mixipix, which operates a mobile cartoon messaging service, has launched mixibodz, an animated avatar builder with attitude which enables users to create, dress, pose and bring their avatar to life on social networking sites and on mobile.
mixibodz lets users create, dress and accessorize their avatar, and then choose from a wide range of animations to bring their creation to life. Once the user is happy with their creation, they can export their mixibod to social networks including FaceBook, MySpace and Blogger, or send it to their friends and family to use on their mobile.
The content posted includes a mobile sending application that allows users to download and send each others creations from their profile pages.
Users can create and save multiple characters, personalities, outfits and animations and save them on their own personal page within the mixibodz website. They can be loaded, changed, saved, sent and exported with a few mouse clicks, ensuring users can keep their mixibod as up to date as their own wardrobe, or expressing their owners reaction to events, as they happen.
User-generated content is having a massive impact on the Internet, says mixipix CEO, Lesley Keen. There is a huge appetite for services which allow consumers to create and customize their own content.
Keen adds that the mobile delivery feature within the mixibodz site introduces a whole new level of interaction for avatar applications. She says:
Users can send one of the animated avatars to their friends, complete with an attached message. The recipient can then save the animation and use it as a wallpaper, ring alert or screen saver. It moves the avatar outside the purely online world and into the users everyday life.
mixibodz.com will be regularly updated with new outfits, fashion accessories and interactive features to ensure users always have something new to try. mixipix says the site will also introduce new features and support for more online networks and Internet services.
Users worldwide can sign up for free by visiting mixibodz.com and start designing, creating, dressing and animating their very own avatars. Animated picture messages can currently be sent to UK mobile phone users only. Mobile downloads and sends cost 25 pence each and are billed through the senders handset.