Thursday, 6 Octorber 2011

Verizon Wireless will introduce mobile video solutions firm Vringo's new Facetones application, which leverages images from the subscriber's social media networks and photo websites to create automated video slideshows whenever their Android smartphone rings.

Verizon introduces Vringo's new Facetones application.

Launched earlier this year via international operators including Japan's NTT DoCoMo and Spain's Telefonica, Facetones currently integrates with the Facebook platform, although Vringo has stated it will expand the app to additional social networks and photo sites in the near future. Verizon Wireless will offer Facetones across Android devices that feature its V Cast Apps storefront--the app is available for a monthly subscription price of 99 cents or as a one-time download priced at $2.99.

In July, Vringo closed a $2.5 million private placement led by Benchmark Capital and DAG Ventures. Around the same time, the company acquired mobile messaging startup Zlango--earlier this year, Vringo also purchased mobile software as a service platform provider m-Wise.