There will be an announcement next week about a major carrier implementing a Physical World Connection platform.
They are a U.S. based company, and they are on the list .
Friday, January 19, 2007
Mobile Marketing 101 Permission Comes First
When Sprint announced they were laying off 5000 employees, and Apple unveiled their iPhone in the same week, it got me thinking.
I did a piece called We Interrupt This Broadcast a couple years ago that explained where mobile marketing would be going. These same issues exist today.
Are we seeing another industry, another commodity business, that can't change.
They, along with the other carriers are trying to find a way to tap into mobile advertising and increase ARPU.
Wireless carriers are in a sense, able to place their own "toolbar" or home page, on the mobile, why aren't they monetizing this?
What happens to wireless carriers when VOIP and WiMax aren't just concepts? What happens when voice is free?
With all of the upcoming mobile applications, shouldn't this be an exciting time for a mobile operator?
Advertising is about to encounter a significant obstacle with the mobile phone. Will mobile carriers be able to figure out how to get permission from consumers in order to reach them at anytime and anywhere?
It all boils down to permission and creativity.
Advertisers can't just slap a 30 second ad on the highest rated TV shows/channels anymore. The consumer has Tivo and DVRS which allow the consumer to retrieve, or be in control of "permission"
Satellite radio has taken the advertiser out of the picture.
Internet pop ups and banners didn't get permission from the consumer and that advertising method ultimately failed. That won't happen with mobile advertising, permission must be granted first.
When and how did Internet advertising take off? When a free application (search engine) was introduced that provided relevant information, advertisers could place advertising along side of that information. It's a give and take relationship. I will give you permission to advertise to me when I get/take relevant information from you.
If the latest text message campaigns from NBC's TV shows are any indication of how advertisers should implement mobile marketing, then there is HUGE opportunity for anybody with any creative thinking. Send a text (and get charged a fee) for a chance to win $10,000. They are building a huge database that can't be used because they are not getting permission.
This is the best they can do?
A company that seems to be doing everything right in mobile marketing is Qtags.
Qtags is doing a great job of landing big clients that are using their short code 78247 for various campaigns. Brands are using a keyword and the Qtag shortcode on various forms of medium to get interested consumers to initiate a relationship (ie permission). Take a look at some of the big brands they have landed and their latest campaigns
For now I see two methods or approaches to mobile marketing, direct and indirect. Each has their own method of gaining permission from the consumer.
Companies like 4INFO will provide ads along side of text message info queries (phone number listings, sports scores, stock quotes, weather etc). They are provided advertising next to info you are searching for (indirect mobile marketing)
The other method, like Qtags, is direct mobile marketing. A magazine ad, radio spot or TV commercial will invite people to send a text message to a specific shortcode for more info.
Eventually the shortcode will be replaced by a 2d code that users can click on with a camera phone for more info or to be directed to a specific website.
A common complaint I hear from mobile marketing guys is the length of time to get a short code. Imagine if it took close to two months to get a domain name.
Here are some of the variables I see for mobile marketing.
The amount of time to register a shortcode may force advertisers to use a shortcode "portal".
Major short code owners (Yahoo, Google 4INFO) offering LINK words, become SMS portals.
Percentage of mobile phones with cameras and increased resolution of the camera.
2d code generating sites...could replace the shortcode/keyword method when people can create their own physical world hyperlink .
I did a piece called We Interrupt This Broadcast a couple years ago that explained where mobile marketing would be going. These same issues exist today.
Are we seeing another industry, another commodity business, that can't change.
They, along with the other carriers are trying to find a way to tap into mobile advertising and increase ARPU.
Wireless carriers are in a sense, able to place their own "toolbar" or home page, on the mobile, why aren't they monetizing this?
What happens to wireless carriers when VOIP and WiMax aren't just concepts? What happens when voice is free?
With all of the upcoming mobile applications, shouldn't this be an exciting time for a mobile operator?
Advertising is about to encounter a significant obstacle with the mobile phone. Will mobile carriers be able to figure out how to get permission from consumers in order to reach them at anytime and anywhere?
It all boils down to permission and creativity.
Advertisers can't just slap a 30 second ad on the highest rated TV shows/channels anymore. The consumer has Tivo and DVRS which allow the consumer to retrieve, or be in control of "permission"
Satellite radio has taken the advertiser out of the picture.
