From PR Newswire...
3DIcon Recommends Google.com and Other 'Quality' Search Engines for TDCP Updates
Thursday January 27, 7:06 am ET
TULSA, Okla., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 3DIcon Corporation (OTC Pink Sheets: TDCP - News), a communications development company, announced today that one of the best ways to keep abreast of 3DIcon's activities is via Google.com and similar first-class search engines.
"We're a little bit embarrassed about the current quality of our website," said 3DIcon CEO Martin Keating. "It's out of date and not even close to what we want it to look like. We're working on it. In the meantime, we recommend that shareholders and other interested parties access Google or any other quality search engine and type in '3DIcon.' That way, one can read many of our latest news releases."
IN order to find us, use GOOGLE.
This is pathetic.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
A Must Read....SP's Dead Upon Arrival?
This is very big. Could the SP's be dead before they come alive?
From The Feature.com Calling without cellcos.
With products in the pipeline a handful of companies are moving P2P over IP forward at breakneck speed. The outcome could rock the enterprise, and potentially wreck operators' business models.
With 52 million downloads and counting since its commercial launch in August 2004, Skype has clearly fuelled consumers' passion for free voice calls over the Internet. Estimated to carry 25% of annual VoIP traffic (as counted by TeleGeography), or the equivalent of 4% of total international traffic worldwide, the impact of Skype and other VOIP applications could put a serious dent in mobile operators' revenues.
The scenario for the mobile industry turns from bad to worse when Skype is embedded in a 3G phone or Wi-Fi-enabled device, and falling data prices offer users a much cheaper alternative to cellular voice. Indeed, one eager Taiwanese handset manufacturer recently wrote an open letter to Skype asking for the privilege to be the first to embed the technology in its 3G phones, leading many to believe such handsets will appear this year.
It could also be the ultimate nightmare for the telecoms industry, warns James Enck, a telecom analyst at Daiwa Securities SMBC Europe Ltd. Through his blog and extensive research, Enck has been following the rise of P2P and predicting the fall of telecoms vendors and operators when it catches on.
He argues that the economics of building a sustainable business case solely around voice are becoming increasingly untenable. "Already voice is becoming a weapon in the arsenal of global Internet brands. Whether it's Google or Microsoft, voice is going to become just another feature in applications aimed at some other ultimate objective, perhaps selling some premium services or generating advertising revenues -- in the same way that these same players have commoditized Webmail and storage to a certain extent."
Embed P2P in mobile phones, and the outcome could be profound -- if operators stand still. The technology will no doubt empower enterprise users and road warriors, and deliver them significant savings in roaming and long-distance charges. The choice for operators is to let any remaining revenues go to their competitors, or to adopt the services and apply them to their own networks and users.
There are simple steps operators can take, such as drastically cutting voice charges, particularly for international and roaming calls, where mobile VOIP would make its initial impact. But there's also an opportunity for carriers willing to work with upstart companies like Nimcat -- in addition to simply "locking in" the outside traffic, mobile carriers could further integrate the technology into their own networks, and potentially steal business away from fixed providers by providing enterprise PBX features such as the ability to have common directories or a call attendant.
Mobile operators are control freaks whose worst nightmare is to become dumb pipes for their users' data. They can use some of their usual tricks to resist this, like blocking VOIP traffic on their networks, though this is likely to just drive users to more friendly competitors, even data-only MVNOs (one of which could be launching on a Japanese 3G network soon). But if they offer users the technology as a way to reduce costs and improve services, they've got far more to gain.
From The Feature.com Calling without cellcos.
With products in the pipeline a handful of companies are moving P2P over IP forward at breakneck speed. The outcome could rock the enterprise, and potentially wreck operators' business models.
With 52 million downloads and counting since its commercial launch in August 2004, Skype has clearly fuelled consumers' passion for free voice calls over the Internet. Estimated to carry 25% of annual VoIP traffic (as counted by TeleGeography), or the equivalent of 4% of total international traffic worldwide, the impact of Skype and other VOIP applications could put a serious dent in mobile operators' revenues.
The scenario for the mobile industry turns from bad to worse when Skype is embedded in a 3G phone or Wi-Fi-enabled device, and falling data prices offer users a much cheaper alternative to cellular voice. Indeed, one eager Taiwanese handset manufacturer recently wrote an open letter to Skype asking for the privilege to be the first to embed the technology in its 3G phones, leading many to believe such handsets will appear this year.
It could also be the ultimate nightmare for the telecoms industry, warns James Enck, a telecom analyst at Daiwa Securities SMBC Europe Ltd. Through his blog and extensive research, Enck has been following the rise of P2P and predicting the fall of telecoms vendors and operators when it catches on.
He argues that the economics of building a sustainable business case solely around voice are becoming increasingly untenable. "Already voice is becoming a weapon in the arsenal of global Internet brands. Whether it's Google or Microsoft, voice is going to become just another feature in applications aimed at some other ultimate objective, perhaps selling some premium services or generating advertising revenues -- in the same way that these same players have commoditized Webmail and storage to a certain extent."
Embed P2P in mobile phones, and the outcome could be profound -- if operators stand still. The technology will no doubt empower enterprise users and road warriors, and deliver them significant savings in roaming and long-distance charges. The choice for operators is to let any remaining revenues go to their competitors, or to adopt the services and apply them to their own networks and users.
There are simple steps operators can take, such as drastically cutting voice charges, particularly for international and roaming calls, where mobile VOIP would make its initial impact. But there's also an opportunity for carriers willing to work with upstart companies like Nimcat -- in addition to simply "locking in" the outside traffic, mobile carriers could further integrate the technology into their own networks, and potentially steal business away from fixed providers by providing enterprise PBX features such as the ability to have common directories or a call attendant.
Mobile operators are control freaks whose worst nightmare is to become dumb pipes for their users' data. They can use some of their usual tricks to resist this, like blocking VOIP traffic on their networks, though this is likely to just drive users to more friendly competitors, even data-only MVNOs (one of which could be launching on a Japanese 3G network soon). But if they offer users the technology as a way to reduce costs and improve services, they've got far more to gain.
Tiger Goes Mobile
First Ronald McDonald and now Tiger Woods. If these two dont kick start mobile content..
Sprint Hits a Hole-in-One with Exclusive TigerWoods.com Mobile Content Deal
Thursday January 27, 7:02 am ET
Fans of the golfer can access Tiger Woods-themed ringers, screen savers, up-to-the-minute information and more on their Sprint PCS Vision(SM) Phones
Beginning in February, the TigerWoods.com mobile content from Sprint PCS Vision will include:
-- Multiple voice ringers so fans can listen to Tiger Woods announce their
incoming calls with sayings such as, "Hey, this is Tiger Woods. I hope
you have a sponsor because this one is going to cost you."
-- Multiple screen savers so customers can personalize their phones with a
series of play action shots such as Tiger driving the fairway or
saluting the gallery.
-- Club Tiger Mobile, a Java application that allows customers to access
live stats and scores, breaking news, a tournament schedule, a media
gallery of photos from recent events, Tiger Woods trivia and Tiger
Woods golf tips from Golf Digest.
-- Text Alerts - fans can receive text alerts announcing the launch of new
Tiger mobile content as well as play Tiger text trivia and more, all by
sending the word "Golf" to 84437 on their Sprint PCS Phones.
-- EA Sports Tiger Woods 2005, a popular mobile golf game already
available to Sprint PCS Vision customers.
Hey Sprint, way to be a pioneer. Why not think about tapping into the real money, the advertising dollar from brands.
Sprint Hits a Hole-in-One with Exclusive TigerWoods.com Mobile Content Deal
Thursday January 27, 7:02 am ET
Fans of the golfer can access Tiger Woods-themed ringers, screen savers, up-to-the-minute information and more on their Sprint PCS Vision(SM) Phones
Beginning in February, the TigerWoods.com mobile content from Sprint PCS Vision will include:
-- Multiple voice ringers so fans can listen to Tiger Woods announce their
incoming calls with sayings such as, "Hey, this is Tiger Woods. I hope
you have a sponsor because this one is going to cost you."
-- Multiple screen savers so customers can personalize their phones with a
series of play action shots such as Tiger driving the fairway or
saluting the gallery.
-- Club Tiger Mobile, a Java application that allows customers to access
live stats and scores, breaking news, a tournament schedule, a media
gallery of photos from recent events, Tiger Woods trivia and Tiger
Woods golf tips from Golf Digest.
-- Text Alerts - fans can receive text alerts announcing the launch of new
Tiger mobile content as well as play Tiger text trivia and more, all by
sending the word "Golf" to 84437 on their Sprint PCS Phones.
