Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue SI will also release a 30-minute 3-D swimsuit video over PlayStation and other Sony formats to go along with the hard copy.

The franchise has partnered with Massachusetts-based mobile engagement company Nellymoser and Microsoft Tag to engage readers on their mobile devices. Readers will have the ability to instantly:

* Vote for their favorite of the eight models competing for the chance to be a SI Swimsuit rookie in the 2012 issue. They can view photos and video of each model.
* Watch behind-the-scenes video of all 17 models in the 2011 issue.
* Share videos via Facebook, Twitter or e-mail.
* See their favorite 2011 models in "Model vs. Model," featuring swimsuit models matched with a Nissan car.
* Download SPORTS ILLUSTRATED's new Swimsuit Mobile App.

In addition to the action codes within the magazine, Microsoft Tags linked to mobile content will be placed on phone kiosks, subway posters, and signage in New York and Las Vegas. The Tags connect users to a swimsuit body paint mobile video that they can share with their Facebook friends. It also allowed users to preorder the 2011 issue or download the magazine's new Swimsuit App once it launches. 

Nellymoser's design and creative services produced the mobile user experience. Their Mobile Engagement Platform detects the phone, network, and speed in real time to create the best possible presentation on virtually any mobile device, including Apple's iPhone, BlackBerry, and Android smartphone devices.

"The Swimsuit franchise reaches millions of fans each year, and our expanded mobile videos and content for the 2011 edition will build even greater consumer interest," said Mark Ford, President of the Time Inc. Sports Group. "Nellymoser and Microsoft Tag together created an engaging user experience and we are excited for what their tagging solutions can offer."

"The SPORTS ILLUSTRATED swimsuit issue is an ideal showcase for Nellymoser's mobile solutions. The pictures, videos, and voting used in the campaign offer SPORTS ILLUSTRATED's readers a highly engaging mobile experience," added John Puterbaugh, founder/CEO of Nellymoser.

Images:

http://www.ereleases.com/pic/SI-iPhone.jpg

http://www.ereleases.com/pic/MS-Tag-SI-Swimsuit.jpg

About Nellymoser

Nellymoser Inc. (http://www.nellymoser.com), a mobile technology company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Arlington, MA, turns printed action codes (e.g., 2D bar codes, QR codes, Microsoft Tags, SMS) into instant, interactive consumer "engagements" on mobile phones. These range from contests and product videos to interactive multimedia engagements that can be shared on social media (e.g., Facebook, and Twitter) and include e-commerce for instant product purchases. Nellymoser's customers include leading publishers, advertisers, retailers, and consumer packaged goods companies. 

About SPORTS ILLUSTRATED Swimsuit

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED Swimsuit is a powerhouse media franchise that reaches more than 60 million people annually, and more men 18 to 34 than the Super Bowl. The iconic franchise now spans more than 20 product extensions in digital, social, broadcast, publishing, mobile and consumer products. Since debuting in 1964 Swimsuit has become a pop-culture phenomenon and an established launching pad for successful careers in TV, fashion, business and film.

Contacts: 

Peter Himler 

Flatiron Communications (for Nellymoser)
phimler@flatironcomm.com
(m) 516-729-6461
 

Kathryn McEwan
Edelman Public Relations (for Microsoft Tag)
kathryn.mcewan@edelman.com
O: 206-268-2281

Huffington Post has photos here. Go here for the "Best" Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover of all!