the diet.
The folks over at Thumbplay want to stop me - with ringtones to help keep me resolute.
For $2.99 per tone, or about $10 per month, you can download ringtones to remind you to hit the gym, volunteer for a good cause, quick drinking, stick with the diet, or get more organized. There's even one to help you brace yourself for a call from your mother-in-law.
read more
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It's January 2nd and I already want to drop the diet.
The folks over at Thumbplay want to stop me - with ringtones to help keep me resolute.
For $2.99 per tone, or about $10 per month, you can download ringtones to remind you to hit the gym, volunteer for a good cause, quick drinking, stick with the diet, or get more organized. There's even one to help you brace yourself for a call from your mother-in-law.
read more
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posted by Heather Fink at 8:43 AM
Friday, December 28, 2007
Ringtonia.com -
Ringtones To Help Keep Your New Year's Resolutions
The folks over at Thumbplay have created a whole slew of ringtones to help you keep your resolutions -- or at least keep you entertained while you break them one by one.
For $2.99 per tone -- or a $9.99 monthly that gives you 20 ring tones on the spot and another 10 every month -- you can download ringers that remind you to hit the gym, quit smoking, and even tolerate calls from your mother in law.
read more
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posted by Heather Fink at 8:41 AM
Monday, December 17, 2007
Wireless Week's Mobile Content Flash -
Thumbplay, iLike Go to Facebook
Thumbplay's ringtones are now contextually featured throughout iLike.com and the iLike application on Facebook Platform, allowing users to discover, purchase and download ringtones to more than 2,000 supported and compatible mobile phones.
Across iLike, "Get ringtone" links to Thumbplay are now featured alongside links to iTunes in every relevant song module on artist, album and song pages, as well as users' shared playlists. Similar links are incorporated into the iLike Challenge, so users can discover and purchase ringtones of songs played in the game.
read more
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posted by Heather Fink at 8:38 AM
Friday, December 14, 2007
Mobile Marketer -
Thumbplay strikes deal with iLike for ringtone sales
By Lauren Mooney
Mobile entertainment content provider Thumbplay has entered into an exclusive relationship with social music discovery service iLike to expand its footprint for ringtone sales.
With Thumbplay’s ringtones contextually featured throughout iLike.com and the iLike application on the Facebook platform, consumers now have the ability to discover, buy and download ringtones to more than 2,000 supported and compatible mobile phones.
read more
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Mobile entertainment content provider Thumbplay has entered into an exclusive relationship with social music discovery service iLike to expand its footprint for ringtone sales.
With Thumbplay’s ringtones contextually featured throughout iLike.com and the iLike application on the Facebook platform, consumers now have the ability to discover, buy and download ringtones to more than 2,000 supported and compatible mobile phones.
read more
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posted by Heather Fink at 8:36 AM
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Billboard -
iLike Adds Ringtones with Thumbplay
By Antony Bruno for Billboard.biz
iLike is adding a "get ringtone" link to songs listed on the music discovery application.
The iLike app allows users to post their favorite artists and songs, and share music recommendations and playlists. Users can listen to song samples, and see when any artist listed as a favorite is on tour in their area.
iLike has partnered with direct-to-consumer mobile media provider Thumbplay to add ringtones to the mix. The deal allows iLike to add a "get ringtone" link to any artists listed in the service with content in Thumbplay's catalog, similar to how it adds links to buy tickets via Ticketmaster for artists on tour.
Billboard: iLike Adds Ringtones with Thumbplay
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iLike is adding a "get ringtone" link to songs listed on the music discovery application.
The iLike app allows users to post their favorite artists and songs, and share music recommendations and playlists. Users can listen to song samples, and see when any artist listed as a favorite is on tour in their area.
iLike has partnered with direct-to-consumer mobile media provider Thumbplay to add ringtones to the mix. The deal allows iLike to add a "get ringtone" link to any artists listed in the service with content in Thumbplay's catalog, similar to how it adds links to buy tickets via Ticketmaster for artists on tour.