-- EA Sports Tiger Woods 2005, a popular mobile golf game already
available to Sprint PCS Vision customers.
Hey Sprint, way to be a pioneer. Why not think about tapping into the real money, the advertising dollar from brands.
RFID Cell Phone Part 2
From eWeek News Verisign plans RFID security enhancements.
After making a range of moves last year toward bolstering RFID adoption, network specialist VeriSign Inc. is now working with epcGlobal on future RFID security improvements, while also consulting enterprises about which business processes to RFID-enable in the interests of quicker ROI.
VeriSign started out 2004 by announcing that it had nailed down a contract with RFID standards body epcGlobal for running root directory services that allow the use of RFID tag data on large networks.
Another approach—possibly advantageous to pharmaceutical and food manufacturing firms, for instance—calls for the use of RFID in gaining "proof of delivery" benefits.
VeriSign's RFID announcements last year also included a joint demo with Nokia around possible consumer-oriented RFID applications, along with plans in the areas of outsourcing Internet-based RFID networking for enterprise customers and support for RFID application development.
On the EPC Network, every company will ultimately have a server running its own ONS (Object Naming Services), as well as EPC-IS (EPC-Information Services) servers containing data about their own products.
The ONS servers will send lookup requests for EPC numbers to the EPC-IS servers. Companies will be permitted to either run their own EPC-IS services or to outsource these services.
Would the data that these lookup requests be valuable?
As Strzelec sees it, RFID's ONS services are similar to the DNS (Domain Naming Services) VeriSign already operates on the Internet through its data centers. "We run the intelligent infrastructure for .com and .net [Internet domains]," he said.
So this means Verisign will assign a web address to every RFID tag.
VeriSign's pilot demo with Nokia focused on futuristic scenarios that would let consumers access RFID data from cell phones. Nokia's 5140 phone already comes with an RFID reader.
The cell phone will scan an RFID tag, send the request to a server, the server says that tags domain is "www.xyz.com", and then the cellphone displays that site.
I think theres some IP that involves a bunch of this process.
After making a range of moves last year toward bolstering RFID adoption, network specialist VeriSign Inc. is now working with epcGlobal on future RFID security improvements, while also consulting enterprises about which business processes to RFID-enable in the interests of quicker ROI.
VeriSign started out 2004 by announcing that it had nailed down a contract with RFID standards body epcGlobal for running root directory services that allow the use of RFID tag data on large networks.
Another approach—possibly advantageous to pharmaceutical and food manufacturing firms, for instance—calls for the use of RFID in gaining "proof of delivery" benefits.
VeriSign's RFID announcements last year also included a joint demo with Nokia around possible consumer-oriented RFID applications, along with plans in the areas of outsourcing Internet-based RFID networking for enterprise customers and support for RFID application development.
On the EPC Network, every company will ultimately have a server running its own ONS (Object Naming Services), as well as EPC-IS (EPC-Information Services) servers containing data about their own products.
The ONS servers will send lookup requests for EPC numbers to the EPC-IS servers. Companies will be permitted to either run their own EPC-IS services or to outsource these services.
Would the data that these lookup requests be valuable?
As Strzelec sees it, RFID's ONS services are similar to the DNS (Domain Naming Services) VeriSign already operates on the Internet through its data centers. "We run the intelligent infrastructure for .com and .net [Internet domains]," he said.
So this means Verisign will assign a web address to every RFID tag.
VeriSign's pilot demo with Nokia focused on futuristic scenarios that would let consumers access RFID data from cell phones. Nokia's 5140 phone already comes with an RFID reader.
The cell phone will scan an RFID tag, send the request to a server, the server says that tags domain is "www.xyz.com", and then the cellphone displays that site.
I think theres some IP that involves a bunch of this process.
Amazons Local Search...Very Cool
Now this is cool.
Thanks John Battelle for the heads up.
Amazon's local search that allows you to see the street and move around on it. Also you can click to call the desired hotel/restaurant you're searching for.
Take a look here.
This is really good stuff.
I wonder if Google will use their satellite imagery company to do this do.
Thanks John Battelle for the heads up.
Amazon's local search that allows you to see the street and move around on it. Also you can click to call the desired hotel/restaurant you're searching for.
Take a look here.
This is really good stuff.
I wonder if Google will use their satellite imagery company to do this do.
Howard Rheingold On Search
From Technology Review mag The Yahoo factor.
When I see Howard Rheingold make comments on search I pay attention. The guy is a true visionary.
If the computer hard drive is the engine for the information age, then it derives its power from the ability to search and deliver information quickly and seamlessly.
"Mobile searches are potentially revolutionary," says Howard Rheingold, who authored the book Smart Mobs and oversees the SmartMobs blog, which tracks the evolution of mobile technologies. "The speech to text for a mobile device would be really helpful -- it would be a localizing search.
NOTEBOOK
Search literacy is still extremely important, due to the vast amount of information on the Web. Howard Rheingold talks about the importance of knowing how to search.
"There are two key issues here – location awareness and local resources in your search. Ideally we will be able to do a voice to text that will come along. I think that because of the rate in which technology changes – again, it is a literacy problem, how do people keep up?" said Rheingold.
"It used to be the digital divide was between the rich and the poor – now, everyone has a mobile phone, many people have access to computers…again, it’s knowing how to use it. It’s no longer the haves/have nots it’s the knows how/doesn’t know…when it comes to computer use," Rheingold says.
The next phase might be that the phone knows who you are and you could find, using your phone, what you need, immediately. This would go far beyond a desktop search."
Between LBS (location based services ie GPS) and physical world hyperlinks, this is all possible.
When I see Howard Rheingold make comments on search I pay attention. The guy is a true visionary.
If the computer hard drive is the engine for the information age, then it derives its power from the ability to search and deliver information quickly and seamlessly.
"Mobile searches are potentially revolutionary," says Howard Rheingold, who authored the book Smart Mobs and oversees the SmartMobs blog, which tracks the evolution of mobile technologies. "The speech to text for a mobile device would be really helpful -- it would be a localizing search.
NOTEBOOK
Search literacy is still extremely important, due to the vast amount of information on the Web. Howard Rheingold talks about the importance of knowing how to search.
"There are two key issues here – location awareness and local resources in your search. Ideally we will be able to do a voice to text that will come along. I think that because of the rate in which technology changes – again, it is a literacy problem, how do people keep up?" said Rheingold.
"It used to be the digital divide was between the rich and the poor – now, everyone has a mobile phone, many people have access to computers…again, it’s knowing how to use it. It’s no longer the haves/have nots it’s the knows how/doesn’t know…when it comes to computer use," Rheingold says.
The next phase might be that the phone knows who you are and you could find, using your phone, what you need, immediately. This would go far beyond a desktop search."
Between LBS (location based services ie GPS) and physical world hyperlinks, this is all possible.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Would You Like Ringtones With That?
Oooh yeah Im lovin it. Maybe Ronald McDonald can jump start mobile marketing in the States.
From RCR News McDonald's offers wireless content as part of marketing campaign.
McDonald's restaurants in the Pacific Northwest will give away ringtones, wallpaper and coupons to wireless handsets during a Web-based promotional campaign, the fast-food chain said Wednesday.
McDonald's will use the Web site www.mobilestr33t.com as a focal point for the campaign to offer ringtones from hip-hop artists, classic rock bands, and movie and TV show theme songs. The campaign, which is being produced by Davis Elen Advertising & Public Relations and Gamut Industries, began yesterday and runs for a limited time.
Click here to see the neat offerings.
As a leader in the food industry, McDonald's continues to pave the way for young adults by offering them a variety of choices through mobile communications, which is so much a part of their world."
The campaign is just the latest marketing initiative that integrates wireless technology. According to new research from Frost & Sullivan, the mobile marketing market is expected to reach $69.3 million by 2007. The market totaled $11.5 million in revenue last year.
From RCR News McDonald's offers wireless content as part of marketing campaign.
McDonald's restaurants in the Pacific Northwest will give away ringtones, wallpaper and coupons to wireless handsets during a Web-based promotional campaign, the fast-food chain said Wednesday.
McDonald's will use the Web site www.mobilestr33t.com as a focal point for the campaign to offer ringtones from hip-hop artists, classic rock bands, and movie and TV show theme songs. The campaign, which is being produced by Davis Elen Advertising & Public Relations and Gamut Industries, began yesterday and runs for a limited time.
Click here to see the neat offerings.
As a leader in the food industry, McDonald's continues to pave the way for young adults by offering them a variety of choices through mobile communications, which is so much a part of their world."
