Fox launches ad-supported, free mobile Web service
Fox Interactive Media is aiming to be the quick brown fox that jumped over the lazy dog.
Fox, owned by media powerhouse News Corp., announced on Monday plans to launch new ad-supported mobile versions of social-networking site MySpace, as well as its FoxSports.com, lifestyle site AskMen.com, gaming site IGN.com and movie site RottenTomatoes.com. So for users, that translates into free access and functionality on those sites.
Fox's move comes as advertisers are increasingly seeking ways to hitch a ride on the surging growth in cell phone use for accessing the Internet to texting messages. The New York Times, ESPN and other media giants have done likewise in adding advertising to their mobile Web sites.
Fox is trotting out its free MySpace mobile beta service as the first among its pending offerings, with plans to launch its other mobile sites in the coming months.
As part of its mobile MySpace site, Fox is offering free functionality to send and receive MySpace messages and friend requests, comment on pictures and profiles, post bulletins, update blogs, search for friends and view and change mood status. Fox will also offer some premium content, as well, on mobile phones.