Billboard: iLike Adds Ringtones with Thumbplay
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posted by Heather Fink at 1:55 PM
by Tricia Duryee
Seattle-based iLike said today that it has an exclusive relationship with Thumbplay, a mobile content company.
Through this relationship, Thumbplay's ringtones will now be featured on iLike.com and the iLike's Facebook application.
Users will see "Get ringtone" links to Thumbplay, which will sit alongside links to iTunes in song, artist, album and song pages. Similar links will be integrated into the iLike Challenge, so users can discover and purchase ringtones of songs played in the game.
read more
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Seattle-based iLike said today that it has an exclusive relationship with Thumbplay, a mobile content company.
Through this relationship, Thumbplay's ringtones will now be featured on iLike.com and the iLike's Facebook application.
Users will see "Get ringtone" links to Thumbplay, which will sit alongside links to iTunes in song, artist, album and song pages. Similar links will be integrated into the iLike Challenge, so users can discover and purchase ringtones of songs played in the game.
read more
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Labels: press
posted by Heather Fink at 1:46 PM
By Jessica Dolcourt for Webware
Thumbplay announced on Thursday a deal it just wrapped up with iLike, a music recommendation service big on Facebook, to exclusively stock iLike's virtual shelves with ringtones.
Thumbplay's ringtones are disguised on iLike.com by the generic command to "get ringtones," and placed alongside iTunes links. They'll also be sprinkled throughout the iLike Challenge game on iLike's site and will be available for purchase through the iLike Facebook app.
This is a definite win for Thumbplay. The mobile content distributor's limp Facebook app, a Photo Portal that pushes pictures uploaded from a Thumbplay locker to a mobile phone, has so far only grossed 10 active daily users. By teaming up with iLike, Facebook's big cheese music discovery app, with nearly 600,000 active users, Thumbplay has jumped on a better angle for getting their products to Facebook users, and dropping coins in their pocket as well.
read more
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Thumbplay announced on Thursday a deal it just wrapped up with iLike, a music recommendation service big on Facebook, to exclusively stock iLike's virtual shelves with ringtones.
Thumbplay's ringtones are disguised on iLike.com by the generic command to "get ringtones," and placed alongside iTunes links. They'll also be sprinkled throughout the iLike Challenge game on iLike's site and will be available for purchase through the iLike Facebook app.
This is a definite win for Thumbplay. The mobile content distributor's limp Facebook app, a Photo Portal that pushes pictures uploaded from a Thumbplay locker to a mobile phone, has so far only grossed 10 active daily users. By teaming up with iLike, Facebook's big cheese music discovery app, with nearly 600,000 active users, Thumbplay has jumped on a better angle for getting their products to Facebook users, and dropping coins in their pocket as well.
read more
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posted by Heather Fink at 1:44 PM
By MELISSA RUGGIERI
MUSIC CRITIC
Since many people of a certain generation consider ringtones more important than actual songs, here's a list according to mobile entertainment content provider Thumbplay -- of the top ringtone downloads of 2007: Shop Boyz, "Party Like a Rock Star"; Soulja Boy, "Crank That (Soulja Boy)"; J. Holiday, "Bed"; Fabolous, "Make Me Better"; and Mims, "This Is Why I'm Hot."
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MUSIC CRITIC
Since many people of a certain generation consider ringtones more important than actual songs, here's a list according to mobile entertainment content provider Thumbplay -- of the top ringtone downloads of 2007: Shop Boyz, "Party Like a Rock Star"; Soulja Boy, "Crank That (Soulja Boy)"; J. Holiday, "Bed"; Fabolous, "Make Me Better"; and Mims, "This Is Why I'm Hot."
read more
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posted by Heather Fink at 1:40 PM
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Mobile Marketer -
Microsoft inks Thumbplay content deal for MSN Mobile
By Lauren Mooney
and Mickey Alam Khan For Mobile Marketer
Microsoft Corp. yesterday signalled serious interest in mobile when it announced the acceptance of ads on the U.S. version of its MSN Mobile portal. But its deal for content is worthy of note as well.
The software giant has entered into an exclusive deal with leading mobile entertainment content provider Thumbplay for MSN Mobile users. The deal also coincides with new MSN Mobile features that include astrology and movie tickets.