The campaign is just the latest marketing initiative that integrates wireless technology. According to new research from Frost & Sullivan, the mobile marketing market is expected to reach $69.3 million by 2007. The market totaled $11.5 million in revenue last year.
RFID Cell Phone...Sure
Im not surprised. Ive been saying this is inevitable.
From Mobile Mag RFID cell phones? maybe in 2007.
Electronics and Technology Research Institute (ETRI) plans to complete development of a built in RFID reader chip that will allow cell phones to receive RFID signals. This would enable users with the device embedded into their cell phone to receive info based on their surroundings. Such as, standing in front of a movie poster and hearing the latest soundtrack from that movie, or even view a teaser trailer.
The Ministry of Information and Communication of Korea is exploring new business models combining mobile infrastructure and RFID. Their goal is to push the mobile RFID to commercial service in 2007.
Once RFID receivers are built into cell phones the possibilities are endless. For instance; buy a product off the supermarket shelf, the RFID tag will identify itself, and your phone can download the recipes associated with the product.
Now if I thought this would have legs, I would look to see who had the IP associated with scanning bar codes. It's the same principle, so I think Symbol Technologies might be the place to start. See what kind of IP they regarding RFID. The barcode and RFID tag, same principle of looking up information but now through the Internet.
Youre just swapping a barcode that is internet accessable with an RFID tag that already is.
From Mobile Mag RFID cell phones? maybe in 2007.
Electronics and Technology Research Institute (ETRI) plans to complete development of a built in RFID reader chip that will allow cell phones to receive RFID signals. This would enable users with the device embedded into their cell phone to receive info based on their surroundings. Such as, standing in front of a movie poster and hearing the latest soundtrack from that movie, or even view a teaser trailer.
The Ministry of Information and Communication of Korea is exploring new business models combining mobile infrastructure and RFID. Their goal is to push the mobile RFID to commercial service in 2007.
Once RFID receivers are built into cell phones the possibilities are endless. For instance; buy a product off the supermarket shelf, the RFID tag will identify itself, and your phone can download the recipes associated with the product.
Now if I thought this would have legs, I would look to see who had the IP associated with scanning bar codes. It's the same principle, so I think Symbol Technologies might be the place to start. See what kind of IP they regarding RFID. The barcode and RFID tag, same principle of looking up information but now through the Internet.
Youre just swapping a barcode that is internet accessable with an RFID tag that already is.
Another Wireless Provider...But With Foresight
From Mobile Pipeline EarthLink, Korean operator creating new US wireless company.
EarthLink said Wednesday that it is partnering with Korean wireless operator SK Telecom to create a new wireless operator in the U.S. that will focus on providing advanced Internet services such as streaming multimedia.
The two companies will equally co-own the new venture, which will be called SK-EarthLink. The new company will be a virtual wireless provider, acquiring services from other mobile operators, although the companies did not say in a statement from which operator they would acquire the services from or when the service would fully launch.
Primarily, the stressed in statements and in the conference call that the goal of the joint venture is to offer services not currently available in the U.S.
"In South Korea, kids on the street are using their mobile phones to listen to music, watch TV, video conference, locate their friends and access the Internet -- as well as make voice calls -- as opposed to the U.S. where the mobile experience is primarily about talking on the phone," Dayton said in a statement. "Americans are living in the past. Utilizing emerging 3G networks and harnessing the explosive growth of Wi-Fi, SK-EarthLink will take the wireless experience in the U.S. to a new level."
EarthLink said Wednesday that it is partnering with Korean wireless operator SK Telecom to create a new wireless operator in the U.S. that will focus on providing advanced Internet services such as streaming multimedia.
The two companies will equally co-own the new venture, which will be called SK-EarthLink. The new company will be a virtual wireless provider, acquiring services from other mobile operators, although the companies did not say in a statement from which operator they would acquire the services from or when the service would fully launch.
Primarily, the stressed in statements and in the conference call that the goal of the joint venture is to offer services not currently available in the U.S.
"In South Korea, kids on the street are using their mobile phones to listen to music, watch TV, video conference, locate their friends and access the Internet -- as well as make voice calls -- as opposed to the U.S. where the mobile experience is primarily about talking on the phone," Dayton said in a statement. "Americans are living in the past. Utilizing emerging 3G networks and harnessing the explosive growth of Wi-Fi, SK-EarthLink will take the wireless experience in the U.S. to a new level."
70% Versus 3-6%
From Media Post's Media Daily News SMS poised to spur mobile marketing market.
Frost & Sullivan, a software industry market research firm, Tuesday released the results of a study touting the potential and effectiveness of mobile marketing as a method of reaching and engaging consumers.
The study, entitled "An Insight into the United States Mobile Marketing & Short Code SMS Markets," predicts dramatic growth in the number of short messaging service (SMS) subscribers and the number of subscribers participating in SMS campaigns, as well as touting the high response rates to SMS-based campaigns.
Frost & Sullivan predicted that the number of U.S. SMS subscribers was expected to increase to 75.5 million by the end of 2007, from 26.4 million in 2003.
The number of those subscribers participating in short-code SMS campaigns--which allow mobile marketers to use shorter, easier-to-remember numbers, rather than full 10-digit numbers as the contact numbers for their campaigns--is likely to increase from 9 million to 35.9 million over the same period, the study predicted.
Short code SMS campaigns are commonly used for online votes, quizzes, sweepstakes, and mobile coupons.
The study also found that opt-in SMS-based interactive campaigns have a much higher response rate than other channels.
The study stated that those campaigns might see response rates as high as 70 percent, compared to the average click-through rate of Internet ads of about 3 to 6 percent on average.
WOW..advertisers do you see how big this will be? Hey search engines, do you realize you MUST be a part of this? 70% versus 3-6%
Burgess agreed that mobile advertising was a quickly growing field. "What I am seeing is a lot of marketers who are starting to initiate some form of direct response campaigns that include mobile," he said.
"There's no doubt that the media world is climbing on to the mobile bandwagon." JupiterResearch Analyst Niki Scevak agreed that mobile devices are a good method for getting customers to respond and interact with ad campaigns, but warned against using them as a method to deliver advertisements.
The way to get permission to market via the phone is the toughest part of this industry. Games, quizzes, sweepstakes, coupons are some ideas, but have you ever considered that when you click on a barcode you are giving the brand the permission to market to you?
It's obvious you wouldnt be holding a can of tomato soup or an Elton John CD and clicking on it for more info if you weren't interested in the product.
Brands heres the easiest way to get permission, and create some great marketing campaigns for the next advertising industry space.
Now think what happens after you just clicked on that Elton John CD. You just created data. Who makes use of that data? What does that data include? Your cell phone number, your location, the product (Elton John CD) and the time you showed interest.
Will this info be valuable for the advertiser?
What if you had the server(s) that saw the traffic and could analyze all this data?
This is web analytics turbo charged. Who will get this first?
I have a piece coming out called "After The Click" that explains how big this will really be.
Frost & Sullivan, a software industry market research firm, Tuesday released the results of a study touting the potential and effectiveness of mobile marketing as a method of reaching and engaging consumers.
The study, entitled "An Insight into the United States Mobile Marketing & Short Code SMS Markets," predicts dramatic growth in the number of short messaging service (SMS) subscribers and the number of subscribers participating in SMS campaigns, as well as touting the high response rates to SMS-based campaigns.
Frost & Sullivan predicted that the number of U.S. SMS subscribers was expected to increase to 75.5 million by the end of 2007, from 26.4 million in 2003.
The number of those subscribers participating in short-code SMS campaigns--which allow mobile marketers to use shorter, easier-to-remember numbers, rather than full 10-digit numbers as the contact numbers for their campaigns--is likely to increase from 9 million to 35.9 million over the same period, the study predicted.
Short code SMS campaigns are commonly used for online votes, quizzes, sweepstakes, and mobile coupons.
The study also found that opt-in SMS-based interactive campaigns have a much higher response rate than other channels.
The study stated that those campaigns might see response rates as high as 70 percent, compared to the average click-through rate of Internet ads of about 3 to 6 percent on average.
WOW..advertisers do you see how big this will be? Hey search engines, do you realize you MUST be a part of this? 70% versus 3-6%
Burgess agreed that mobile advertising was a quickly growing field. "What I am seeing is a lot of marketers who are starting to initiate some form of direct response campaigns that include mobile," he said.
"There's no doubt that the media world is climbing on to the mobile bandwagon." JupiterResearch Analyst Niki Scevak agreed that mobile devices are a good method for getting customers to respond and interact with ad campaigns, but warned against using them as a method to deliver advertisements.
