Posts Tagged ‘Mobile’
Written on August 31st, 2009 by ADMINno shouts
Mobile internet usage will grow 39 percent in Western Europe in 2014 from 13 percent in 2008, according to a new report by Forrester Research released today. That means that more than a third of consumers in Western Europe will access Internet from their mobile phones by 2014, great news for mobile advertisers.
At the end of this year, Forrester expects mobile Internet penetration to reach 17% in Western Europe — the same adoption rate for the PC Internet a decade ago, according to Forrester analyst Thomas Husson.
“Consumers who have a flat-rate data bundle spend more and more time on the Internet from their mobile phones, brands begin to launch their mobile Web presence to monetize these growing audiences and engage with their customers via more relevant mobile content and services, which in turn attracts more and more consumers to unlimited mobile Internet tariffs. The current economic climate will lengthen handset renewal cycles, foster the development of low-cost offerings, and boost the uptake of SIM-only contracts.
At the end of 2009, mobile Internet penetration will reach 17 percent in Western Europe, the same level of adoption that PCs with Internet access had in 1999, which Husson described as being a critical mass. “In the next decade, the mobile Internet will replicate the success story of the PC-based Internet as social networks, widgets, search engines or company websites adapt for mobile presentation,” Forrester reports.
Hussan writes that the “iPhone is just the tip of the iceberg” and that many other devices and services will enable the surge of mobile internet usage in Europe over the next five years. Source: Mobile Marking Watch
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Written on August 31st, 2009 by ADMINno shouts
AdMob has been growing steadily since its inception, dominating iPhone app advertising and getting closer to dominating mobile ads in general.
In a step to further its dominance, the ad network acquired AdWhirl- a competing mobile ad network – after controversy surrounding a move by AdMob to stop allowing other ad networks to deliver its ads as part of a multi-network service.
AdMob claims the reason for this move stemmed from user-complaints over broken ads and technical issues, but its obvious that the company was tired of splitting revenue when it could presumably be keeping 50% of the profits. AdWhirl, along with others, where profiting greatly by serving AdMob-based ads- With the shut-off, third-party ad networks where effectively left in the dark.
Looking at the larger picture- any ad network that can gain access to iPhone app developers can corner the market in a big way. AdMob, for a long time, was doing just that. Recently, however, other networks such as AdWhirl were coming on strong with those same app developers by offering them an ad exchange.
This method allows mobile app developers to switch from AdMob to other competing mobile ad networks such as Quattro, VideoEgg, or Mobclix on the fly. Although it launched only last April, AdWhirl was quickly becoming the preferred advertising interface for many developers because they could still serve AdMob ads through it, but not be tied to AdMob if a better deal came along.
This scared AdMob greatly, which had been enjoying Google-like dominance for a long time. It’s first move was to stop allowing ad exchange interfaces, like AdWhirl, from serving ads from its inventory. App developers quickly called them out on it and AdMob retreated. AdMob definitely doesn’t want to upset app developers in any way, simply because of the fact that they’re the reason they’ve seen so much success.
The next logical move by AdMob was to simply acquire AdWhirl, which they did shortly thereafter.
After the dust settles though, what will AdMob/AdWhirl do to calm those who believe AdMob will simply funnel more of its own ads through AdWhirl now that it controls it. It could also track all of the ad impression data of its competitors to improve its own ad products, making it even more unfair to competitors.
To be fair, AdMob has reiterated several times that it will open-source the underlying code of AdWhirl for more transparency, but it still leaves a lot of questions un-answered. AdMob is undoubtedly trying to keep its corner of the market to itself, but it will be increasingly harder to do so in the near future. Source: Mobile Marketing Watch
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Written on August 29th, 2009 by ADMINno shouts
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announced today that they received almost 2,200 applications requesting nearly $28 billion in funding for proposed broadband projects reaching all 50 U.S. states.
This is the first round of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding aimed at expanding broadband access, with $4 billion available through loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations.
