CNN International and Samsung Electronics have joined to offer CNN's new mobile Java application to consumers, exclusively pre-loaded into Samsung handsets from June 2008, it was announced today. The landmark agreement between CNN International's parent company, Turner Broadcasting System Inc., and Samsung affords a six month window where it will be the exclusive device manufacturer to host this new Java service, which was launched in February at the GSMA Mobile World Congress. The partnership will be executed across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
"This move provides our audiences with easier access to CNN International's first class multi-media news service," commented Casey Harwood, Senior Vice President, Turner Europe. "The collaboration with Samsung underscores CNN's commitment to aligning with the best telecommunications partners in the business to provide consumers with a dynamic user experience and immediate access to our global news product, delivered through sophisticated technology."
"By embedding CNN International's content into our intensive range of mobile phones, Samsung is providing innovative new ways for consumers to experience and enjoy diverse multimedia entertainment through their mobile. With CNN International's solution, Samsung will be able to deliver its end users with the rich multimedia experience": stated Jongkyun Shin, Executive Vice President and head of Mobile R&D Team, Samsung Electronics.
The agreement grants purchasers of select Samsung handsets one-click access to CNN's vast newsgathering output including access to thousands of reports and images from CNN's global correspondents in the field. The roll-out will begin with the Samsung G810 5-megapixel cameraphone (available in Europe from May), and subsequently roll out to other handset models. CNN's Java application, pre-loaded on Samsung devices, enables users to prioritise favourite categories, get quick access to top stories via the animated news flipper, ads and watch the hourly on-demand 'CNN World News Now' video headlines. A 360 degree globe and interactive maps allow users to search more than one thousand cities around the world for detailed five day weather forecasts. CNN's global audience can also submit iReports to CNN's citizen journalism website by sending still images or video from their mobile handsets via a built in bookmark.
CNN has been at the forefront of international news for over 25 years. The company's award winning coverage of world events ensures that its audience is always the first to know about breaking stories. CNN's mobile service is available subscription-free across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America to all WAP-enabled handsets by entering http://CNNmobile.com into the device's internet browser. CNN's new downloadable Java application is also available globally, subscription free via CNNMobile.com, the brand's signature WAP site, to all compatible multi-media handsets.
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About CNN International
The CNN brand continues to evolve to meet the needs of its international audience in the digital age. In addition to its flagship television services and international website, CNN.com/international, CNN is also distributed across a range of IPTV and VOD services including Joost, YouTube, Dailymotion, Jalipo and Vingo TV and accessible on mobile devices through CNNmobile.com.
About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2007 consolidated sales of US$103.4 billion. Employing approximately 150,000 people in 134 offices in 62 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business, Telecommunication Business and Digital Appliance Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.
For more information please contact:
Smriti Singh
MS&L PR
Dubai
Tel:+ 971 4 3676156
Fax:+ 971 4 3672615
Email: smriti.singh@dubai.mslpr.com
© Press Release 2008
