Nickelodeon is launching a series of iPhone and iPod touch applications based on television series such as "SpongeBob SquarePants," "Dora the Explorer" and "iCarly."

Nickelodeon signaled its entry onto the iPhone platform with a mini-application, "The SpongeBob Tickler," on Jan. 20. Since its launch The SpongeBob Tickler, developed in partnership with Mobui, leapt into the top 10 best-selling iTunes applications, receiving more than 3,000 downloads per day.

"The application is an opportunity for Nickelodeon to have a footprint on the iPhone, which offers a unique experience to coincide with each of the shows," said John Burry CEO of Mobui, New York.

Nickelodeon's full series of applications rolls out this week, led by SpongeBob SquarePants Atlantis Treasures.

The additional series of Nickelodeon applications include:

-- A Dora the Explorer iPhone application that will challenge kids to match shapes, count numbers and practice the alphabet in touch-and-shake-oriented game play.

-- ICarly on the iPhone will be Nickelodeon's first live action iPhone application based on the tween property. Players will help the iCarly crew get ready for their next Webisode by issuing quests around school and playing mini games at Carly's studio.

-- The Shockwave's Daily Jigsaws-To-Go application will include 40-plus interactive puzzles and features that will allow users to download the new Daily Jigsaw on Shockwave.com daily.

-- The SpongeBob SquarePants: SpongeBob's Wacky Walk application is a platform game that will allow users to tap, swipe, tilt and shake scenery to get obstacles out of SpongeBob's way. This application will launch in April.

-- Sara's Super Spa, an application based on the hit Shockwave.com Web game, will combine time-management with touch-based mini-games.

-- SpongeBob SquarePants Diner Dash, published by Nickelodeon and PlayFirst, will create a portable SpongeBob-themed version of the popular casual game, Diner Dash, set in the Krusty Krab, the Chum Bucket and other under-the-sea locations.

Additional applications will be introduced throughout the year.

"You really have to couple entertainment with mobile because entertainment is all about personalization, which is the case with mobile as well, hence the penetration," Mr. Burry said.

"When you couple the two there is a natural association and any strong entertainment brand needs to have a mobile offering," he said.