A preliminary analysis of applicant-reported data shows that NTIA and RUS received requests for grants and loans totaling nearly $28 billion. When including about $10.5 billion in matching funds committed by the applicants, there are over $38 billion in proposed broadband projects.
The applications break down as follows:
Infrastructure
- More than 260 applications were filed solely with NTIA’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), requesting over $5.4 billion in grants to fund broadband infrastructure projects in unserved and underserved areas.
- More than 400 applications were filed solely with RUS’s Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP), requesting nearly $5 billion in grants and loans for broadband infrastructure projects in rural areas.
- More than 830 applications were filed with both NTIA’s BTOP and RUS’s BIP, requesting nearly $12.8 billion in infrastructure funding. (Applicants for infrastructure projects in rural areas must apply to BIP but were given the opportunity to jointly apply to BTOP in case RUS declines to fund their application.)
Sustainable Broadband Adoption
- More than 320 applications were filed with NTIA requesting nearly $2.5 billion in grants from BTOP for projects that promote sustainable demand for broadband services, including projects to provide broadband education, awareness, training, access, equipment or support, particularly among vulnerable population groups where broadband technology has traditionally been underutilized. (The Recovery Act directs NTIA to make at least $250 million available for programs that encourage sustainable adoption of broadband services, of which up to $150 million is allocated in this first round of grants.)
Public Computer Centers
- More than 360 applications were filed with NTIA requesting more than $1.9 billion in grants from BTOP for public computer center projects, which will expand access to broadband service and enhance broadband capacity at public libraries, community colleges, and other institutions that provide the benefits of broadband to the general public or specific vulnerable populations. (The Recovery Act directs NTIA to make at least $200 million available for expanding public computer center capacity, of which up to $50 million is allocated in this first round of grants.)
In the coming weeks, NTIA and RUS will post online a searchable database containing summaries of all applications received. The dollar figures cited today represent applicants’ self-reported totals from proposals submitted before the August 20, 2009, deadline at 5 p.m. ET.
TowerStream says it is applying for $100 million to $120 million under the Broadband Technologies Initiative Program (BTOP). The money will be used to provide “for areas in and around major cities that don’t have adequate Internet access,” including Atlanta, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Phoenix and San Diego. The company has also applied for BTOP funds in its existing markets: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Seattle, says Unstrung.
Source: Dailywireless
Written on August 29th, 2009 by ADMINno shouts
Nokia unveiled their next generation internet tablet this week. xThe Nokia N900, like the N810 and N800 tablet before it, the device uses Linux-based Maemo software. Unlike Nokia’s earlier tablets, it connects to the internet over a cellular connection. It’s not a phone, it’s a tablet, but the GSM connections imply that cellular voice may be a possibility in the future.
Features include GSM, GPRS, EDGE and HSDPA connectivity (along with support for AWS frequencies used by T-Mobile), Wi-Fi, a 600 MHz ARM Cortex-A8 CPU, TV-out, Bluetooth, FM transmitter, GPS, a browser powered by Mozilla; full Adobe Flash 9.4 support; a slide-out QWERTY keyboard; Nokia’s Messaging service, which allows up to 10 email accounts; 32GB of storage, expandable up to 48GB via a microSD card; and a 5MP camera with Carl Zeiss optics.
The company says it remains committed to the Symbian OS for its smartphones, although analysts are starting to wonder if Maemo could eventually replace it, says MocoNews.
It marks the third operating system that the company has said it will support—just in the past week. On Monday Nokia announced the 10-inch “Booklet 3G”, a netbook running Microsoft Windows.
Nokia said the N900 will be available in some markets starting in October with an estimated retail price of EUR 500 ($712) excluding sales taxes and subsidies.
On 1 April 2008, Nokia announced a WiMAX equipped version of the N810 called the “N810 WiMAX Edition”, with specifications similar to the original N810, but the production of the Wimax Edition of the Nokia N810 was canceled in January 2009. Source: Dailywireless
Written on August 29th, 2009 by ADMINno shouts
It’s that time of year when SXSW Interactive puts all the approved talk submissions up for public vote. We hope you’ll take a moment and vote for these mobile and device user experience sessions. Voting ends September 4th.
