Telefonica-owned Tuenti messaging service on its way to Windows Phone

Telefonica introducing a cross-platform mobile messaging service

Tuenti (official website) has announced an upcoming Windows Phone app, as well as a solution for iOS. Currently the service is available for both Android and BlackBerry (as beta - launched today), with the remaining two apps coming in the next few weeks. So what's the deal with Tuenti and should you be interested?

Tuenti, a "next-generation social communications platform", is owned by Telefonica and originates from Spain. It was founded in 2006 by a group of friends prior to the acquisition, and has grown to be a fairly popular social network. The backing of a large brand alone could mean some solid advertising for Windows Phone with Telefonica promoting the cross-platform service through its brands, which will provide Windows Phone some much needed exposure.

The messaging service is also a social network (and is often referred to as the "Spanish Facebook"), but before you think privacy concerns - Tuenti has a strong emphasis on user security and privacy. The development team has been working closely with both Nokia and Microsoft on their Windows Phone app and - as one can see in the photos above and below (note: in Spanish) - it looks like something special.

With a number of IM and messenger apps already available for Windows Phone, what sets Tuenti apart from the competition? The app enables users to keep up-to-date with friends through feeds, as well as engaging in conversation with anyone who uses the service. As well as logging in on the PC, the soon-to-be-released mobile apps will enable users to communicate cross-platform.

Check out the following chart, which shows a feature comparison between a number of services (courtesy of Tuenti).

If that wasn't enough, how about a short video introduction as to what's on the horizon? While it's also in Spanish, we like this video as they feature the Lumia Windows Phone before other supported smartphones.

We'll update you all when the app is available for download from the Marketplace. Watch this space, but for now be sure to head on over to the official website to create an account and populate your contacts.