Internet pop ups and banners didn't get permission from the consumer and that advertising method ultimately failed. That won't happen with mobile advertising, permission must be granted first.
When and how did Internet advertising take off? When a free application (search engine) was introduced that provided relevant information, advertisers could place advertising along side of that information. It's a give and take relationship. I will give you permission to advertise to me when I get/take relevant information from you.
If the latest text message campaigns from NBC's TV shows are any indication of how advertisers should implement mobile marketing, then there is HUGE opportunity for anybody with any creative thinking. Send a text (and get charged a fee) for a chance to win $10,000. They are building a huge database that can't be used because they are not getting permission.
This is the best they can do?
A company that seems to be doing everything right in mobile marketing is Qtags.
Qtags is doing a great job of landing big clients that are using their short code 78247 for various campaigns. Brands are using a keyword and the Qtag shortcode on various forms of medium to get interested consumers to initiate a relationship (ie permission). Take a look at some of the big brands they have landed and their latest campaigns
For now I see two methods or approaches to mobile marketing, direct and indirect. Each has their own method of gaining permission from the consumer.
Companies like 4INFO will provide ads along side of text message info queries (phone number listings, sports scores, stock quotes, weather etc). They are provided advertising next to info you are searching for (indirect mobile marketing)
The other method, like Qtags, is direct mobile marketing. A magazine ad, radio spot or TV commercial will invite people to send a text message to a specific shortcode for more info.
Eventually the shortcode will be replaced by a 2d code that users can click on with a camera phone for more info or to be directed to a specific website.
A common complaint I hear from mobile marketing guys is the length of time to get a short code. Imagine if it took close to two months to get a domain name.
Here are some of the variables I see for mobile marketing.
The amount of time to register a shortcode may force advertisers to use a shortcode "portal".
Major short code owners (Yahoo, Google 4INFO) offering LINK words, become SMS portals.
Percentage of mobile phones with cameras and increased resolution of the camera.
2d code generating sites...could replace the shortcode/keyword method when people can create their own physical world hyperlink .
Thursday, January 18, 2007
RFID Has Infinite Potential
I think it's a safe bet that the market for using various forms of RFID to monitor items (dynamic) will be significantly larger than using RFID to identifying items (static).
From TUV Product RFID has infinite potential, panelists say
Radio frequency identification (RFID) could have "infinite potential" for advertising and retail sectors, a panel of experts has claimed. (Don't forget industrial use).
According to panellists at New York City's National Retail Federation, 2007 could be the year in which RFID application methods are advanced, after 2005 was the year of "hype" and 2006 the year of "validation", Electronics Supply & Manufacturing reports
From TUV Product RFID has infinite potential, panelists say
Radio frequency identification (RFID) could have "infinite potential" for advertising and retail sectors, a panel of experts has claimed. (Don't forget industrial use).
According to panellists at New York City's National Retail Federation, 2007 could be the year in which RFID application methods are advanced, after 2005 was the year of "hype" and 2006 the year of "validation", Electronics Supply & Manufacturing reports
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Mobivity Offers Do It Yourself Mobile Marketing
Add Mobivity to the Mobile Marketing company list
Whether you want to send coupons, a simple text message response, or connect to an elaborate SMS application or API, with Mobivity you'll be connected instantly! Their shared short code service is simply the easiest and most inexpensive way to integrate text messaging into your business
You simply choose a KEYWORD that identifies your company. Your customers, and prospects then send a text message with your keyword to our short code (95495).
Take the free trial
Take a tour of how easy it is to build your own mobile marketing platform.
Whether you want to send coupons, a simple text message response, or connect to an elaborate SMS application or API, with Mobivity you'll be connected instantly! Their shared short code service is simply the easiest and most inexpensive way to integrate text messaging into your business
You simply choose a KEYWORD that identifies your company. Your customers, and prospects then send a text message with your keyword to our short code (95495).
Take the free trial
Take a tour of how easy it is to build your own mobile marketing platform.
Ode To The BarCode
Angel has a great summary of the various types of codes (barcode, 2d codes etc) and their origins.
Physical world connection companies mentioned include:
Cobblestone Software
Semacode
ShotCode
Veritec
An extensive list of companies that using barcodes, 2d codes and other physical world hyperlinks to connect physical objects to the Net can be found here .
