Zwinky

Zwinkies are customizable social avatars that are part of the MyWeb Searchbar on computers running Windows. A user creates a non-animated cardboard cutout-like character (a Zwinky) to represent himself or herself in any networking site or blog that supports Zwinkies. When users change the appearance of said Zwinkies, all sites in which that avatar is currently displayed will update accordingly.

Zwinky is currently advertised on social networking sites such as MySpace, along with television shows and networks which target young audiences. It is owned by IAC Search and Media and launched in June 2006.

Peripheral effects

Zwinky adds the MyWeb Searchbar to the following applications: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, AOL 9.0 Email and Browser, Becky!, IncrediMail, MSN Dial-up Service, AOL Instant Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, and Windows Live Messenger.cite web
url = http://zwinky.smileycentral.com/download/features.jhtml
title = "Features"
work = zwinky.com
accessdate = 2007-06-06]

Once Zwinky is installed, the MyWeb Searchbar runs on startup. When users attempt to visit nonexistent pages, the software redirects them to search.mywebsearch.com. MyWeb Searchbar has been included on lists of known spyware.cite web
url = http://www.pcsecuritynews.com/spyware_top_threats.html
title = "Chapter 6: Top Spyware Threats"
work = [http://www.pcsecuritynews.com/spyware_report.html PCSecurityNews.com Spyware Report]
publisher = @Motion, Inc.
accessdate = 2007-06-06] , which prevents many users from installing the game because the news has spread rapidly around the internet.A review from McAfee SiteAdvisor of the Zwinky website states, "In our tests, this site promoted downloads that some people consider adware, spyware or other potentially unwanted programs." There are also many user review complaints about the spyware that the Zwinky website supports.cite web
url = http://www.siteadvisor.com/sites/zwinky.com
title = "zwinky.com - Web Safety Ratings from McAfee SiteAdvisor"
accessdate = 2008-07-01]

Zwinktopia virtual world

On April 29, 2007, "Zwinktopia" was launched. The most prominent feature is a persistent world for Zwinky avatars to inhabit. Within this world, Zwinkies can purchase dormitories to live in and decorate using items purchased with Zbucks, the currency used in the virtual world, or a Zcard, a debit card. Zbucks can be earned by visiting areas and playing games within Zwinktopia, and by inviting friends to create their own Zwinkies. Zbucks can be also be added to Zcards using PayPal or a major credit card. The virtual world includes many mini-games, and many brands that would appeal to teenagers and players over twenty.

In September 2008 IAC launched another Zwinky site called Zwinky Cuties. Zwinky Cuties targets girls ages 6 and up. The site operates like Zwinkies, but controls user chat by only allowing communication through a set of pre-approved words and phrases. [cite web|url=http://www.globeinvestor.com/servlet/story/PRNEWS.20080916.NY33096/GIStory|title=IAC Consumer Applications & Portals Debuts Zwinky Cuties|publisher=GlobeInvestor.com|accessdate=September 19|accessyear=2008]

Brands

The following real-life brands are portrayed in Zwinktopia for the user to buy with their Zbucks or Zcard:
*Sketchers
*Jessica Simpson
*Nickelback
*Dr. Martens
*Adidas
*Sears

References

External links

* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jbEZlnl9WQ YouTube video of ad]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQmIW0Gk56Q "Zwinky Party" - second ad featuring Lil Mama and Jason Fox]