Mobile Phone Usage During the Super Bowl

February, 2012

According to a study, about half of the individuals watching the Super Bowl XLVI will check their mobile phone up to 10 times during the game. It was also proven, that almost one-third of viewers under the age of 45 will be watching with their mobile phone in their hand. People are using their phones to reach beyond the individuals that they are watching the game with through social media. A lot of the commentary will be about the anticipated commercials happening throughout the game. To learn more visit Mashable.

Clio Brings Lawyers to the Cloud

January, 2012

Clio, a cloud-based management service is pioneering a movement in the legal industry of storing information on the cloud.  The cloud-based management service will help lawyers manage their practice by organizing time, client information, upcoming court dates and deadlines. Clio is using $6 million in new funding to push product and feature development around its technology, add support for its growing customer base, and expand internationally. For more information, please see  TechCrunch.com.

Bank Of America Tests Daily Deals

January, 2012

Bank of America has announced that it is testing a Groupon-like daily deal service for its account holders. The new “BankAmeriDeals” is currently being tested among employees and suggest deals based on your previous spending habits on your credit or debit card.  When viewing their online statement, the user can see what deals are available to them and then select which they would like to redeem.  When they purchase the deal item from a retailer with their Bank of America credit/debit card, they will pay full price and at the beginning of the next billing period the percentage off from the deal they chose will be deducted from their statement. This move shows how banks are moving towards internet banking services and embracing extra value added offers to keep consumers loyal and increase credit card spending.  For more information, see Mashable.

From the Virtual World to LEGO

January, 2012

Minecraft is a game that allows players to build anything they can imagine out of blocks that look similar to LEGOs. Players build low-resolution landscapes in the digital world, that are now coming to the physical world. LEGO is partnering with Minecraft to develop these “worlds” into toys. Any homemade platform that receives 10,000 votes from the public will be reviewed by LEGO to potentially be transformed into a toy. For more information, visit Mashable.

Starbucks Uses QR Codes To Poll Coffee Blends

January, 2012

A leader in leveraging digital technology, Starbucks will turn to QR codes to poll consumers on their favorite coffee blends. To encourage code captures, Starbucks delivered the code via a coupon flier. Users who scan the code can vote on their favorite blend and link to Facebook to see what others have been voting. This QR code usage is a good example of a brand providing engaging content through a mobile medium. To learn more about this promotion, please visit MobileMarketer.com.

Google Tests QR Login

January, 2012 Google is working on a solution for people to login into their Gmail more securely, while using a public computer. This week they  experimented with using a QR code. Although the test is no longer running, Google says there are more to come and users who tested reported having success. To learn more go to Mashable.com.

Apple Takes On Textbooks

January, 2012

Apple is expected to make an announcement with a focus on education this Thursday. A rumor claims that Apple plans to launch a “GarageBand” style software that allows anyone with an Apple device tools to create interactive textbooks. According to Steve Jobs biography, he had a much bigger idea in mind. He believed that the $8 billion a year industry was ready for a digital makeover. To learn more, visit Mashable.

Express Boosts App Downloads With QR Code

January, 2012

Express has added QR codes to store windows and clothing tags inorder to encourage downloads of the store’s app and promote their social sites to their consumers.  The QR codes placed on the windows of the New York stores and placed on tags for clothing lead to the mobile landing page where consumers can learn about and easily download the Express app for iPhone, Android, or Blackberry platforms.   Express hopes that the app downloads will lead to more memorable in store experiences as well as increase engagement with the fashion retailer’s social media sites.  For more information see Mobile Commerce Daily.

Hulu Prepares to Launch Original Series Online

January, 2012

Hulu is in final preparations to launch its first original scripted series, Battleground, online next month.  The show will be available on Hulu.com to its paid ‘premium’ subscribers as well as its free service subscribers.  The show covers a fictional senate candidate in Wisconsin as he battles from third place the upcoming election. Hulu announced the plans for the original series as other online services such as Netflix, Youtube, and Yahoo have discussed or announced adding original programming to their offerings. Hulu offers subscribers the ability to watch episodes of many popular TV shows online with limited commercial interruptions. The company hopes that the addition of original web programming such as Battleground will bolster its already growing profits after the company saw 60% growth from 2010-2011. For more information see TechCrunch.

Microsoft QR Reader Now Works Universally

January, 2012

Microsoft has relaunched their QR reader to work more universally, thus alleviating the need for multiple apps for different codes. The new reader will recognize barcodes, QR codes and NFC URLs in a matter of seconds. In addition to reading a multitude of codes, the app also features an ROI mechanism to measure metrics. The app works with most smartphone platforms, including Android, iOS, Blackberry and Microsoft. Please visit PopSop.com to learn more.

