For socializers too young to drive, mobile phones are lifelines, and Disney has fresh plans to capitalize on that fact.
Forbes recently cited Multimedia Intelligence figures showing that "the US had more than 16 million teen mobile subscribers in 2007, up 12% from 2006." The Walt Disney Internet Group estimates that more than half of U.S. 10-year-olds own phones and has targeted those mobile customers.
Last year Disney quietly launched a mobile site that provided information on its shows, theme parks and more. Now it plans to sync that site with its larger websites. In September, Forbes reports, Disney will debut "a registration system that will allow users to access their Disney.com profiles automatically via their cell phones. A digital storefront -- a one-stop online market for purchasing Disney games, ringtones and wallpapers -- will follow." Purchases will be added to the buyer's cell phone bill
Other plans from The Mouse: phone-to-phone instant messaging with a profanity filter, a downloadable "Fairy Friend" aimed at girls who like caring for a Tamagotchi-like Tinker Bell; a "Pirates of the Caribbean" downloadable mobile game in which players can earn virtual coins they can spend at Disney.com; and GPS capabilities that lets users detect friends at Hannah Montana concerts and "automatically send them exclusive content, such as a new song."
Forbes doesn't mention financial and other parental controls that could help keep costs and contacts under control.
Meanwhile, CNET reports that Disney hasn't forgotten parents. DisneyFamily.com is a social network where parents can "create a profile, swap advice, get cooking tips, and clip coupons." CNET says it is one of Disney's first online efforts aimed specifically at grown-ups.
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