The University Co-op bookstore, which has been serving the needs of University of Texas (UT) students and fans since 1896, has launched an iPhone app, created by mCommerce firm, Digby.

The app complements The University Co-op’s mobile-optimized website, launched last year, and will provide UT fans, students, Exes and faculty with an enhanced mobile shopping experience.

The University Co-op’s iPhone app, powered by the Digby Mobile Platform, enables user to search, browse and buy books and Texas Longhorn merchandise from the store, via their iPhone.  It also offers access to a Tower Cam where they Texas Longhorn fans can watch live video of the UT Tower changing colours when Texas wins a football game, as well as University of Texas sports schedules and scores. The app also offers Twitter and Facebook integration, and RSS feed integration with The Daily Texan, Austin American Statesman and The University Co-op blog.

The University Co-op is also offering weekly discounts for those who download and use the app. Within 48 hours of downloading the app, consumers will be sent a push message alerting them to specials, events, and promos coming from the Co-op.
The University Co-op is a non-profit corporation owned by the students, faculty and staff of the University of Texas at Austin. Since 2000, the Co-op has given over $32m to the University of Texas in the form of gifts, grants and rebates.

“The Co-op has continually been on the forefront of online technology to bring the University of Texas community together,” says George H. Mitchell, president and CEO of The University Co-op. “We were one of the first college bookstores in the US to launch an eCommerce site, and now through the mobile channel, we are attracting a whole new generation of Longhorn fans. The University of Texas community has made our mobile site a success, and we are very excited to now offer them an enhanced mobile experience through the University Co-op iPhone app, that provides them access to everything they need all in one place.”