The way to get permission to market via the phone is the toughest part of this industry. Games, quizzes, sweepstakes, coupons are some ideas, but have you ever considered that when you click on a barcode you are giving the brand the permission to market to you?
It's obvious you wouldnt be holding a can of tomato soup or an Elton John CD and clicking on it for more info if you weren't interested in the product.
Brands heres the easiest way to get permission, and create some great marketing campaigns for the next advertising industry space.
Now think what happens after you just clicked on that Elton John CD. You just created data. Who makes use of that data? What does that data include? Your cell phone number, your location, the product (Elton John CD) and the time you showed interest.
Will this info be valuable for the advertiser?
What if you had the server(s) that saw the traffic and could analyze all this data?
This is web analytics turbo charged. Who will get this first?
I have a piece coming out called "After The Click" that explains how big this will really be.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Liquid Information...Naaah Physical World Hyperlinks
From Wired magazine. Information wants to be liquid.
The web as we know it was invented by a British academic working in Switzerland. Is a Nordic academic working in Britain about to redefine it forever?
Frode Hegland, a researcher at University College London, wants to change the basic structure of information on the net.
Hegland's project, Liquid Information, is kinda like Wikipedia meets hypertext. In Hegland's web, all documents are editable, and every word is a potential hyperlink.
Engelbart refers to Hegland's project as "the next stage of the web."
It's called Phase 2.
Hegland's idea is simple -- he plans to move beyond the basic hypertext linking of the web, and change every word into a "hyperword." Instead of one or two links in a document, every single word becomes a link. Further, every link can point to more than one place, pulling up all kinds of background context from the web as a whole.
Click on a politician's name and find out who donated to his or her campaign. Click on a town name in a news story and find out what else has happened there.
The Liquid Information project's homepage proudly states, "You can think of this project as an effort to turn web 'browsers' into web 'readers.'
To see what it looks like go to CNN's site here. This is neat.
Seems a little bit cluttered. There comes a point where this is TOO mich information.
The concept can be transferred to the physical world though. Click on a barcode, or a Nike logo, or RFID tag to get more info.
The web as we know it was invented by a British academic working in Switzerland. Is a Nordic academic working in Britain about to redefine it forever?
Frode Hegland, a researcher at University College London, wants to change the basic structure of information on the net.
Hegland's project, Liquid Information, is kinda like Wikipedia meets hypertext. In Hegland's web, all documents are editable, and every word is a potential hyperlink.
Engelbart refers to Hegland's project as "the next stage of the web."
It's called Phase 2.
Hegland's idea is simple -- he plans to move beyond the basic hypertext linking of the web, and change every word into a "hyperword." Instead of one or two links in a document, every single word becomes a link. Further, every link can point to more than one place, pulling up all kinds of background context from the web as a whole.
Click on a politician's name and find out who donated to his or her campaign. Click on a town name in a news story and find out what else has happened there.
The Liquid Information project's homepage proudly states, "You can think of this project as an effort to turn web 'browsers' into web 'readers.'
To see what it looks like go to CNN's site here. This is neat.
Seems a little bit cluttered. There comes a point where this is TOO mich information.
The concept can be transferred to the physical world though. Click on a barcode, or a Nike logo, or RFID tag to get more info.
Here's How Google Closes The Gates On Microsoft
Here’s how Google closes the Gates on Microsoft.
It is becoming obvious that trademark owners and brands do not like Google and search engines generating revenues from their names. The recent lawsuits, Geico, American Blind, Le Meridien, in my opinion, are just the start of a plethora of trademark suits. The keyword, pay per click revenue model will have to change.
It’s ironic that Le Meridien suit is the loss I think changes the search engine revenue model. Le Meridien is defined as “the act or process of stating a precise meaning or significance”.
This represents a significant threat to the revenues for all search engines. Trademark owners argue that the appearance of keyword ads with search results creates “initial interest confusion” on the part of the person doing the search.
According to a recent survey done by The Pew Internet and American Life Project, only one in six users of internet search engines can tell the difference between unbiased search results and paid advertisements. This is NOT what search engines want to hear with these lawsuits out there.
I would say “initial interest confusion” applies here.
Google and search engines are directing a searcher to a site based on a query using a TM and getting paid for it. The TM owner is justified in their suits because if a searcher is using a TM in the query, it is obvious they know what they want, but don’t know how to get there.
This can be solved very easily. It will also create the killer app search engine. This will solve both parties concerns and create the killer app platform of the future. By now working with trademark owners, the smart search engine that recognizes this will be the launching pad for mobile search.
Just like you have different domains for the Internet, .com, .net, and .org, there’s a registry coming that by providing a couple of identifiers will provide a number of ways (both PC or mobile) for the user thru many devices (barcode, RFID tag) to get to a specific site.
Just like Verisign and the EPC will create a registry for every RFID tag, there is a registry coming that will register every bar code, finger print, word, number. Every bar code, word, fingerprint, number will now have a targeted website by registering it.
How much is it worth for every search engine to have the power to access this database?
Here’s an example. Coke decides to register the word Coke in this registry. By registering the word Coke, Coke will now have the spoken word coke, every bar code on every can of coke and a special 2-d code created for Coke to promote traffic to www.coke.com. Each identifier offers a hyperlink to that site. This is Coke’s trademark; they own it and now have a few ways to market advertising to www.coke.com.
The bar codes are easy. By registering all of the coke barcodes, every time a bar code on any can of coke is scanned via a camera phone, or the number is typed in (PC or mobile), the user will be directed to www.coke.com (or whatever Coke is promoting that hour, day, week). The word Coke, in many “physical” forms, becomes a physical world hyperlink and a way to direct connect to the desired site. So if I’m coke I can now reach my target audience via TV, print, Internet and now mobile.
By combining the barcodes on every can of coke, a special 2-d code and the word Coke, Coke can now advertise and allow a unique direct connect to the specified website bypassing all search engines (both PC and mobile).
This poses a threat to all search engines.
The words Coke, and all trademarks, are not just simple keywords anymore. They are now a direct link from millions/billions of items in the physical world (and online) to a directed website.
Items can be advertised and linked directly to a targeted website, avoiding the search engine completely.
Once TM owners, brands have a way to direct the user to their targeted site, what will search engines do then? Search engines must tap into this direct connect ability and work in conjunction with this unique registry.
Here’s what I would do if I was a search engine. Instead of spending the next few years in court defending the way I used TM as keywords, I would use this conflict as a launching pad for many killer apps.
I’m Google, I have a great website that provides a great service. There really is no barrier to entry, no monopoly to my business. I generate revenue from brands and companies that advertise through me. So I want to make these companies happy and give the user the desired search results. I also know that Internet traffic is going mobile.
I know that when this unique registry gets implemented, brands will be able to advertise and bypass my search engine completely both on the PC and mobile.
So what would I do if I was Google?
Would I continue to auction off keywords and realize this business is going to get transformed, or would I want to own a business that sells keywords outright.
Would I limit my revenue abilities to the PC, or would I realize that in order to continue my advertising in the mobile space, I must be a part of this unique registry.
I would somehow incorporate this registry into my search window. I would offer on my search site, the ability to go directly to the TM targeted site in addition to the other search listing suggestions. This would be a unique search window. Google could share in the fees that TM pays to register and turn on all of their barcodes.
The brand /TM will be able to direct traffic thru Google’s site. This is ultimately what the TM suits are about. Google keeps the ability to generate revenues by putting sponsored links along side the search results. The sponsored link has to agree to put this unique Google search window somewhere on their site.
With advertisers agreeing to put this unique search window on their site (and they will), Google has now created a self-replicating search universe. This is a ubiquitous search engine. The Google search window will be put on millions of websites; there will never be a reason to leave.
TM owners get what they want, a direct connect feature on Google (or any search engine) site. Searchers get the ability to go to a targeted site. Sponsored link sites still get the ability to be placed on TM site searches.
What does Google get in return? Lots.
Google gets relief from upcoming trademark suits.
Google gets a cut of the registration fees generated every year from registering TM’s and other words. There are 3 billion unique barcodes, 3 million TM’s, and endless word phrases just waiting to be “turned on”.
Combine barcodes, TM’s and word phrases and the concept of bidding on these words are no longer an issue. You can BUY them. Granted, the TM Coke would only be for sale to the Coca Cola Corporation, but a word like soda or cola can now be purchased annually. The budget for your search engine advertising is fixed based on the words you buy.
