Disney Interactive announces several changes for digital projects

Leah Zanolla | Posted: Nov 15, 2014 | Updated: Nov 15, 2014 - 9:51:05 PM

An Disney Interactive event led to the announcement of plans for several of the company's digital projects. Among them, ESPN's website will be redesigned in April to be more mobile-friendly, with a "cleaner, simpler" design that users will be able to customize. They will also rebrand their SportsCenter app as "ESPN" to provide uniformity across their brands.

Two announcements involved smartphones: The popular Disney Infinity game will soon be available on iPhones and Disney World tickets will be able to be purchased straight from a phone. No specific date was announced for these changes.

Disney Publishing announced a new program called Imagicademy, an "app-based children's learning product," but no other details were given.

Beginning Tuesday, November 18, "Disney Movies Anywhere" can be accessed through Walmart's digital video service, Vudu. "Disney Movies Anywhere" allows users to have their Disney digital library with them on their mobile devices. Currently available for Apple and Android, Vudu will bring the service to PlayStation, Xbox, Roku and more.

Bob Iger, Disney Chairman said of the announcements, "Rather than being swept over by the wave, we are going to ride on top of it."

Disney Interactive saw $116 million in operating income in 2014; in 2013, they had a loss of $87 million for the year.