As part of the arrangement, Random House has inked licensing agreements with Vocel mobile subscribers to access the Living Language foreign-language self study programs and Prima Games, a publisher of video-game strategy guides. Terms of the investment by Random House were not disclosed by the companies.

From Study Guides to Gaming Tips

San Diego-based Vocel has established a presence in the wireless market by providing to subscribers SAT preparation guides from the Princeton Review. The company delivers its content primarily via interactive text messages and has agreements with leading carriers Verizon Wireless and Cingular.

Subscribers to the Living Language offering will be able to learn words, phrases and grammar, and receive language exercises via the Vocel interactive technology . With the Prima Games application, gamers can access thousands of hints and tips from a selection of popular video games from their handsets.

Random House, a division of German media conglomerate Bertelsmann AG, will maintain a hands-off approach to Vocel, and is exploring additional mobile offerings with other book publishers and information providers.

Bertelesmann Contribution Is Key

For Random House, the world's largest trade book publisher, this agreement provides a vital link with wireless carriers and adds a significant distribution channel for the parent firm, said IDC analyst Keith Waryas.

"Bertelsmann has a lot of assets, including music and video properties, and they see Vocel as the channel to distribute that content," Waryas noted. "This is the first step, and we will probably see a lot of other content from Random House and Bertelsmann being offered to mobile users."

Waryas cited the Living Language application as a draw for international travelers carrying their phones and requiring prompt assistance with translations.

One hurdle, however, is the confining nature of the mobile interface, said Waryas, which does not lend itself to reading books, for example. "But this will probably be a lot more compelling when they start offering content from the Bertelsmann channels."