Ripple Adds Personalized Messaging Feature
Tweet9/5/07 – El Segundo-based Ripple, which delivers hyper-local content on flat screen panels in public locations, has launched a new interactive feature that allows people to post public messages on digital screens located in stores throughout their neighborhood. Called “ShoutOuts,” Ripple says the service will debut in Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Tully’s Coffee on the West Coast and across the Southwest.
Ripple says ShoutOuts, which cost one dollar per message, will launch in additional locations across the Ripple network later this year. The service is available to consumers through a special web site (http://shoutouts.rippletv.com), where messages can be scheduled. After creating a message, and choosing when and where they want it to appear, users can customize it by choosing a background and font. The service also allows users to send the intended message recipient a “heads-up” email.
Ripple has built a network of television screens in public locations throughout Washington, California, Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii, which the company says now consists of more than 500 locations. Distribution partners include Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Tully’s Coffee, Jack in the Box, Jiffy Lube, CBS Outdoor, Arden Realty, Kilroy Realty and G&L Realty. Media partners include ESPN, Reuters, E! Entertainment, Yahoo!, CBS and Clear Channel.
In July, Ripple closed a $10 million series B round of funding led by investors Draper Fisher Jurvetson and Trinity Ventures. The company was founded in 2004.
Ripple – www.rippletv.com
