The big social networks are looking for ways to reach more people, and they're having to partner. MySpace.com, the giant social network, will enter the European mobile phone market with an exclusive relationship with Vodafone, they just announced. This comes just as Facebook announces an agressive move into video, with Comcast. MySpace's grip on the European market is more tenuous than in the U.S., where players like Bebo and others are tougher competitiors.
In a statement, MySpace said Vodafone users will be able to edit profiles, find and add friends, post photos and blogs and send messages while on the move.
MySpace Mobile will be pre-loaded on future, selected Vodafone handsets, the companies said.
MySpace Mobile Phones
MySpace Mobile Phones
Trend Themes
1. Social Network-telecom Partnerships - The trend of social networks partnering with telecom companies to extend their reach and offer mobile services presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in the mobile phone industry.
2. Social Network Expansion Into Video - The trend of social networks expanding into video, as seen with Facebook's aggressive move with Comcast, creates disruptive innovation opportunities in the video streaming industry.
3. Competitive Landscape in the European Social Network Market - The competitive landscape in the European social network market, with MySpace facing tougher competitors like Bebo, opens up opportunities for disruptive innovation in the social networking industry.
Industry Implications
1. Telecom Industry - The partnership between MySpace and Vodafone to enter the European mobile phone market highlights disruptive innovation opportunities in the telecom industry.
2. Mobile Phone Industry - The pre-loading of MySpace Mobile on selected Vodafone handsets represents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the mobile phone industry.
3. Video Streaming Industry - Facebook's move into video, combined with the partnership with Comcast, creates disruptive innovation opportunities in the video streaming industry.