• by Todd Hanlon , January 2, 2009

Anime Networks and Gong have teamed up with Rhythm New Media to deliver animated videos to iPhones. The application vSNAX is offered as freeware for iPhones and iPod Touches. Each clip plays for 3-5 minutes, with content updated throughout the day. The app boasts more than 25 premium media partners such as AccuWeather, Discovery, Style.com and Fuse. It now has the unbearably cute capability to air shorts from the likes of Poo Boy, Azumanga Daioh, and Mythical Detective Loki.

According to Ujjal Kohli, CEO of Rhythm New Media, the freeware has had 250,000 users in the past six months. To cut down on repeats, pre-roll ad content varies based on which ads have been seen before by a user. Kohli says the network has the capability to send content-specific ads based on statistical information regarding viewers, but has not yet implemented the feature in this version. Video ads for brands such as Pepsi, Lincoln, and Amp Energy Drinks target the Manga-loving audience, complete with interactive content that features touch screen links to external Web sites.