The ad-funded mobile operator rakes in $51 million in funding. Article

Online local guide Citysearch announced the launch of Mobile by Citysearch, promising an optimized mobile browsing experience for local content complete with the service's millions of business listings, editorial reviews and user-generated recommendations. According to Citysearch, the mobile app enables users to write reviews directly from their phones as well as share business listings via text-to-phone service--all interactive content is tailored specifically to each unique device interface, optimizing key attributes, including content layout and keystrokes required to surface search results. Navigation tools and drop-down fields on select phones allow users to narrow their searches based on various attributes or distance--subscribers may also access the "Best of Citysearch" listings for suggestions on local hotspots.

For more on Mobile by Citysearch:
- read this release

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Mobile content adaptation solutions provider Volantis Systems announced the launch of Feed Builder, a web-based platform promising subscribers the tools to manage, aggregate and design their own mobile information and content feeds. Designed as a complement to Volantis' existing BuzzCast information and content service management and delivery product, Feed Builder enables consumers to select from a range of pre-populated feeds and share them with others--its web interface also allows users to add their own personal feeds, blogs or photo streams, as well as add comments and ratings to existing feeds created either by the operator or by other subscribers. Feed Builder will fully support BuzzCast's iPhone and Google Android clients as well as third-party and browser-based BuzzCast clients.

According to Volantis, Feed Builder offers operators the ability to promote "Featured Feeds" from their preferred content partners, supervising branding and presentation of feeds by applying specific templates, both globally and per feed; subscribers may also choose their own templates on a per-feed basis. "Smart Feeds" enables the creation of feed-based "mash-ups" personalized according to each individual subscriber--for example, notifications about employment opportunities in their area, or keyword-based news and blog feeds. Volantis adds the Feed Builder platform can support different operator business models, including bundled and ad-subsidized pricing options. The company will officially introduce Feed Builder during the first quarter of 2009.

For more on Feed Builder:
- read this release

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