TinTin Movie Launched Art Book iPad App

December, 2011

The new Steven Spielberg movie, The Adventures of Tin Tin, has launched an ‘Art Book’ iPad app to accompany the coffee table book The Art of The Adventures of Tin Tin. The coffee table book features exclusive full page images of the behind the scenes art that went into making the full length 3D feature film of the old comic book.  The iPad app features the same illustrations and images as the coffee book, but also includes 3D characters, scenes, and vehicles of the movies that users can rotate and explore on their iPad.  Exclusive video content and 360 degree experiences are also hidden throughout the app encouraging users to truly “explore” the world of TinTin to discover exciting and engaging content.  The revolutionary book app is only $5.99 in the iTunes app store as opposed to $40 for the coffee table print edition.  For more information please see TechCrunch.

DDR Corp Uses Geo-Fencing during Holidays

December 2011

DDR Corp., a retail real estate company, is using geo-fencing technology in its open-air shopping malls nation-wide. Deals are texted from retailers to consumers upon entering the mall’s borders. While such technology has been used by individual retailers before, DDR Corp. is using ValuText for small businesses within their malls. Since these businesses don’t typically have the marketing budget of larger retailers, this service gives them the opportunity to better compete during the holidays, free of charge. For more information, please see Mashable.

Salvation Army Accepts Credit Donations

November, 2011

The holiday season is now officially upon us.  That means it’s also the time for giving, and the Salvation Army has prepared itself for this year’s season by now accepting donations via credit cards.  Salvation Army Red Kettle volunteers will now be using Square credit card readers to accept donations from people only carrying plastic in addition to the traditional cash donations.

P&G Sells Virtual Goods On Subway

November, 2011

P&G is now selling products to on-the-go consumers at busy subway stations in Prague – the products, though, are virtual. When users scan a QR code underneath the image of a product, they can purchase the item through the company Mall.cz, which will then deliver the products to their home. The company plans to add more children’s products during the holiday season to assist in holiday shopping. To learn more about this new shopping experience, please visit AdAge.com.

Paramount Offers ‘Transformers’ Directly

October, 2011

Paramount Pictures has created a video streaming site that offers viewers a direct video of the new Transformers: Dark of the Moon, in HD or standard version. The appeal to the consumer is that Paramount has eliminated the middle man. Ordinarily Netflix, Facebook, Blockbuster Movie Pass or a satellite provider would partner with Paramount to show the film. Now, consumers can visit this link, vod.transformersmovie.com, pay a one time fee and watch the movie at their convenience within 48 hours of making the purchase. For more information, please see Paramount Transformers.

Amazon Silk: Amazon’s New Web Browser

October, 2011

Amazon has just released its new web browser Amazon Silk.  The browser will be available exclusively on the just released Kindle Fire, Amazon’s new color tablet.  Amazon Silk will feature a browser that uses “split architecture” that allows for quicker cloud-based browsing.  For more info, please visit: http://amazonsilk.wordpress.com

Fast 5 Speed to the Safe Launch

September, 2011

The popular Universal Studios major motion picture, Fast 5, has launched a new site to promote the release of the movie’s DVD. The site offers fans of the movie the opportunity to watch clips from the movie as well as pre-order the DVD or Blu-Ray. The main feature of the site is the unique “Speed to the Safe” interactive game. Users search pictures from the movie for special hidden codes. As users find the codes they can then use these to try and open a safe.  If one of the codes opens the safe, the fan wins one of many prizes which include a grand prize of a trip to Rio. The codes can be saved and re-entered every 24 hours for extra chances to crack the safe and win prizes.  The site was developed for Universal Studios by Moosylvania Marketing.  For more information, see Fast Five – Speed to the Safe.

Bloomingdale’s Uses In-Store Aug. Reality

September, 2011

Bloomingdale’s stores have partnered with CBS to provide in-store shoppers with an augmented reality experience. When in-store, shoppers can pose in different sections seemingly alongside characters from CBS’ line up of fall shows and share their photos with friends via social media. During the first promotion, visitors to any of the 44 Bloomingdale’s stores could “pose” with cast members of the new show The Playboy Club. In addition to posing in photos, some shoppers also have the opportunity to win a trip to LA to visit the set of one of CBS’ shows or a grand-prize trip to Chicago for a part in The Playboy Club. To learn more about this partnership and promotion, please visit LuxuryDaily.com.

Gmail Is Now Available Offline

August, 2011

Google has now made Gmail accessible when you are offline, and within the next week will also make Google Calendars and Google Docs accessible offline too. The new offline Gmail is available as a Google Web app. However this app will only be effective for Chrome’s web browser. None Chrome users fear not, Google promises to make the app available in other browsers soon. For more information, please see Gmail Offline.

