Mumbai: CNN International and Samsung Electronics have joined to offer CNNs new mobile Java application to consumers, exclusively pre-loaded into Samsung handsets from June 2008, it was announced today. The landmark agreement between CNN Internationals parent company, Turner Broadcasting System Inc., and Samsung affords a six month window where it will be the exclusive device manufacturer to host this new Java service, which was launched in February at the GSMA Mobile World Congress. The partnership will be executed across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.This move provides our audiences with easier access to CNN Internationals first class multi-media news service, commented Ringo Chan, Vice President of Wireless and Interactive Content, Development and Distribution, Turner Asia Pacific. The collaboration with Samsung underscores CNNs commitment to aligning with the best telecommunications partners in the business to provide consumers in the Asia Pacific region with a dynamic user experience and immediate access to our global news product, delivered through sophisticated technology.

By embedding CNN Internationals content into our intensive range of mobile phones, Samsung is providing innovative new ways for consumers to experience and enjoy diverse multimedia entertainment through their mobile. With CNN Internationals solution, Samsung will be able to deliver its end users with the rich multimedia experience. stated Jongkyun Shin, Executive Vice President and head of Mobile R&D Team, Samsung Electronics.

The agreement grants purchasers of select Samsung handsets one-click access to CNNs vast newsgathering output including access to thousands of reports and images from CNNs global correspondents in the field. The roll-out will begin with the Samsung G810 5-megapixel cameraphone (available in Asia in the 2nd half of 2008), and subsequently roll out to other handset models. CNNs Java application, pre-loaded on Samsung devices, enables users to prioritise favourite categories, get quick access to top stories via the animated news flipper, ads and watch the hourly on-demand ?‹?“CNN World News Now video headlines. A 360 degree globe and interactive maps allow users to search more than one thousand cities around the world for detailed five day weather forecasts. CNNs global audience can also submit iReports to CNNs citizen journalism website by sending still images or video from their mobile handsets via a built in bookmark.

CNN has been at the forefront of international news for over 25 years. The companys award winning coverage of world events ensures that its audience is always the first to know about breaking stories. CNNs mobile service, launched in 1999 was the first mobile news and information service available globally with targeted regional content. The service keeps users connected 24/7 delivering CNN news content to mobile phones in a number of formats. Available mobile TV news content now feature CNN World News Now, CNN Hollywood Express, and CNN News on Demand.