Friday, September 12, 2008

Where are mobile ads heading to?

According to Informa, global mobile advertising spend will grow to $1.7bn in 2008, following an approximate billion dollars in 2007. Well – that sounds pretty impressive, as the figure is expected to increase to $2.6bn in 2009. And with the expected growth rate, the global spend will be more than $12bn in 2013.
To get those figures straight - Internet advertising in the UK alone is likely to hit $6bn in 2008. Procter&Gamble spend roughly $8bn on advertising - per year. The overall global advertising spend in 2007 is somewhere in the region of $450bn. Global mobile revenues are estimated to be more than $750bn.
Even if mobile advertising still represents a tiny fraction compared to the whole picture, it is definitely one of the major growth areas within the wireless industry. So the current euphoria is justified. The next logical and interesting step will be then to see whether consumers will fully accept (more) ads on their handsets - or whether they will have their own say on the above stated figures.

Friday, September 5, 2008

VoIP - threat or opportunity

According to a couple of websites, iPhone users shortly will be able to circumvent their operators' networks by using VoIP. Belgian developer Namado/Namando Telecom claims that by using their application, callers can save up to 80 per cent connecting to the internet via the terminal's wifi connection.


This is undoubtedly an extremely imteresting topic, so I wanted to learn more about the small and innovative company behind the application. Now, Namado Telecom does not exist (as this is equivalent to not being found with a homepage by google). Namando Telecom does not exist as well, nor does Namado or Namando Telekom.


The company's correct name is Nomado Telecom, and it really does exist. And I think that they have a right to being spelled correctly, as they might pose a threat to mobile operators - or a massive opportunity, depending on the point of view. And that's definitely worth being noticed.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Supermarket shopping spree for hi-tech fraudsters


A BBC investigation has apparently picked up that fraudsters are looking to hit US bank accounts by shopping in UK supermarkets like Tesco and Asda. According to the BBC, the self-checkout systems in UK supermarkets are at risk of being targeted by the hi-tech criminals with the stolen card details.

The gang plans to copy US bank account details onto the magnetic strips of fake cards and bleed the funds dry by stocking up on high value goods in the stores. In using the self-service systems it is thought that this will avoid contact with store staff that could spot the fake cards!

The BBC came across this plan with the help of computer security experts that noticed a discussion on a card fraud website in which the hi-tech thieves debated the best way to loot the money from US accounts. Seriously, who would actually discuss this on an online discussion board?

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Social network Hi5 launches mobile for Latin America


Social network Hi5, with a large following in Latin America, today launched Hi5 mobile, the mobile version of their site. The San Francisco-based social network launched its mobile version in 26 different languages today, some of which were translated by its own users, according to The Social.

The decision to go mobile seems like a smart decision: in Latin America, owning a mobile device is more common than owning a PC. In that same line of thinking, while Facebook has optimized versions to serve as a supplement to the site for iPhone and Blackberry, Hi5’s iPhone/Blackberry versions are meant to replace the online website. Speed and reliability will come into play here later, but Hi5 is certainly off to a good start.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Americans buying fewer (but pricier) cell phones

Analyst firm NPD Group and Silicon Alley Insider reported on an interesting find: consumer cell phone unit sales dropped 13% from Q2 in 2007. However, Q2 revenues have dropped only 2% from last year.

The likely cause for this? Americans are buying fewer cell phones because they are spending more money on their handsets than ever before—and using their new investments as long as they can before trading in for a new device. In fact, this year seems to be the year where more and more ‘prosumers’ purchase a Blackberry or an iPhone.

SAI notes that this study doesn’t include Apple’s iPhone 3G, and only includes Apple’s original iPhone for part of the quarter. Q3 and Q4 should yield quite different results.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

WSJ to offer free app on BlackBerry

The Wall Street Journal Digital Network announced the launch of their free mobile application, WJS.com Mobile Reader. The app promises instant access to financial coverage form the WSJ website as well as others including MarketWatch.com, Barrons.com and AllThingsD.com. Currently the free app is only available on RIM’s BlackBerry platform and provides customers automatic content updates as well as WSJ features such as What's News, Tech, Opinion and Columns and more. Users can also set up customized category list and add features such as customized keyword alerts and stock quotes. In addition, the subscribers can also share articles through social networking sites.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Polo Ralph Lauren turns to M-Commerce


Shopaholics beware... your shopping addiction may not end as the shops shut their doors, and you are back in the taxi on your way home. It has been announced today that Polo Ralph Lauren is launching the first luxury mobile commerce website.

Polo Ralph Lauren is looking to attract tech-savvy shoppers by introducing an advertising campaign that will enable consumers to buy products by snapping photos of special advertising codes on their mobile phones.

The user will need to look for the codes in print ads, direct mail and even in in-store window promotions. Once they have photographed the code on their camera phone, they can then download the software and shop on the specific mobile commerce site.

This idea has sprung from the Japanese market, where it is the norm to buy tickets and vending machine products from their mobile phones. Polo said that this push is something they hope will help them stay ahead of the trend that is making its way from Asia to the US.

Lauren told Reuters: "We recognize that in America this is going after somebody who is more comfortable with technology. The truth is that in other countries, its becoming part of their culture. The trend is coming, and as a fashion company it's very important to identify trends and get ahead of them."

The campaign will launch on 25th August in conjunction with the annual US Open Tennis championship.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

New Home for iPhone: Best Buy

Sources say, possibly starting as early as September 7th the retail store, Best Buy will be carrying the latest version of Apple’s iPhone. The choice to make them the first vendor that is not directly related to the Apple was definitely the best one because they already house other AT&T phones and have had high levels of sold Apple merchandise by Best Buy’s consumer base of the years.

The move to bring the popular phone to an outside vendor will instantly increase the phone’s availability by introducing it to over 900 stores nationwide and may even increase sale margins indefinitely. Start saving your money and thank Apple for saving you gas because now you don’t have to drive to the nearest Apple store to get one.
Info by: Gizmodo