“I think what’s special about this is that we’re being integrated into Microsoft’s WAP properties in a contextual manner,” said Chris Phenner, senior vice president of business development at Thumbplay, New York.
read more
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and Mickey Alam Khan For Mobile Marketer
Microsoft Corp. yesterday signalled serious interest in mobile when it announced the acceptance of ads on the U.S. version of its MSN Mobile portal. But its deal for content is worthy of note as well.
The software giant has entered into an exclusive deal with leading mobile entertainment content provider Thumbplay for MSN Mobile users. The deal also coincides with new MSN Mobile features that include astrology and movie tickets.
“I think what’s special about this is that we’re being integrated into Microsoft’s WAP properties in a contextual manner,” said Chris Phenner, senior vice president of business development at Thumbplay, New York.
read more
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posted by Heather Fink at 1:25 PM
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Silicon Alley Insider -
Introducing The 2007 Silicon Alley 100...
By Henry Blodget for Silicon Alley Insider
We are pleased to present the 2007 Silicon Alley 100: our annual list of the most influential folks in New York's digital business community. As those who were around during the Wacky Nineties can attest, the List has a glorious tradition, and we are proud to revive it.
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We are pleased to present the 2007 Silicon Alley 100: our annual list of the most influential folks in New York's digital business community. As those who were around during the Wacky Nineties can attest, the List has a glorious tradition, and we are proud to revive it.
51. Are Traasdahl
Are Traasdahl
CEO/Founder, Thumbplay
Are's two-year-old company has quietly become one of the leaders in the ringtone business, and is generating revenue of an estimated $100 million a year. Previously, Are worked at Carrot Communications and co-founded Telenor Mobile Interactive.
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posted by Heather Fink at 9:04 AM
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Screen Magazine -
Thinking Big, Thinking Small: Commercial Content From Cinema Spots To Mobile Devices
By Dixon Galvez-Searle for Screen Magazine
[excerpt]
Although mobile video is still getting off the ground in the U.S., major content providers, networks, and studios have started to deluge cellular callers with mobile-exclusive content. This will eventually open up the field to advertisers, once technology and infrastructure improve and mobile video becomes more popular as an entertainment and information option.
And yet, some advertisers are jumping on the mobile video train before it even pulls out of the station. Mitch Rotter is vice president of content acquisition at Thumbplay, a direct-to-consumer provider of mobile content ranging all the way from ringtones to video. He uses Mini as an example, citing a series of films sponsored by the automaker in the mold of BMW Films.
read more
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[excerpt]
Although mobile video is still getting off the ground in the U.S., major content providers, networks, and studios have started to deluge cellular callers with mobile-exclusive content. This will eventually open up the field to advertisers, once technology and infrastructure improve and mobile video becomes more popular as an entertainment and information option.
And yet, some advertisers are jumping on the mobile video train before it even pulls out of the station. Mitch Rotter is vice president of content acquisition at Thumbplay, a direct-to-consumer provider of mobile content ranging all the way from ringtones to video. He uses Mini as an example, citing a series of films sponsored by the automaker in the mold of BMW Films.
read more
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posted by Heather Fink at 10:58 AM
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Mobile Insider -
Wagging Our Own Long Tail
by Steve Smith
NOWADAYS I HAVE BECOME THE insufferable marketing maven with just about anyone I know. As I recounted here last week, my daughter is just fed up with Dad "the focus group moderator." And I understand. In her mind, my asking about her media consumption habits is just a version of "Dad, The Interrogator": where did you go, who with, and what illegal activities were involved - do I need to get us a lawyer? But with friends and family, I am just the daft work-obsessive who doesn't know "how to turn it off, already - Steve!" But, but but... It is just that discovery is everything now. In an age of viral media, tastes flowing across social networks and recommendation engines, serendipitous encounters with new content in a media-saturated universe, tracking our tastes to their source is endlessly fascinating. Wired editor Chris Anderson is absolutely right, the tail is made longer by digital technology.