Because you’re buying the words “Chicago pizza delivery”, you know what your advertising budget will be for the year AND you will be able to promote a direct connect to your website through many vehicles and identifiers with those three words.
When brands and small companies start registering these words, what will they in turn do? They will direct traffic to the search platform that allows these words to come alive.
Wouldn’t any search engine want this traffic?
Google gets Procter Gamble, Unilever, Coke and all the other brands to pay to promote traffic through your site. Hundreds of brand managers will direct traffic through your site.
The Google enhanced search window gets put on millions of websites, keeping the Google link intact. (Better than the Google toolbar service in my opinion. No need to download anything).
Imagine a Google search window on every website. The revenue deals could be huge here. The Google search window becomes ubiquitous.
Search traffic gets directed thru Google via brand advertising, which allows Google to keep being the premier search engine and charge higher rates for other keywords.
And best of all, Google will now get traction for their entrance into the mobile space. By typing, texting, snapping a pic, saying a word, Google will have the “navigation engine” for the mobile space.
Google has to realize that Internet traffic volume will be shifting to mobile devices and must be able to penetrate this.
Once someone clicks on a barcode, or types in a desired word, they wont have to go through a search engine to get to targeted site. What do search engines do then?
Going this route, Google won’t need a mobile OS to achieve the dominance in the mobile world.
By implementing and licensing this technology, Google can now dominate the Phase 2 of the Internet. This is where the physical world gets connected. Phase 2 is connecting every physical item to the Internet.
Think of what happens next.
Once these hyperlinks get turned on, the brand can bypass the search engine completely.
Every item in the physical world now becomes a hyperlink and offers endless marketing and commerce opportunities for Google if they participate in this unique registry. Google could create the killer app platform for both PC and Mobile.
Advertising is the golden goose for search. It will take on a completely different role once Internet traffic goes mobile (very soon).
There wont be 4 billion monthly searches done on a cell phone like there is on a PC. So how will search engines generate revenues from the lil screen for if it won’t be search? Brands are now taking a direct approach to reach their consumer.
Mobile marketing through SMS bypasses the search engine completely. Once a brand gets a users cell phone number and permission to market to them, they won’t need to spend endless dollars on buying keywords from a search engine.
So if I’m a search engine, I would try to somehow get involved with the brands and jointly promote this new registry. I would find a way to implement this platform and get on board.
Once Internet traffic truly goes mobile and all these physical world hyperlinks are turned on, the killer apps that get created are endless.
Those endless killer apps that get created, they are called M-commerce. Here’s your chance to dominate that space Google.
And all of this traffic could run though Google servers. Could this be why they have interest in dark fiber?
Think of the database that gets created from all of this traffic running through your servers and what Google could do with that. Those Google servers could be the Nielsen or Arbitron of the physical world traffic. What is that worth?
Google could now tell Coke how many people clicked on a can of Coke, from what location and what their cell phone number is. How many people clicked on an Elton John CD to hear his latest songs. The data that these physical world hyperlinks generate is enormous and invaluable.
To know the data of who, when, what and where of every cell phone user is the Golden Goose for mobile marketing. Google could have all of this by incorporating this unique registry into their search window.
Would Google like to be THE web analytics company for Phase 2 of the Internet?
In my opinion this information would be bigger than the revenues they generate from advertising. Mobile advertising is what’s coming next, and having this type of info will play a key role.
Google, here’s your chance to close the Gates on Microsoft once and for all. Microsoft execs and engineers have even called this technology “the next killer app” but are muddled in their own problems.
The killer app comes from implementing the killer platform. The killer platform is when every device has the ability to link every physical item to the net
It won’t matter if you’re using a Dell, Nokia, Samsung, Kyocera or Treo. It won’t matter if you’re operating Windows XP, Linux, Apple, Symbian, Palm or Windows CE.
When you realize that the database of Phase 2 of the Internet is 1000 times greater than Phase 1, then you will know the applications that come with it will be endless and much, much more lucrative than advertising with a search engine.
The company that discovers this “platform” first will have the operating system for Phase 2 of the Internet.
Who wants to have the Windows for Phase 2 of the Internet?
It is becoming obvious that trademark owners and brands do not like Google and search engines generating revenues from their names. The recent lawsuits, Geico, American Blind, Le Meridien, in my opinion, are just the start of a plethora of trademark suits. The keyword, pay per click revenue model will have to change.
It’s ironic that Le Meridien suit is the loss I think changes the search engine revenue model. Le Meridien is defined as “the act or process of stating a precise meaning or significance”.
This represents a significant threat to the revenues for all search engines. Trademark owners argue that the appearance of keyword ads with search results creates “initial interest confusion” on the part of the person doing the search.
According to a recent survey done by The Pew Internet and American Life Project, only one in six users of internet search engines can tell the difference between unbiased search results and paid advertisements. This is NOT what search engines want to hear with these lawsuits out there.
I would say “initial interest confusion” applies here.
Google and search engines are directing a searcher to a site based on a query using a TM and getting paid for it. The TM owner is justified in their suits because if a searcher is using a TM in the query, it is obvious they know what they want, but don’t know how to get there.
This can be solved very easily. It will also create the killer app search engine. This will solve both parties concerns and create the killer app platform of the future. By now working with trademark owners, the smart search engine that recognizes this will be the launching pad for mobile search.
Just like you have different domains for the Internet, .com, .net, and .org, there’s a registry coming that by providing a couple of identifiers will provide a number of ways (both PC or mobile) for the user thru many devices (barcode, RFID tag) to get to a specific site.
Just like Verisign and the EPC will create a registry for every RFID tag, there is a registry coming that will register every bar code, finger print, word, number. Every bar code, word, fingerprint, number will now have a targeted website by registering it.
How much is it worth for every search engine to have the power to access this database?
Here’s an example. Coke decides to register the word Coke in this registry. By registering the word Coke, Coke will now have the spoken word coke, every bar code on every can of coke and a special 2-d code created for Coke to promote traffic to www.coke.com. Each identifier offers a hyperlink to that site. This is Coke’s trademark; they own it and now have a few ways to market advertising to www.coke.com.
The bar codes are easy. By registering all of the coke barcodes, every time a bar code on any can of coke is scanned via a camera phone, or the number is typed in (PC or mobile), the user will be directed to www.coke.com (or whatever Coke is promoting that hour, day, week). The word Coke, in many “physical” forms, becomes a physical world hyperlink and a way to direct connect to the desired site. So if I’m coke I can now reach my target audience via TV, print, Internet and now mobile.
By combining the barcodes on every can of coke, a special 2-d code and the word Coke, Coke can now advertise and allow a unique direct connect to the specified website bypassing all search engines (both PC and mobile).
This poses a threat to all search engines.
The words Coke, and all trademarks, are not just simple keywords anymore. They are now a direct link from millions/billions of items in the physical world (and online) to a directed website.
Items can be advertised and linked directly to a targeted website, avoiding the search engine completely.
Once TM owners, brands have a way to direct the user to their targeted site, what will search engines do then? Search engines must tap into this direct connect ability and work in conjunction with this unique registry.
Here’s what I would do if I was a search engine. Instead of spending the next few years in court defending the way I used TM as keywords, I would use this conflict as a launching pad for many killer apps.
I’m Google, I have a great website that provides a great service. There really is no barrier to entry, no monopoly to my business. I generate revenue from brands and companies that advertise through me. So I want to make these companies happy and give the user the desired search results. I also know that Internet traffic is going mobile.
I know that when this unique registry gets implemented, brands will be able to advertise and bypass my search engine completely both on the PC and mobile.
So what would I do if I was Google?
Would I continue to auction off keywords and realize this business is going to get transformed, or would I want to own a business that sells keywords outright.
Would I limit my revenue abilities to the PC, or would I realize that in order to continue my advertising in the mobile space, I must be a part of this unique registry.
I would somehow incorporate this registry into my search window. I would offer on my search site, the ability to go directly to the TM targeted site in addition to the other search listing suggestions. This would be a unique search window. Google could share in the fees that TM pays to register and turn on all of their barcodes.
The brand /TM will be able to direct traffic thru Google’s site. This is ultimately what the TM suits are about. Google keeps the ability to generate revenues by putting sponsored links along side the search results. The sponsored link has to agree to put this unique Google search window somewhere on their site.
With advertisers agreeing to put this unique search window on their site (and they will), Google has now created a self-replicating search universe. This is a ubiquitous search engine. The Google search window will be put on millions of websites; there will never be a reason to leave.
TM owners get what they want, a direct connect feature on Google (or any search engine) site. Searchers get the ability to go to a targeted site. Sponsored link sites still get the ability to be placed on TM site searches.