1 // “Convergence: Already Here, and Gosh It’s a Mess!“
Speaker: Gabriel White, Punchcut
Convergence is here and it’s a big mess. People are using services and media within hacked-together ecosystems; systems without neat connections or beautiful symmetries. Punchcut will share the user insights and design principles needed to create applications and services that integrate into emerging digital lifestyles and convergent ecosystems.
2 // “It’s Slow, Ugly and Not What I Designed: How to Ship Good Design”
Speakers: Patricia Slechta & Christian Robertson, Punchcut
Has your user experience ever been lost in translation? You see the mobile device in the marketplace and you hardly recognize it? Punchcut will share insights and explore organizational principles that bridge design and the go-to-market reality. We will discuss ways to prevent user experiences from being lost in translation.
3 // Crowd Sourcing The Planet: How Mobile Devices Become Sensor Arrays That Can Aggregate A World Of Content
Moderator: Henry Tirri, Nokia
Mobile phones are becoming mobile computers with multiple sensory inputs such as cameras, GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, light sensors, NFC and etc. Users of these devices have an enthusiasm for sharing data and content, and as more contribute the possibility of aggregating content together into new forms has wild potential.
4 // “Innovation for Hire: Innovating in the Client Relationship“
Speaker: Jodi Burke, Punchcut
Being a consultancy (or a freelancer) means working with clients to develop innovative concepts, but how do you prevent them from being pared-down, watered-down or shelved? This process-oriented session will present battle-tested techniques on how to partner with clients in order to get innovation to market.
5 // Time + Social + Location. What’s Next In Mobile Experiences?
Moderator: Josh Babetski, MapQuest
As more devices become location aware, social uses will continue to evolve beyond just who and what, to WHEN. Adding the temporal dimension creates new opportunities for social interaction. Learn about ways to leverage and use technology to add features at the intersection of temporal, social, and location.
6 // Death of the Browser
Speaker: Daniel Jacobson, National Public Radio
With the tremendous growth of the iPhone and other mobile devices, are we about to witness the death of the traditional desktop web browser? If so, how fast will it happen? Or can the browser and mobile phone live in harmony in the years to come? This panel will explore the future of the mobile space and how it will impact the way we interact with the Internet.
7 // Mobile Technology: What’s New, What’s Out, What’s Next?
Speaker: Anup Murarka, Adobe
There’s lots of talk about creating engaging experiences for consumers on their mobile phones… but what’s the reality? Hear some of the industry’s top players as they hash out what’s hot with mobile technology, what needs to be changed, and what the future holds.
SXSW Interactive 2010 is held in Austin, Texas in March 2010. Source: Idlemode
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Written on August 29th, 2009 by ADMINno shouts
Finding new avenues in which to utilize mobile marketing isn’t an easy task, but a company called TimeStream Software has done just that with a new concept known as “Notescasting.”
In its own words, TimeStream explains Notescasting as “a powerful organized collection of interactive copy embedded with links to related photos, video, audio and additional interactive text, all of which installs to your iPod’s ‘Notes’ feature.” Basically, it’s like a mini brochure that’s downloaded directly to an iPod that includes support for endless pages, links and anything else a traditional Website supports.
The key aspect of Notescasting is that it opens the door to nearly 120 million iPod Classics and Nanos in use today that were previously unreachable by advertisers. iPhones and iPod Touches are already well-utilized marketing mediums, but iPod Classics and Nanos are a virtually untapped resource for marketers. Combined, Notescasting can be utilized on well over 150 million mobile devices in use around the world.
With Notescasting, companies can promote their products and services with up to 1,000 pages of in-depth content, all linked to related photos and video, which their customers can now review in the palm of their hand wherever they go and whenever they want- even if there is no Internet access or cell-phone signal. With its hierarchical folder and file structure, Notescast content is organized and displayed so that users can “surf” any Notescast title to quickly find the information they need, as well as supporting information in additional photos, video, audio, etc.
