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Disney animates next-generation mobile entertainment technology

The Walt Disney Company is betting on next-generation mobile ticketing, virtual reality, live streaming and user-generated content as it works with cutting-edge technology and media companies to take their offerings to the next level. 

The participants in Disney's 2016 Accelerator program include nine startups and one internal project. Each will have access to Disney?s creative expertise and resources over the course of three months to help develop their products and consumer experiences. 

?Many of the companies participating in this year?s program have developed  mobile experiences, and some are even mobile only,? said -Michael Abrams, senior vice president of innovation at The Walt Disney Company. ?One such example is Atom Tickets, a start-up looking to change the moviegoing experience with its new mobile, movie ticketing app.?


ESports influencers
The Disney Accelerator program first launched in 2014 as one of a growing number of initiatives to support technology startups and bring fresh, new approaches into the corporate culture. 

Mobile plays a big role for many of the startups involved in this year?s program, reflecting the significant impact smartphones are having on how consumers consume entertainment content and engage with related brands. 

This year?s participants include Ader, a marketplace connecting brands with eSports and gaming influencers. The company?s network of influencers reaches more than 50 million monthly viewers. 


Atom Tickets is also onboard. The new mobile app enables users to purchase movie tickets, pre-order concessions, invite friends without having to pay for them, discover new movies, browse trailers and read reviews. 

Hanson Robotics is building a range of robots for the business and consumer markets. 

Powering up virtual reality
Jaunt is working on putting the power of virtual reality in the hands of some of today?s best content creators with hardware, software and tools meant for creating and publishing immersive cinematic virtual reality. 

LittleBits offers easy-to-use electronic building blocks meant to empower kids to invent a range of devices such as remote controlled card, a dancing robot or a smart home device. 


Nom is an online live streaming video community for food lovers and chefs. Users can create, share, watch and participate in live videos while chatting and interacting with each other. 

OTOY is bringing light field rendering and network streaming to virtual reality and augmented reality experiences. 

Playbuzz enables publishers, marketers, bloggers and brands to create content using mobile-friendly formats that are equipped for social sharing. 

Pley is a toy subscription company. For a monthly fee, members receive their preferred toys shipped directly to their door and can play with, keep or return each toy whenever they wish. 

?The Disney Accelerator aims to help build the future of the media and entertainment industry, and mobile is a big, important part of that landscape,? Mr. Abrams said.