Iger reveals new Disney.com home page

Cory Bergman January 8th, 2007

In his keynote speech at CES, Disney CEO Robert Iger gave a sneak peek of the new Disney.com site, which will launch later this month. The broadband centerpiece, called Disney XD, features both free and premium Disney video and games. Users can share videos, chat with friends in a social networking environment, listen to music, create playlists and play a “stunning array” of games. Screen grab of the home page follows below, as well as the press release with a few more details…

PRESS RELEASE — The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) is committed to working with consumer electronics as it builds on its tradition of using the newest technology to create high-quality content, Bob Iger, president and CEO of Disney said today in a keynote address to the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show.

“We are witnessing an explosion of media and Disney is both reaping the benefits of that explosion and acting as a catalyst by taking a technology-friendly approach,” said Iger, noting that the company was the first to offer movies and TV shows for download on iTunes last year.

“Our history of bringing our storytelling and our roster of characters to the frontiers of technology is unrivalled. Since the day Mickey dared to speak in a `talkie,’ Disney has boldly taken its content to the cutting edge. Wherever the path of unfolding technologies and imaginative new platforms may lead, Disney will be there. Year in and year out, we are proud to bring our creative content to your innovative products.”

Iger today unveiled the latest example of Disney’s use of technology by giving the CES audience a first look at the newly redesigned and enhanced Disney.com Web site, which will launch later this month.

Taking advantage of the strong growth of broadband and new Web tools, Disney.com is a compelling interactive experience that offers personalization and community-building amidst a broad array of Disney entertainment, products and services.

“No other media company has the breadth of quality family entertainment that can be brought together to create such an exciting online experience,” Iger said. “Disney.com is the digital doorway into Disney and both a destination and a portal into a vibrant, rich online entertainment experience for children, parents and people genuinely interested in Disney.”

Already a number-one ranked site among kids and families with 24.8 million unique monthly visitors (comScore MediaMetrix: November 2006), Disney.com is poised to continue its industry leadership when the new site launches.

Disney Xtreme Digital (Disney XD), the broadband centerpiece of the new site, will allow guests to personalize their favorite Disney content as well as watch and share with others videos, including television shows and shorts; chat with friends, listen to music; create playlists; and enjoy a stunning array of games. Disney.com guests will also be able to access premium content through Disney XD, such as the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean Online massively multiplayer game, which is set to launch in 2007.