Smilebox

Smilebox
Industry
Founder Andrew Wright
Headquarters Redmond, Washington, U.S.
Website Smilebox.com

SmileBox is a photo sharing and social expression application intended for creating digital collages, invitations, slideshows, e-cards and scrapbooks for special occasions such as weddings and birthdays.[1][2] Founded in 2005 and launched in 2006, the company has seen more than 8 million downloads. The company was purchased by IncrediMail,[3] which became Perion Network in 2011.[4]

Though primarily a desktop program compatible with Windows and Mac,[5] SmileBox also has an iPod, iPhone, and recently an iPad application that allows users to decorate their photos on hand.[6]

History

Based in Redmond, Washington, SmileBox was founded in 2005 by Andrew Wright, a Product Unit Manager at Microsoft who specialized in consumer imaging and the publishing business. The company was purchased in August 2011 by Perion Network Ltd, a global consumer software company also in Redmond dedicated to developing applications. Since its launch in 2006, SmileBox has had at least 8 millions downloads worldwide and raised up to $14 million, according to its CrunchBase profile. The acquisition by Perion was later estimated at $25 million.[7]

The company has seen widespread use of its application since its inception. In addition to the 8 million downloads, SmileBox claims to have had at least 70 million creations made. Hallmark Cards would collaborate with the company, utilizing SmileBox technology for its products Hallmark DVD Greeting and Hallmark Digital Scrapbook,[8] which allowed its customers to easily personalize designs with photos, music and text and share or preserve them on DVDs or digital photo frames. SmileBox would also form a partnership with Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart[9] that would allow its users to print their products from the store.

Features

Desktop Program

SmileBox's interface is designed to create digital projects, such as postcards, invitations, e-cards, collages, slideshows, and scrapbooks.[10][11] Users then combine and manipulate photos and videos uploaded to their computer. Users then can share their creations by email, print, social networks, and burned DVDs.[12]

References

  1. ↑ "Smilebox Home Page". Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  2. ↑ "Smilebox". CrunchBase. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  3. ↑ "IncrediMail to Acquire Smilebox Inc.". Business Wire. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  4. ↑ Tsipori, Tali (18 September 2011). "IncrediMail to change name to Perion Interactive". Globes. Retrieved 18 September 2011.
  5. ↑ Hiner, Kirk. Photo sharing service launches Smilebox for the Mac. Technology Tell. 25 June 2008.
  6. ↑ "Smilebox Launches iPhone App That Redefines Mobile Photo Sharing". PR Newswire. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  7. ↑ Wauters, Robin. "IncrediMail Buys Online Photo Album And Slideshow Creator Smilebox For Up To $40 Million". TechCrunch. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  8. ↑ "Smilebox brings hybrid products to Hallmark stores". pmanewsline.com. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  9. ↑ "Smilebox adds direct-to-store printing at Walmart, Sam's Club". retailcustomerexperience.com. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  10. ↑ Turbow, Jason. "Inviting Web Sites for Party Planners". New York Times.. 16 December 2009.
  11. ↑ "10 Great Apps to Preserve Memories". PC Magazine. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
  12. ↑ Joaquin, Zem. "Top Holiday Traditions that Warm the Heart, not the Planet". Huffington Post.. 19 December 2008.

External links