After broaching the long tail theme last week, the off-deck mobile content leader Thumbplay contacted me with some interesting usage statistics. That site, which charges a $9.99 a month fee for access to a package of games, wallpapers, ringtones and video, lets users manage their choices mainly via the Web site. The site gets about four to five million uniques a month, says CEO Are Traasdahl, and even the WAP portal gets up to 20 million page views.
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NOWADAYS I HAVE BECOME THE insufferable marketing maven with just about anyone I know. As I recounted here last week, my daughter is just fed up with Dad "the focus group moderator." And I understand. In her mind, my asking about her media consumption habits is just a version of "Dad, The Interrogator": where did you go, who with, and what illegal activities were involved - do I need to get us a lawyer? But with friends and family, I am just the daft work-obsessive who doesn't know "how to turn it off, already - Steve!" But, but but... It is just that discovery is everything now. In an age of viral media, tastes flowing across social networks and recommendation engines, serendipitous encounters with new content in a media-saturated universe, tracking our tastes to their source is endlessly fascinating. Wired editor Chris Anderson is absolutely right, the tail is made longer by digital technology.
After broaching the long tail theme last week, the off-deck mobile content leader Thumbplay contacted me with some interesting usage statistics. That site, which charges a $9.99 a month fee for access to a package of games, wallpapers, ringtones and video, lets users manage their choices mainly via the Web site. The site gets about four to five million uniques a month, says CEO Are Traasdahl, and even the WAP portal gets up to 20 million page views.
read more
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posted by Heather Fink at 8:32 AM
Monday, October 29, 2007
Scoble Show -
Mobile Entertainment with Thumbplay
by Robert Scoble
Thumbplay brings a bunch of great games to your mobile device. James Finn, executive vice president for Thumbplay.com, talks with me during the CTIA Showstoppers event last week.
view video here
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Thumbplay brings a bunch of great games to your mobile device. James Finn, executive vice president for Thumbplay.com, talks with me during the CTIA Showstoppers event last week.
view video here
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Labels: press
posted by Heather Fink at 8:15 AM
Friday, October 26, 2007
Into Tomorrow with Dave Graveline -
Into Tomorrow Broadcast for October 26th
By Dave Graveline
"Into Tomorrow" brings you the latest news from the 'wireless' world. We attended several 'wireless' events in San Francisco, CA including ShowStoppers and the CTIA Wireless IT & Entertainment Show. Also featuring: your Tech Horror Stories (just in time for Halloween).
Show guests include:
James Finn, Executive
Vice-President
listen here
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"Into Tomorrow" brings you the latest news from the 'wireless' world. We attended several 'wireless' events in San Francisco, CA including ShowStoppers and the CTIA Wireless IT & Entertainment Show. Also featuring: your Tech Horror Stories (just in time for Halloween).
Show guests include:
James Finn, Executive
Vice-President
listen here
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Labels: press
posted by Heather Fink at 8:08 AM
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
RCR Wireless News -
Thumbplay inks content pact to be on AOL assets
By RCR News
Thumbplay said it signed an exclusive deal for ringtones and other mobile content across the AOL network. AOL is integrating Thumbplay’s content through AOL Music, AOL Games, the AIM instant-messaging service, Winamp and Spinner.
Thumbplay said its content also is integrated on the new AOL Mobile online destination, which gives consumers information on device-specific content and services. Thumbplay also will provide expanded content integration into AOL’s mobile search engine.
“We look forward to seeing how AOL Mobile’s products can extend and enhance Thumbplay’s mobile community, content sharing and communications capabilities throughout Thumbplay.com,” said Scott Falconer, executive VP for AOL Mobile.
Thumbplay CEO Arae Traasdahl said the company is the leading provider of mobile content to U.S. consumers. “This is a defining moment for Thumbplay,” Traasdahl said.
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Thumbplay said it signed an exclusive deal for ringtones and other mobile content across the AOL network. AOL is integrating Thumbplay’s content through AOL Music, AOL Games, the AIM instant-messaging service, Winamp and Spinner.
Thumbplay said its content also is integrated on the new AOL Mobile online destination, which gives consumers information on device-specific content and services. Thumbplay also will provide expanded content integration into AOL’s mobile search engine.
