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Zippo and Moderati's "Virtual Zippo Lighter" iPhone App Sparks Three Million DownloadsSAN FRANCISCO --(Business Wire)-- Zippo and Moderati today announced that their free iPhone app, the Virtual Zippo Lighter, has been downloaded over three million times since its release last October, making it one of the most popular and prevalent branded applications in the App Store's history. The application is averaging about 100,000 new downloads per week. The Virtual Zippo Lighter, which brings the look and feel of Zippo's iconic lighter to the iPhone, quickly rose to the Top Three in the App Store's Top Free Apps list after it was initially released, and has maintained a steady position in the Top 40 over the last five months. Most apps have a shelf life of thirty days in the Top 40, making the Virtual Zippo Lighter's "triple platinum" longevity even more impressive. Moderati is quickly becoming synonymous with branded entertainment, both in the U.S. and overseas. The company launched its Digital Entertainment Studio with parent company, Bellrock Media, kicking off digital brand campaigns and projects with Coca-Cola, Toshiba, Ashton Kutcher and Kevin Rose. Moderati also plays a key role in licensing U.S. entertainment content to the Japanese market via Bellrock's online video service, Myzo. "The Virtual Zippo Lighter has become a global phenomenon and we continue to be pleased by its consistent popularity with iPhone users," said Jon Vlassopulos, CEO at Moderati. "It's exciting to have created one of the most popular branded applications in the App Store and we're proud to demonstrate the tangible ROI that iPhone applications can have for marketers." "It's been a pleasure working with Moderati to create this one-of-a-kind application, though being fans of the ‘Zippo Encore Moment' ourselves, we're not at all surprised by its popularity," said Pat Grandy, Marketing Communications Manager at Zippo. "This branding exercise has been successful for us, as we've seen our Web traffic and overall brand awareness increase since the Virtual Zippo Lighter's launch." Virtual Zippo Lighter owners can engrave their virtual lighter case or choose from a selection of designs to customize the design. Future versions will take advantage of the new 3.0 features of the iPhone software, so check back often for updates. Continue to download the Virtual Zippo Lighter on iTunes, or learn more about it at http://www.moderati.com/zippo.html and http://www.zippo.com. About Zippo For 76 years, Zippo Manufacturing Company, maker of the world-famous windproof lighter, has developed new and unique products that solidify the brand as the name in flame. Based in Bradford, Pennsylvania and distributed in more than 150 countries worldwide, Zippo is synonymous with American-made quality and craftsmanship. About Moderati, a Bellrock Media Company Moderati is a digital content agency that helps brands connect with their consumers through engaging entertainment experiences. The company delivers the best digital content to consumers when, where and how they want it, with a mission to engage and entertain through creativity, technology and humor. Moderati has deep roots in mobile content and entertainment, and has been a trusted partner of top-tier wireless carriers since 2001. The company is a subsidiary of Japan's leading branded entertainment shop, Bellrock Media, with backing from Yoshimoto Kogyo, the agency that dominates talent management and production in Japan. Moderati is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. For more information, visit the Website at http://www.moderati.com. All trademarks and/or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5927155&lang=en |
