MySpace launches mobile application for iPhone users

Social networking site MySpace has launched a mobile application for Apple iPhone users. The new application integrates MySpace’s core social networking components and allows users to get real-time updates, search the network and add friends, compose and delete mail, view and post bulletins, and upload and share pictures.

The MySpace mobile application, currently available in English, can be downloaded from Apple App Store. The company also plans to make this application available in 12 languages by the end of July 2008.

“The iPhone is a natural fit for a MySpace application. There is hipness to this device that resonates with our core audience,” John Faith, general manager and vice president of mobile for MySpace, has said. “Through our design we encapsulated the core aspects of social networking and created a natural feel for an iPhone user.”

Update

After the launch of the MySpace iPhone mobile application, Asfaq Tapia from AlooTechie caught up with John Faith of MySpace. During the conversation, John Faith answered questions related to the mobile application and the company’s plans for the future.

Are you hosting the iPhone mobile application for download anywhere else apart from Apple’s App Store?

No, we are not allowed to do so.

Don’t you think you are cashing in on the buzz surrounding the iPhone 3G’s launch?

Yes we are cashing in on the buzz but this is positive buzz and we want to make use of it to increase the visibility of MySpace.

Could you tell us the number of unique mobile visits MySpace’s mobile site (m.myspace.com) receives from India?

I don’t have those numbers with me right now but we have 1.7 million daily unique users from the US and 1.4 million daily unique users from Europe.

Why only release an application for the iPhone when you can enhance the WAP site to display better on any mobile phone browser?

We are working to improve the WAP site so that the experience is ubiquitous on any phone browser. The iPhone application allows users to use all the features of the iPhone while improving the browsing experience of the MySpace website.

What are your expansion plans in India?

In India, we plan to focus on Bollywood entertainment. We are in an agreement with Star TV for content such as songs and movie trailers for the video streaming section of the site called MySpace TV. The company also plans to hire new employees aggressively for its Mumbai office in India

Which carriers in India have you entered into a partnership with for distributing the WAP site?

The company is working aggressively with all the telecom providers to partner with MySpace for the inclusion of the WAP site on their WAP portals.

What strategy has MySpace planned to garner more users in India?

A lower bandwidth version of the MySpace website is available for India because of the lower bandwidth speeds here. The company is also creating an SMS interface which will allow users to interact with their friends on MySpace via SMS. This feature was created internally and talks are currently on with various telecom operators for implementation.

Do you plan to release similar applications for other mobile operating systems like Symbian, Android, etc.?

Yes, as the opportunities present themselves.

Could you give us names of a few vendors you plan to participate with for advertising here in India?

I cannot give you specifics but we are looking to participate with all vendors from across the board.