“We look forward to seeing how AOL Mobile’s products can extend and enhance Thumbplay’s mobile community, content sharing and communications capabilities throughout Thumbplay.com,” said Scott Falconer, executive VP for AOL Mobile.
Thumbplay CEO Arae Traasdahl said the company is the leading provider of mobile content to U.S. consumers. “This is a defining moment for Thumbplay,” Traasdahl said.
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posted by Heather Fink at 7:59 AM
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
All Things Digital -
Kara Visits CTIA Events in San Francisco
By Kara Swisher
The annual CTIA conference–CTIA reps the wireless industry–opens today in San Francisco, but the action started last night with some parties.
One was thrown by ContentNext Media, the online news site whose flagship paidContent.org writes all about online media, where I talked to Publisher and Editor Rafat Ali about big trends in cellphones.
He was spot on. It’s mobile search, mobile advertising and mobile–you guessed it–social networking.
All of these trends are still slow coming to the U.S., but not for lack of trying by start-ups (and more because of the innovation-free carriers, according to this most excellent essay by Walt Mossberg posted yesterday). I saw a few interesting products at another event showcasing a variety of mobile-focused companies.
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The annual CTIA conference–CTIA reps the wireless industry–opens today in San Francisco, but the action started last night with some parties.
One was thrown by ContentNext Media, the online news site whose flagship paidContent.org writes all about online media, where I talked to Publisher and Editor Rafat Ali about big trends in cellphones.
He was spot on. It’s mobile search, mobile advertising and mobile–you guessed it–social networking.
All of these trends are still slow coming to the U.S., but not for lack of trying by start-ups (and more because of the innovation-free carriers, according to this most excellent essay by Walt Mossberg posted yesterday). I saw a few interesting products at another event showcasing a variety of mobile-focused companies.
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Labels: press
posted by Heather Fink at 7:48 AM
Thursday, August 9, 2007
The Wall Street Journal -
Beyond Brickbreaker: As Smart Phones Gain In Popularity, Game Makers Roll Out New Diversions
By JESSICA E. VASCELLARO for the Wall Street Journal
August 9, 2007
While running his education-related start-up, Ryan Thompson keeps up on his email by staying glued to his BlackBerry. Lately, the 29-year-old in Brooklyn, N.Y., has also been turning to the device to steer a kayak through rapids, perfect his poker playing or master Sudoku -- one of half a dozen mobile games he has installed on his hand-held.
"The games aren't flashy like PlayStation 2," says Mr. Thompson, who frequently plays until his thumbs ache and his palms sweat. "But they do the job."
BlackBerry users are already familiar with Brickbreaker, the brick-smashing game preloaded onto their devices. The game has earned a cult following among professionals obsessed with showing off their high scores. But users are discovering that there is life beyond this simple pastime as mobile-gaming companies develop a host of new titles for higher-end smart phones such as BlackBerrys and Treos -- a segment of the mobile industry experiencing red-hot growth.
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August 9, 2007
While running his education-related start-up, Ryan Thompson keeps up on his email by staying glued to his BlackBerry. Lately, the 29-year-old in Brooklyn, N.Y., has also been turning to the device to steer a kayak through rapids, perfect his poker playing or master Sudoku -- one of half a dozen mobile games he has installed on his hand-held.
"The games aren't flashy like PlayStation 2," says Mr. Thompson, who frequently plays until his thumbs ache and his palms sweat. "But they do the job."
BlackBerry users are already familiar with Brickbreaker, the brick-smashing game preloaded onto their devices. The game has earned a cult following among professionals obsessed with showing off their high scores. But users are discovering that there is life beyond this simple pastime as mobile-gaming companies develop a host of new titles for higher-end smart phones such as BlackBerrys and Treos -- a segment of the mobile industry experiencing red-hot growth.
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posted by Heather Fink at 7:37 AM
Monday, January 8, 2007
Virginian-Pilot -
Motivational ringtones help with keeping New Year's resolutions
Need more than a nudge to keep your New Year's resolutions on track?