It’s an interesting concept that could have potential- according to TimeStream, the concept has already been embraced by the likes of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels, DoubleTree, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, and other big-name brands, but we’ll have to keep this one on the radar and see how it all pans out.
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Written on August 29th, 2009 by ADMINno shouts
I came across a rather interesting article out of the Philippines that talked about the concept of wireless carriers using digital marketing to help lower the costs of subscription rates for its customers- much like magazines use the revenue generated from print advertising to make the magazine itself inexpensive for consumers.
It’s a concept I’m surprised I never thought of before, most likely because I always thought wireless carriers would always charge what they charge no matter the revenue they’re generating elsewhere. ”If telcos will get revenue from mobile marketing ads, the more they can lower subscription rates to customers,” said Emmanuel Allix, managing director of mobile advertising firm Pudding Media (Asia Pacific), during an interview with Computerworld Philippines.
To be fair, the interview was conducted with someone that obviously has an interest in mobile marketing, and therefore would love to see wireless carriers utilize the medium in large quantities, but the idea still makes sense. ”Through simple mobile phone functions like ring tones when someone is calling or when you’re receiving text messages, we can insert ads of businesses. And ours is even non-intrusive, permission-based. It is both opt-in and opt-out,” Allix continued.
Wireless carriers are already using the practice to some degree, but as revenue from digital marketing goes up, prices will undoubtedly stay the same- at least for the foreseeable future. We’ve already seen telcos try to offer completely free wireless service based on ad-revenues, and while it does work, it’s by no means a sustainable business model for large-scale carriers. Finding a happy medium would be a boon to the industry, but It’s definitely a long way off.
Source: Mobile Marketing Watch
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Written on August 29th, 2009 by ADMINno shouts
Pier 1 Imports is teaming with Barnes & Noble for a promotional SMS sweepstakes.
Pier 1 has launched a full-blown in-store mobile call-to-action (which is basically a sign next to the prize) in one hundred Barnes & Noble bookstores across America that are in somewhat close proximity to a college campus.
Hoping to reach a young demographic and presumably tap into the need for trendy dorm furniture and accessories, this endeavor marks the first of its kind for Pier 1.
“This was our first time utilizing SMS as a channel, and we’re excited to be out there testing it,” said Jeff Haddox, a direct marketing analyst for the company. “SMS made perfect sense for our partnership with Barnes & Noble.”
The Pier 1 Imports SMS campaign began last month and will run through Sept. 30.
The campaign, as you might imagine, is keyword-specific. Since a unique keyword has been designated for each store, Pier 1 knows which store inspires consumers to text in.
Pier 1 is using ExactTarget’s text messaging platform for the sweepstakes.
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Written on August 19th, 2009 by ADMINno shouts
TomTom announced Monday that its new $99.99 turn-by-turn iPhone app is now up for sale at the iTunes store, notes C/Net.
TomTom for the iPhone comes with features typically found in standard GPS units, including voice directions and full maps of the U.S. and Canada. Maps for Europe, Australia, and New Zealand are available at varying prices.
Instead of suggesting the quickest route based on travel time, Tom Tom’s IQ Routes taps into the actual experiences of other TomTom drivers to determine the fastest route to take. TomTom said this technology lets people reach their destinations quicker up to 35 percent of the time.
In addition, the software can suggest alternative routes if a turn is missed or a road is blocked, the company said.
The company will also offer a car kit, so that drivers can attach their iPhones to the front window or dash.
Written on August 19th, 2009 by ADMINno shouts
A survey recently carried out by ABI Research in the United States indicates Cellular Modem Uptake is Limited by Service Cost.
Typical cellular modem users currently pay $50-$60/month for mobile data services from national providers. Respondents who don’t currently own cellular modems but are interested in them, however, place a significantly lower value – somewhere between less than $10 and $30/month – on that service.
“Over 47% of US survey respondents had at least some interest in cellular modems and their willingness to pay for mobile data service is at half of current market prices,” notes analyst Jeff Orr.
“In the US at least, consumers want a mobile data service costing no more than their home broadband.” Source: http://www.dailywireless.org/2009/08/17/abi-cellular-data-too-expensive
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