What does Google get in return? Lots.
Google gets relief from upcoming trademark suits.
Google gets a cut of the registration fees generated every year from registering TM’s and other words. There are 3 billion unique barcodes, 3 million TM’s, and endless word phrases just waiting to be “turned on”.
Combine barcodes, TM’s and word phrases and the concept of bidding on these words are no longer an issue. You can BUY them. Granted, the TM Coke would only be for sale to the Coca Cola Corporation, but a word like soda or cola can now be purchased annually. The budget for your search engine advertising is fixed based on the words you buy.
Because you’re buying the words “Chicago pizza delivery”, you know what your advertising budget will be for the year AND you will be able to promote a direct connect to your website through many vehicles and identifiers with those three words.
When brands and small companies start registering these words, what will they in turn do? They will direct traffic to the search platform that allows these words to come alive.
Wouldn’t any search engine want this traffic?
Google gets Procter Gamble, Unilever, Coke and all the other brands to pay to promote traffic through your site. Hundreds of brand managers will direct traffic through your site.
The Google enhanced search window gets put on millions of websites, keeping the Google link intact. (Better than the Google toolbar service in my opinion. No need to download anything).
Imagine a Google search window on every website. The revenue deals could be huge here. The Google search window becomes ubiquitous.
Search traffic gets directed thru Google via brand advertising, which allows Google to keep being the premier search engine and charge higher rates for other keywords.
And best of all, Google will now get traction for their entrance into the mobile space. By typing, texting, snapping a pic, saying a word, Google will have the “navigation engine” for the mobile space.
Google has to realize that Internet traffic volume will be shifting to mobile devices and must be able to penetrate this.
Once someone clicks on a barcode, or types in a desired word, they wont have to go through a search engine to get to targeted site. What do search engines do then?
Going this route, Google won’t need a mobile OS to achieve the dominance in the mobile world.
By implementing and licensing this technology, Google can now dominate the Phase 2 of the Internet. This is where the physical world gets connected. Phase 2 is connecting every physical item to the Internet.
Think of what happens next.
Once these hyperlinks get turned on, the brand can bypass the search engine completely.
Every item in the physical world now becomes a hyperlink and offers endless marketing and commerce opportunities for Google if they participate in this unique registry. Google could create the killer app platform for both PC and Mobile.
Advertising is the golden goose for search. It will take on a completely different role once Internet traffic goes mobile (very soon).
There wont be 4 billion monthly searches done on a cell phone like there is on a PC. So how will search engines generate revenues from the lil screen for if it won’t be search? Brands are now taking a direct approach to reach their consumer.
Mobile marketing through SMS bypasses the search engine completely. Once a brand gets a users cell phone number and permission to market to them, they won’t need to spend endless dollars on buying keywords from a search engine.
So if I’m a search engine, I would try to somehow get involved with the brands and jointly promote this new registry. I would find a way to implement this platform and get on board.
Once Internet traffic truly goes mobile and all these physical world hyperlinks are turned on, the killer apps that get created are endless.
Those endless killer apps that get created, they are called M-commerce. Here’s your chance to dominate that space Google.
And all of this traffic could run though Google servers. Could this be why they have interest in dark fiber?
Think of the database that gets created from all of this traffic running through your servers and what Google could do with that. Those Google servers could be the Nielsen or Arbitron of the physical world traffic. What is that worth?
Google could now tell Coke how many people clicked on a can of Coke, from what location and what their cell phone number is. How many people clicked on an Elton John CD to hear his latest songs. The data that these physical world hyperlinks generate is enormous and invaluable.
To know the data of who, when, what and where of every cell phone user is the Golden Goose for mobile marketing. Google could have all of this by incorporating this unique registry into their search window.
Would Google like to be THE web analytics company for Phase 2 of the Internet?
In my opinion this information would be bigger than the revenues they generate from advertising. Mobile advertising is what’s coming next, and having this type of info will play a key role.
Google, here’s your chance to close the Gates on Microsoft once and for all. Microsoft execs and engineers have even called this technology “the next killer app” but are muddled in their own problems.
The killer app comes from implementing the killer platform. The killer platform is when every device has the ability to link every physical item to the net
It won’t matter if you’re using a Dell, Nokia, Samsung, Kyocera or Treo. It won’t matter if you’re operating Windows XP, Linux, Apple, Symbian, Palm or Windows CE.
When you realize that the database of Phase 2 of the Internet is 1000 times greater than Phase 1, then you will know the applications that come with it will be endless and much, much more lucrative than advertising with a search engine.
The company that discovers this “platform” first will have the operating system for Phase 2 of the Internet.
Who wants to have the Windows for Phase 2 of the Internet?
Free Drinks Through SMS
From NetImperative Drinks industry cashes in on SMS vouchers.
Pub revellers will soon be able to receive complimentary drinks through their mobiles, following a deal between SMS marketing firm i-movo and entertainment network Inspired.
Using I-movo’s mobile marketing platform, drinks companies will be able to run voucher redemption schemes via text message using equipment that is already being used in bars and pubs.
Having opted in to the scheme, the customer receives a text message containing a unique voucher number for a free drink, with details of where and the time period when the voucher is valid.
The customer can then go to the itbox in the specified bar or pub and tap in the voucher number. A paper voucher is then printed out which can be exchanged for the item being promoted, eliminating the need to pay by cash or card.
The technology also tracks each coupon from issue to redemption so drinks companies overcome the problem of void or counterfeit vouchers.
Pub revellers will soon be able to receive complimentary drinks through their mobiles, following a deal between SMS marketing firm i-movo and entertainment network Inspired.
Using I-movo’s mobile marketing platform, drinks companies will be able to run voucher redemption schemes via text message using equipment that is already being used in bars and pubs.
Having opted in to the scheme, the customer receives a text message containing a unique voucher number for a free drink, with details of where and the time period when the voucher is valid.
The customer can then go to the itbox in the specified bar or pub and tap in the voucher number. A paper voucher is then printed out which can be exchanged for the item being promoted, eliminating the need to pay by cash or card.
The technology also tracks each coupon from issue to redemption so drinks companies overcome the problem of void or counterfeit vouchers.
The Future Is Callling
From Seattle PI The future is calling cell phones.
If you think all people are doing with those $250 cell phones are snapping photos and downloading J. Lo ringtones, you're a little out of touch.
News and entertainment companies from Maxim magazine and Sports Illustrated to CNN and the Food Network are developing content to make the screen on your cell phone look more like what you see when you surf the Internet or click on cable TV.
"The cell phone is transforming into a small, networked social computer," said Lewis Ward, analyst for IDC, the technology research firm that gathered those numbers. "What's happening is it's becoming the third screen. The first is the television screen, and the second is the screen of your PC."
They're beginning to see their cell phone as both a way to define their tastes and to pass time when they're on the bus, in the waiting room of the doctor's office or between flights on a business trip.
Wine Spectator magazine has introduced a subscription to a review database of 130,000 bottles of wine that cellular users can tap when they're in the grocery store or at a restaurant.
Driven in part by that expanding demographic, the North American market for mobile content will likely reach $14 billion by 2008, according to technology research group Strategy Analytics.
This is something that will go mass market," IDC's Ward said. "It's just a question of how long it will take. It's not a fad. It's not the Hula Hoop. It's already become an aspect of American culture."
If you think all people are doing with those $250 cell phones are snapping photos and downloading J. Lo ringtones, you're a little out of touch.
News and entertainment companies from Maxim magazine and Sports Illustrated to CNN and the Food Network are developing content to make the screen on your cell phone look more like what you see when you surf the Internet or click on cable TV.
"The cell phone is transforming into a small, networked social computer," said Lewis Ward, analyst for IDC, the technology research firm that gathered those numbers. "What's happening is it's becoming the third screen. The first is the television screen, and the second is the screen of your PC."
They're beginning to see their cell phone as both a way to define their tastes and to pass time when they're on the bus, in the waiting room of the doctor's office or between flights on a business trip.
Wine Spectator magazine has introduced a subscription to a review database of 130,000 bottles of wine that cellular users can tap when they're in the grocery store or at a restaurant.
Driven in part by that expanding demographic, the North American market for mobile content will likely reach $14 billion by 2008, according to technology research group Strategy Analytics.
This is something that will go mass market," IDC's Ward said. "It's just a question of how long it will take. It's not a fad. It's not the Hula Hoop. It's already become an aspect of American culture."
Monday, January 24, 2005
Search Users Are Confused
Combine last weeks lawsuit that Le Meridien won over Google and this news today, I think search engine advertising revenue model is in for a major overhaul.