Fox Searchlight Releases Film Trailers via QR Codes

August 2011

Fox Searchlight releases trailers for their new film, Martha Marcy May Marlene, using QR Codes on promotional materials to drive views. Ads, theater standees and coasters feature the QR codes embedded with one of two trailers. As the first studio to bypass traditional promotion for movie trailers, Fox Searchlight may have chosen a fitting campaign for this film, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in January. For those who may miss the codes, a website similar to the theater standees will allow for views, too. For more information, please see Mashable.

Jumio Turns Webcams Into Card Raders

August, 2011

Jumbio, the new technology that turns your webcam into a credit card reader, is now available for all WordPress websites. Jumbio is set up like any other plug-in, publishers just need to download, install and activate. Then all of their users can purchase and make charitable donation by just turning on their webcam and flashing there cards. To read more visit Jumbio for WordPress.

CRM Supports Kellogg’s New Mobile Strategy

August, 2011

Kellogg Co. is introducing a new CRM program to integrate into it’s existing mobile strategy. The initiative will enable the company to analyze consumer behavior, drive consumer engagement and implement mobile campaigns personalized to the user, in addition to enabling consumers to opt in to receive brand communication. The CRM initiative will join a list of mobile strategies that have been tested by the company this year, including QR codes, SMS and mobile apps.

Disney develops Tech. for entertainment

August, 2011

Disney is taking the vibration from mobile phones to a hole new level. They have taken the sensation of this movement and distributed it across the entire body with the use of their Haptic Surround technology. The program plays off of sensory feedback in video games and movies resulting in a head to toe jolt. The technology can be used in countless fields including medicine and gaming, but Disney hopes to utilize it for the ultimate movie viewing experience. For more information, please see Fast Company.

Taco Bell’s New QR Codes

August, 2011

With the help of technology company Scanbuy, Taco Bell has started placing QR codes on some of their products. As of late last month codes can be found on the packages of the fast food chains large fountain drinks and Big Box Remixed. The QR codes will unlock exclusive footage related to Taco Bell’s sponsorship of MTV’s Video Music Awards, such as interviews and music videos. For more information, please see T-Bell QR Codes.

Updater Helps Block Junk Mail

August, 2011

Updater is an online service for changing your direct mail address and filtering out junk mail, all for a $14.99 fee. Users can file Change of Address Forms and update them with the businesses, schools, organizations and contacts with their new mail addresses easily online. Another big feature of this service allows users to update their do-not-mail lists online. For more information, please visit Mashable.

Gogo Enables WiFi Streaming During Flight

August 2011

Gogo, an in-flight Wi-Fi provider, launched Gogo Vision for American Airlines. Gogo Vision will bring wireless streaming of TV shows and videos to 15 of its Boeing 767-200 Aircraft for the first time in the U.S.. Users will be able to stream from their laptops during flight, and their selections will be available to them for up to 72 hours after they have landed. For more information, please see Mashable.

MasterCard Rewards Facebook Checkins

August, 2011

MasterCard has partnered with Facebook Places to launch a campaign involving the original Yankee Stadium seats. Twenty seats have been scattered throughout New York City at places, including the New York Stock Exchange, for fans to locate and scan a QR code. The QR code checks the fan into Facebook Places where they have a chance to win VIP tickets to a 2011 Yankee game in MasterCard’s exclusive “Batter’s Eye Café”. This campaign is the launch of the MasterCard Priceless Cities program, which aims to rival the recent partnership of American Express and Foursquare. For more information, please visit Mashable.

Adobe Launches Edge

August, 2011

Edge is Adobe’s new web motion and interactive design tool. It allows its users to animate content using HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript. It does not use Flash at all. This tool has never been developed before and is currently being offered for free. Edge is intended to coexist with current Flash tools such as Dreamweaver, not extinguish them. For more information, please see Adobe Edge.

Groupon Lands CPG and Retailer Deal

July 2011

Groupon has landed its first offer featuring a consumer packaged good paired with a specific retailer. The Unilver offer for Ben & Jerry’s is aligned with Supervalu, redeemable at the Jewel-Osco chain in Chicago. The Groupon deal is loaded onto the Jewel-Osco loyalty card and is redeemable at checkout, versus the traditional printed coupon from Groupon. This new deal could open doors for future CPG and retailer specific Groupon deals. For more information, please see AdAge.

New Toyota Steering Wheel Tracks Heart Rate

July, 2011

New technology from Toyota can detect irregular heart and body functions through the steering wheel. With the implementation of an ECG (electrocardiogram) the wheel can sense if the driver has arrhythmia, or even if they are enduring a heart attack. Abnormal heart rates are detected through the drivers hands with the help of contact sensors embedded in the steering wheel. This read of information is also shown on an in car navigation screen, allowing drivers to nonchallantly check their heart rate. If the driver is having heart attack, they are instructed to pull over immediately and the car itself will automatically call 911. Toyota hopes that this new health-related technology will help save many lives. For more information, please see Fast Company.