Cortina+N+blog+post+analysis

Cortina N. TO: //Proximity// Mobile Team FROM:Nick Cortina SUBJECT: Vringo seeks to make ring tones more social DATE: Feb 17, 2010

We were asked to analyze a blog post or news item to help us prepare Proximity's fall survey. Below is my summary of a New York Times article about Vringo and how they are looking to make ring tones more social. I suggest we include questions on the fall survey designed to determine whether TU students make custom ring tones and videos that they send to friends.


 * What Vringo Offers**

Vringo is attempting to give a facebook-like "personal touch" to ring tones. Vringo lets you choose the ring tone that will play on someone else's phone when you call. Vringo also offers software to take short video clips from your own archive or website. Once the software is downloaded, you may send video clips to family, friends, associates, and so on. Both people talking must download the Vringo software in order to send videos and ring tones.


 * Why is this significant**

This new application will allow you to attach your own personal ring tone and video accompanied with your name when you call a friend. Instead of just your name and number the software allows you to see a video from the person calling. This video allows friends to literally see what you are doing, how you are feeling, and a little bit about themselves before the call is even answered. The application aims at doing some of the social legwork before a call is even made.


 * Questions to ask TU mobile users**

1. Is this application really necessary? Would you be interested in this application? 2. Do you find yourself regularly interested in ring tones and personal video's? 3. What about this new application turns you off? 4. Does this new application actually make people more social?

Reference: Vance, A. (2010, February 17). Vringo seeks to make ring tones more social. Retrieved February 17, 2010. from http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/17/vringo-seeks-to-make-ringtones-more-social/?partner=rss&emc=rss