Anders blog

Virgin Mobile Starts Preloading SCVNGR on Android Handsets

SCVNGR's location-based mobile game will be automatically preloaded on LG Optimus V handsets beginning later this month, thanks to a new partnership with Sprint announced Tuesday.

Theapp will sit alongside the YouTube application on the homescreen (as pictured), and will be incorporated into LG Optimus V device packaging. "This is the first handset in what will be additional models with the Virgin Mobile USA carrier prepaid brand," says a SCVNGR representative.

The pre-loaded application promises additional exposure for the service that just securedin Series C funding.

Virgin Mobile USA, a Sprint Nextel brand, offers consumers prepaid and no-contract pricing alternatives. The-- a Virgin Mobile device similar to the Optimus S-- is a slim Android phone with a 3.2-inch touchscreen priced at $149.99 without a contract.

The new year here at SCVNGR is all about building on the partnerships and user growth of our break-out year, and coming pre-loaded alongside apps like YouTube and Gmail is a huge testament to consumer response and engagement," says Chris Mahl, SCVNGR senior vice president. "We are excited to continue this growth and to help brands large and small engage their consumers through our social and mobile game platform.

Last we heard, SCVNGR was approaching 1 million members. The startup has yet to officially hit this milestone, but founder and CEO Seth Priebatsch says that it's "wicked close" to doing so.