Enlist your cell phone to give you a motivational kick in the butt every time you get a call.
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Enlist your cell phone to give you a motivational kick in the butt every time you get a call.
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posted by Thumbplay at 5:46 AM
Friday, January 5, 2007
KYW Newsradio 1060 -
Cell Phone Ringtones Helping With New Year's Resolutions
Ever wish you could have a constant reminder to keep your New Year's resolutions? Now you can be reminded to keep that resolution every time you get a cell phone call.
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posted by Thumbplay at 5:37 AM
"We all make them, but how many of us actually stick to them"?
Video Stream
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posted by Thumbplay at 5:24 AM
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
USA Today -
New Year's resolutions? Just phone them in
Now your phone can help too. Thumbplay.com, a company that offers entertainment for cellphones, has introduced New Year's motivator tones.
Full Article
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posted by Thumbplay at 5:13 AM
Thursday, November 30, 2006
The Wall Street Journal -
Cellphone Carriers Let Others Sell Mobile Content to Users
As the Internet goes mobile, wireless carriers are updating their business models. When Verizon and other U.S. cellphone carriers began selling mobile content like ringtones, games and wallpapers a few years ago, they kept a tight grip on what consumers could buy, allowing content to be loaded on their phones only if it came through their own branded portals.
Now, betting that they can get more money by expanding the pie, they are cautiously allowing third-party content providers to market multimedia content directly to their cellphone users.
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Now, betting that they can get more money by expanding the pie, they are cautiously allowing third-party content providers to market multimedia content directly to their cellphone users.
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posted by Thumbplay at 4:47 AM
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Fierce Mobile Content -
Thumbplay launches ringtone charts
Thumbplay launched its own weekly ringtone sales charts today based on download activity from its direct-to-consumer portal. Interestingly, the stats will also include figures on which handset models are downloading the most content.
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posted by Thumbplay at 4:15 AM
Thumbplay.com this week launched Thumbplay’s Top Tones, a weekly list of the most downloaded ringtones for users of its service. The company also tracks which handsets see the most downloads.
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posted by Thumbplay at 3:55 AM
Friday, July 7, 2006
Forbes.com -
Straight Up: How To Get All Decked Out
Thumbplay, one of Hippeau's recent investments. The company sells subscriptions for access to ringtones, games and other content for mobile phones. Thumbplay's investor deck emphasized the team's background in the mobile industry and with subscription-based business models: Co-founder Are Traasdahl had helped establish one of the first companies to sell mobile content to consumers; his partner, Evan Schwartz, worked ten years in subscription marketing at CDNow and Columbia House.
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posted by Thumbplay at 3:35 AM
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Tekrati -
Thumbplay is Leading Website in Entertainment Mobile Phone Category According to Hitwise
Thumbplay today announced Hitwise, a leading online competitive intelligence service, found Thumbplay.com to be the leading online website in the Entertainment -- Mobile Phones category, and surpassing competitors such as Jamster, Yahoo! Mobile, and Qtones. According to the latest weekly Hitwise data, Thumbplay's market share has maintained consistent growth month over month, edging out leading carrier and non-carrier content providers.
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posted by Thumbplay at 1:32 AM
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Wireless Gaming World -
Thumbplay Offers Games from Hands-On Mobile
Thumbplay today announced an agreement with Hands-On Mobile to distribute selections from its portfolio of mobile games and entertainment applications. Thumbplay’s members will have direct access to Hands-On Mobile content including game titles such as X-Men™ Legends 2: Rise of Apocalypse, Top Gun™ Air Combat 2 and Monopoly Tycoon on www.Thumbplay.com.
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posted by Thumbplay at 12:59 AM
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Fierce Mobile Content -
Thumbplay Offers Hands-On Content
Thumbplay inked a deal with Hands-On Mobile (formerly MFORMA) to distribute more than 20 of the content provider's mobile games as well as other entertainment applications. The game titles include action, sports, strategy and casino ones. Thumbplay will sell the games directly to consumers through its Web site and through targeted emails and SMS messages to its membership base.
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posted by Thumbplay at 12:06 AM
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