From Wired News Users confuse search results, ads.
NEW YORK -- Only one in six users of internet search engines can tell the difference between unbiased search results and paid advertisements, a new survey finds.
The Pew Internet and American Life Project reported Sunday that adults online in the United States are generally naive when it comes to how search engines work.
The major search engines all return a mix of regular results, based solely on relevance to the search terms entered, and sponsored links, for which a website had paid money to get displayed more prominently.
But only 38 percent of web searchers even know of the distinction, and of those, not even half --47 percent -- say they can always tell which are paid. That comes out to only 18 percent of all web searchers knowing when a link is paid.
I will have a piece out soon entitled "How Google closes the Gates to Microsoft". There is a way everybody wins in this scenario. Google could dominate search (as well as other apps) in the mobile space.
From Wired News Users confuse search results, ads.
NEW YORK -- Only one in six users of internet search engines can tell the difference between unbiased search results and paid advertisements, a new survey finds.
The Pew Internet and American Life Project reported Sunday that adults online in the United States are generally naive when it comes to how search engines work.
The major search engines all return a mix of regular results, based solely on relevance to the search terms entered, and sponsored links, for which a website had paid money to get displayed more prominently.
But only 38 percent of web searchers even know of the distinction, and of those, not even half --47 percent -- say they can always tell which are paid. That comes out to only 18 percent of all web searchers knowing when a link is paid.
I will have a piece out soon entitled "How Google closes the Gates to Microsoft". There is a way everybody wins in this scenario. Google could dominate search (as well as other apps) in the mobile space.
Pill Reminder Via SMS
From iTWeb Medication reminders via SMS.
Johannesburg, 24 January 2005] - Cape Town-based company SIMpill and telecoms partner Tellumat Communications have developed a solution for the wireless monitoring and support of patients on chronic medication.
“The SIMpill incorporates wireless technology to monitor and remind patients with chronic conditions to take their medication as prescribed, as well as enable health organisations to be more efficient and cost-effective in their patient care,” says SIMpill inventor Dr David Green.
“When a pill bottle is opened, it delivers an SMS to the central server. Immediately the server receives the incoming SMS, and if this is within the appointed time tolerance set for the patient, this message is stored for statistical purposes.
“Should no message be received, the server can produce a number of responses such as sending a reminder to the patient's handset, a family member, or a healthcare professional.”
Johannesburg, 24 January 2005] - Cape Town-based company SIMpill and telecoms partner Tellumat Communications have developed a solution for the wireless monitoring and support of patients on chronic medication.
“The SIMpill incorporates wireless technology to monitor and remind patients with chronic conditions to take their medication as prescribed, as well as enable health organisations to be more efficient and cost-effective in their patient care,” says SIMpill inventor Dr David Green.
“When a pill bottle is opened, it delivers an SMS to the central server. Immediately the server receives the incoming SMS, and if this is within the appointed time tolerance set for the patient, this message is stored for statistical purposes.
“Should no message be received, the server can produce a number of responses such as sending a reminder to the patient's handset, a family member, or a healthcare professional.”
Auction By SMS
What a great idea.
From 160 Characters.org GSM launches SMS charity auction for UNICEF.
The first ever world wide charity auction by SMS has been launched by the GSM Association in aid of UNICEF. The auction runs until the GSM event in Cannes and includes a collection of items from the worlds of sport, the arts and entertainment
Donated by members and partners of the Association, the majority of the lots will be sold in a unique global text message auction - believed to be the first of its kind in the world. Contributors include: Fortune; KTF; Motorola; Nokia; NTTDoCoMo Inc.; O2; Orange Group; Orascom; Siemens; Telefonica Moviles; T-Mobile International; TIM; Turkcell; UNICEF; Virgin Mobile; Vodafone Group; CNBC Europe, Turisme De Barcelona and the GSMA’s auction messaging partner Netsize.
Among the highlights are weekend VIP packages at the Cannes Film Festival, the Tour de France and the British Grand Prix, along with signed football, rugby, golf, tennis, cricket, motorcycling, sailing, American football, television and music memorabilia from global stars, across the world.
While The GSM Association would have liked to have used premium rate SMS for the bids, the logistics of managing premium rate short codes for so many countries proved impossible.
Bids for the auction are sent to a standard UK based mobile number. For example to bid for the British Grand Prix VIP hospitality tickets, text: BID GRANDPRIX followed by your bid amount in Euros and send to +44 7786 201000 having first sent a registration message text by sending the word “register” followed by your “name” and “company name”.
From 160 Characters.org GSM launches SMS charity auction for UNICEF.
The first ever world wide charity auction by SMS has been launched by the GSM Association in aid of UNICEF. The auction runs until the GSM event in Cannes and includes a collection of items from the worlds of sport, the arts and entertainment
Donated by members and partners of the Association, the majority of the lots will be sold in a unique global text message auction - believed to be the first of its kind in the world. Contributors include: Fortune; KTF; Motorola; Nokia; NTTDoCoMo Inc.; O2; Orange Group; Orascom; Siemens; Telefonica Moviles; T-Mobile International; TIM; Turkcell; UNICEF; Virgin Mobile; Vodafone Group; CNBC Europe, Turisme De Barcelona and the GSMA’s auction messaging partner Netsize.
Among the highlights are weekend VIP packages at the Cannes Film Festival, the Tour de France and the British Grand Prix, along with signed football, rugby, golf, tennis, cricket, motorcycling, sailing, American football, television and music memorabilia from global stars, across the world.
While The GSM Association would have liked to have used premium rate SMS for the bids, the logistics of managing premium rate short codes for so many countries proved impossible.
Bids for the auction are sent to a standard UK based mobile number. For example to bid for the British Grand Prix VIP hospitality tickets, text: BID GRANDPRIX followed by your bid amount in Euros and send to +44 7786 201000 having first sent a registration message text by sending the word “register” followed by your “name” and “company name”.
International Convergence
From 160Characters.org Irish messaging firm snaps up China company.
Irish Púca Technologies is to acquire Beijing based Mobile-Factor who provide a similar range of mobile messaging, data and mobile marketing services to Púca
Mobile-Factor, headquartered in Beijing, China, is a rapidly growing Chinese provider of mobile solutions including marketing applications, employee communications solutions and business-to-business messaging applications. Its clients include Nokia, GlaxoSmithKline, Total, as well as global advertising agencies such as Saatchi, Ogilvy and Grey.
Púca managing director, Eamon Hession comments, "Our strategy is to continue Púca’s growth by developing and expanding strong and profitable mobile applications businesses in high growth markets. Mobile-Factor’s business in China is a perfect strategic fit, as it is has access to the largest and one of the fastest growing mobile services markets in the world. Every month in China, mobile subscribers increase at a rate in excess of Ireland’s entire population! This merger gives Púca access to this exciting market."
By the end of 2005 it is expected that there will be over 400 million mobile users in China, making it by far the largest mobile market in the world. Hession believes that the newly enlarged company has a significant opportunity in China. "Mobile-Factor is one of the few companies with a national capability, combined with the experience, insight and focus needed to stake a claim on market leadership in the mobile business and marketing applications arena."
Irish Púca Technologies is to acquire Beijing based Mobile-Factor who provide a similar range of mobile messaging, data and mobile marketing services to Púca
Mobile-Factor, headquartered in Beijing, China, is a rapidly growing Chinese provider of mobile solutions including marketing applications, employee communications solutions and business-to-business messaging applications. Its clients include Nokia, GlaxoSmithKline, Total, as well as global advertising agencies such as Saatchi, Ogilvy and Grey.
Púca managing director, Eamon Hession comments, "Our strategy is to continue Púca’s growth by developing and expanding strong and profitable mobile applications businesses in high growth markets. Mobile-Factor’s business in China is a perfect strategic fit, as it is has access to the largest and one of the fastest growing mobile services markets in the world. Every month in China, mobile subscribers increase at a rate in excess of Ireland’s entire population! This merger gives Púca access to this exciting market."
By the end of 2005 it is expected that there will be over 400 million mobile users in China, making it by far the largest mobile market in the world. Hession believes that the newly enlarged company has a significant opportunity in China. "Mobile-Factor is one of the few companies with a national capability, combined with the experience, insight and focus needed to stake a claim on market leadership in the mobile business and marketing applications arena."
Google VOIP...This Could Be Huge
From Times Online UK Google gears up for a free phone challenge.
GOOGLE revolutionised the internet. Now it is hoping to do the same with our phones.
