Viigo Inc. announced today that it’s partnered with “The Globe and Mail” to provide smartphone users with mobile, interactive and real-time information from the 2008 Summer Olympics being held in Beijing, China.

 

“The Globe and Mail” says it’s the most read online newspaper in Canada. Viigo Inc. develops and markets mobile content and services applications for smartphones, company officials say.

 

According to Mark Ruddock, chief executive officer at Viigo, “Viigo’s partnership with The Globe and Mail lets millions of Olympics fans get all the information, updates and statistics the world games have to offer, delivered, live, to the palm of their hand. From the most popular events such as swimming, soccer, gymnastics and basketball to the more unique events showcased in the Olympics such as steeple-chase and slalom kayaking, no matter what sport you want to follow or what country you want to root for, Viigo will deliver you the information you want, wherever you are.”

 

According to the company, the partnership has created a mobile version of Canada’s national newspaper and its associated Web sites. The Viigo mobile application provides news and information in different categories such as News, Stocks, Travel and Local Interest, officials say.

 

Roger Dunbar, a vice president at “The Globe and Mail,” said, “The Viigo mobile service delivers new levels of interactivity, permitting access to exclusive online content and providing a new opportunity for our readers to stay up to date on the latest news from The Globe and Mail, while on the go. This initiative serves to further The Globe and Mail’s commitment to combine the best journalism with innovation and convenience. With the expertise of The Globe’s line-up of award-winning sports writers and the worldwide interest around the Olympic games, our readers are the ultimate winners.”

 

When a user selects Viigo’s Beijing 2008 service, he will be automatically subscribed to a series of mobile information channels from “The Globe and Mail” relating to the Olympics, according to the company. These will include news coverage, breaking news stories, individual competitor and country statistics, scores, medal results and a listing of upcoming events, according to the company. Users will be able to personalize the information received from Viigo, officials say, and customize their Beijing 2008 service by selecting specific events to track in real time.