By Wang Zhiyong
China.org.cn staff reporter

CRImobile, a new website service optimized for mobile devices including Motorola smartphones and Apple's iPhone, was officially launched by China Radio International (CRI) in Beijing on July 16, 2009.

CRImobile, a new website service optimized for mobile devices, was officially launched by China Radio International (CRI) in Beijing on July 16, 2009. [Wang Zhiyong, China.org.cn]

Mobile phone users only need type in the web address: m.cri.cn whenever and wherever they are, to gain access to news, business, showbiz, travel information as well as a Chinese language learning studio and video and audio content produced by CRI Online.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Vice Minister Tian Jin of the State Administration of Radio Film and Television (SARFT), said CRImobile would be a new way for the world to get to know China.

"The official launch of CRImobile allows foreign audiences to experience China anytime and anywhere, literally in the palm of their hand. Now it is easier than ever to gain access to the rich, ancient culture of this wonderful country while at the same time witnessing the rapid development of a modern, open China."

CRI Director-General Wang Gengnian said the mobile service is a significant step for CRI on its road to developing new media.

"The new media is characterized by its ability to cover wide areas, carry huge amounts of information, transmit instantly, and interact with listeners in real-time. It not only represents the new trend in international communication, but also represents an important new direction for the development of CRI."

CRImobile began trial operations during the Beijing Olympics in August 2008, offering practical information to mobile phone users, especially tourists visiting China. The service has since become popular both at home and abroad. By the beginning of July 2009, the trial operation of CRImobile had attracted visitors from more than 5,000 cities and towns across 168 countries and regions worldwide.

China Radio International, now in its 68th year, launched its website CRI Online (www.cri.cn) in December 1998. CRI Online has since become a multilingual integrated web platform offering content in 53 languages and featuring internet radio, TV services and podcasts. Much of the content is geared specifically towards mobile users.

(China.org.cn July 16, 2009)