The company behind the US-based internet search engine looks set to launch a free telephone service that links users via a broadband internet connection using a headset and home computer.
The technology that will enable Google to move in on the market has been around for some time. Software by the London-based company, Skype, has been downloaded nearly 54 million times around the world but no large telecommunication firms have properly exploited it.
BT, which connects seven out of ten British households, has developed its own internet-telephone service. However, the telephone giant, which has the most to lose if the new technology takes off, has been reluctant to promote it heavily.
Julian Hewitt, senior partner at Ovum, a telecoms consultancy, said: “From a telecoms perspective there is a big appeal in the fact that Google is a search operation — and of course the Google brand is a huge draw.”
Mr Hewitt said that a Google telephone service could be made to link with the Google search engine, which already conducts half of all internet inquiries made around the world. A surfer looking for a clothes retailer could simply find the web site and click on the screen to speak to the shop.
By investing in capacity, Google could circumvent the problems of quality and reliability and guarantee better service.
Although Google is reluctant to talk about its plans, the logical use of such a network would be to help to support a new telephone service. The company would buy capacity cheaply, by taking up slack capacity left behind when the internet bubble collapsed in 2001.
Around the world, thousands of miles of fibre-optic cable remain unused because the amount of speculative development vastly exceeded demand. Such capacity would be available at rock-bottom prices today.
Google is right they aren't a portal. They could be the WWW part 2.
GOOGLE revolutionised the internet. Now it is hoping to do the same with our phones.
The company behind the US-based internet search engine looks set to launch a free telephone service that links users via a broadband internet connection using a headset and home computer.
The technology that will enable Google to move in on the market has been around for some time. Software by the London-based company, Skype, has been downloaded nearly 54 million times around the world but no large telecommunication firms have properly exploited it.
BT, which connects seven out of ten British households, has developed its own internet-telephone service. However, the telephone giant, which has the most to lose if the new technology takes off, has been reluctant to promote it heavily.
Julian Hewitt, senior partner at Ovum, a telecoms consultancy, said: “From a telecoms perspective there is a big appeal in the fact that Google is a search operation — and of course the Google brand is a huge draw.”
Mr Hewitt said that a Google telephone service could be made to link with the Google search engine, which already conducts half of all internet inquiries made around the world. A surfer looking for a clothes retailer could simply find the web site and click on the screen to speak to the shop.
By investing in capacity, Google could circumvent the problems of quality and reliability and guarantee better service.
Although Google is reluctant to talk about its plans, the logical use of such a network would be to help to support a new telephone service. The company would buy capacity cheaply, by taking up slack capacity left behind when the internet bubble collapsed in 2001.
Around the world, thousands of miles of fibre-optic cable remain unused because the amount of speculative development vastly exceeded demand. Such capacity would be available at rock-bottom prices today.
Google is right they aren't a portal. They could be the WWW part 2.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Top 10 Tech Trends..Text Messaging
From Always-On Text messaging to take over.
At a November 2004 Churchill Club event, AwaysOn creator and editor-in-chief Tony Perkins led a panel of tech and financial visionaries as they debated the top technology trends for the coming year. This is the seventh excerpt from that discussion.
Perkins: OK, No. 7, Esther [Dyson]: Americans will use cell phone text messaging for a variety of tasks, and vendor service providers will jump into the game for everything from personalized marketing to drug compliance.
Esther Dyson: (Ms. Dyson is chairman of EDventure Holdings.) To some extent, this is already happening (in the sense that vendors are jumping in), but we're way behind Europe and China in this. I think what's really happening here is that the Internet changes geography. Now, it's changing geography in the link between physical and virtual; it's getting more ubiquitous. It's not just the person sitting in front of you; people are linked to the internet as they move around—in their cars, wherever they go.
The other thing that's happening is time: Suddenly, the way you time things has changed dramatically. If you watch your kids, they don't schedule in advance. They say, 'I'll text you Friday night. I'll let you know where I am. Come find me.' The way people make appointments—I was sitting in the car coming down here with somebody who was doing his schedule with his wife by text—you no longer need to plan as much in advance, so that changes. Some [of this scheduling is done by] cell phone, but a lot of it's text, and as we get better calendaring systems, there's going to be more text stuff.
I also think there's going to be a huge number of text-based applications. For example, why can't you get a text message every time you or someone else tries to use your credit card? If somebody else is using it, you'd like to know. And if it's you, you just say so, no problem. I think in everything from fraud detection to being reminded to take your meds, finding out where your kid is, and knowing when the school bus is coming, these local mobile applications are going to grow dramatically.
Esther are you reading my blog?
Second, I think you're going to see a lot of photo blogging; multimedia messaging is going to grow as well.
Roger McNamee: (Mr. McNamee is the co-founder and managing director of Silver Lake Partners and Integral Capital Partners.) I'm going to need to get another three or four more things on my belt for all the things that were said.
Dyson: Can I ask the audience how many of you send text messages?
John Doerr: (Mr. Doerr is a partner with Kleiner, Perkins, Caulfield & Byers.)
I think this is going on if you go to Google Mobile and type in send text message: pizza94025; this gets you a list of pizza parlors close to Palo Alto, Calif. But it's also possible that we might leap beyond this to richer applications in text.
Where I had a bit of difficulty and then derived some comfort was when you start adding photos and downloaded applications, because I think it's certainly true that if there is a next big thing we can find now, [it would be] these things that surround Roger's belt. What do you call that radiation belt? Van Allan Radiation? I really regret that Joe [Schoendorf] and Esther are sitting next to Roger ...
Joe Schoendorf: (Mr. Schoendorf is a partner with Accel Partners.) About half of you raised your hands when Esther asked how many of you send text messages. How many of you have kids? They're doing it all the time.
Doerr: The ones that have a lot of devices on their belt.
At a November 2004 Churchill Club event, AwaysOn creator and editor-in-chief Tony Perkins led a panel of tech and financial visionaries as they debated the top technology trends for the coming year. This is the seventh excerpt from that discussion.
Perkins: OK, No. 7, Esther [Dyson]: Americans will use cell phone text messaging for a variety of tasks, and vendor service providers will jump into the game for everything from personalized marketing to drug compliance.
Esther Dyson: (Ms. Dyson is chairman of EDventure Holdings.) To some extent, this is already happening (in the sense that vendors are jumping in), but we're way behind Europe and China in this. I think what's really happening here is that the Internet changes geography. Now, it's changing geography in the link between physical and virtual; it's getting more ubiquitous. It's not just the person sitting in front of you; people are linked to the internet as they move around—in their cars, wherever they go.
The other thing that's happening is time: Suddenly, the way you time things has changed dramatically. If you watch your kids, they don't schedule in advance. They say, 'I'll text you Friday night. I'll let you know where I am. Come find me.' The way people make appointments—I was sitting in the car coming down here with somebody who was doing his schedule with his wife by text—you no longer need to plan as much in advance, so that changes. Some [of this scheduling is done by] cell phone, but a lot of it's text, and as we get better calendaring systems, there's going to be more text stuff.
I also think there's going to be a huge number of text-based applications. For example, why can't you get a text message every time you or someone else tries to use your credit card? If somebody else is using it, you'd like to know. And if it's you, you just say so, no problem. I think in everything from fraud detection to being reminded to take your meds, finding out where your kid is, and knowing when the school bus is coming, these local mobile applications are going to grow dramatically.
Esther are you reading my blog?
Second, I think you're going to see a lot of photo blogging; multimedia messaging is going to grow as well.
Roger McNamee: (Mr. McNamee is the co-founder and managing director of Silver Lake Partners and Integral Capital Partners.) I'm going to need to get another three or four more things on my belt for all the things that were said.
Dyson: Can I ask the audience how many of you send text messages?
John Doerr: (Mr. Doerr is a partner with Kleiner, Perkins, Caulfield & Byers.)
I think this is going on if you go to Google Mobile and type in send text message: pizza94025; this gets you a list of pizza parlors close to Palo Alto, Calif. But it's also possible that we might leap beyond this to richer applications in text.
Where I had a bit of difficulty and then derived some comfort was when you start adding photos and downloaded applications, because I think it's certainly true that if there is a next big thing we can find now, [it would be] these things that surround Roger's belt. What do you call that radiation belt? Van Allan Radiation? I really regret that Joe [Schoendorf] and Esther are sitting next to Roger ...
Joe Schoendorf: (Mr. Schoendorf is a partner with Accel Partners.) About half of you raised your hands when Esther asked how many of you send text messages. How many of you have kids? They're doing it all the time.
Doerr: The ones that have a lot of devices on their belt.
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