Physical world connection companies mentioned include:
Cobblestone Software
Semacode
ShotCode
Veritec
An extensive list of companies that using barcodes, 2d codes and other physical world hyperlinks to connect physical objects to the Net can be found here .
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
meshBee Offers More Than Mobile Coupons
Imagine a world where businesses can send real-time information, coupons, ads or other messages directly to consumers who are interested and near. That same world would allow consumers to receive this type of information in a friendly, reliable and personalized way.
Outermesh's flagship product called meshBee is a patent pending proximity-based mobile coupon and direct marketing solution based on new innovative technologies.
The solution creates a powerful new touchpoint between advertisers, retailers and consumers.
The vision of Outermesh is to empower people with real-time information about people, places and things in the physical world.
Advertisers create and manage targeted marketing campaigns, while shoppers receive relevant, personalized and contextual deals through a fast and friendly medium. Unlike conventional mobile marketing solutions that use text messaging or WAP, meshBee offers a very unique delivery mechanism that shoppers are eager to use
Outermesh's flagship product called meshBee is a patent pending proximity-based mobile coupon and direct marketing solution based on new innovative technologies.
The solution creates a powerful new touchpoint between advertisers, retailers and consumers.
The vision of Outermesh is to empower people with real-time information about people, places and things in the physical world.
Advertisers create and manage targeted marketing campaigns, while shoppers receive relevant, personalized and contextual deals through a fast and friendly medium. Unlike conventional mobile marketing solutions that use text messaging or WAP, meshBee offers a very unique delivery mechanism that shoppers are eager to use
Microsoft's Barcode Scanning A.U.R.A. Called A Powerful Tool
Scanning any barcode (or 2d code) with a camera phone and connecting to targeted websites, (Physical World Connection) will indeed create power to those that recognize this next-generation Internet opportunity.
Ryan Stewart over at ZDNet discusses Microsoft's A.U.R.A camera phone barcode scanning application and says this application has the potential to be a powerful tool for consumers and developers. (I would include corporations/brands too)
I hope the A.U.R.A. project sees the light of day but it's very cool to see what Microsoft Research is working on. This has the potential to be a powerful tool for the consumer and developers (as well as stores) that can take advantage of something like this have a huge head start. I can see a broad range of barcode applications that use A.U.R.A. as a starting point and build on its solid foundation. I think this kind of interaction is one in which RIA developers need to take a long hard look.
Download the AURA mobile client here .
A.U.R.A. requires close, focused pictures of barcodes to convert the image into a decoded string. Many Windows Mobile devices have cameras that cannot focus at the close distances required by A.U.R.A. To work around this you can apply an A.U.R.A. Lens Kit to your phone. Microsoft will send a lens kit to anyone who sends a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Project A.U.R.A. Lens Kit Request
Microsoft Research, Community Technologies Group
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052
United States of America
Ryan Stewart over at ZDNet discusses Microsoft's A.U.R.A camera phone barcode scanning application and says this application has the potential to be a powerful tool for consumers and developers. (I would include corporations/brands too)
I hope the A.U.R.A. project sees the light of day but it's very cool to see what Microsoft Research is working on. This has the potential to be a powerful tool for the consumer and developers (as well as stores) that can take advantage of something like this have a huge head start. I can see a broad range of barcode applications that use A.U.R.A. as a starting point and build on its solid foundation. I think this kind of interaction is one in which RIA developers need to take a long hard look.
Download the AURA mobile client here .
A.U.R.A. requires close, focused pictures of barcodes to convert the image into a decoded string. Many Windows Mobile devices have cameras that cannot focus at the close distances required by A.U.R.A. To work around this you can apply an A.U.R.A. Lens Kit to your phone. Microsoft will send a lens kit to anyone who sends a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Project A.U.R.A. Lens Kit Request
Microsoft Research, Community Technologies Group
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052
United States of America
ShotCode And Winksite Offer Physical World Hyperlinks To Mobile Webpages
Being mobile and accessing mobile content has never been easier.
Did you know that creating a mobile webpage can be as simple as creating a webpage for ‘the regular Internet’? WinkSite
Did you know that instead of typing a lengthy Internet address on your mobile phone, you can access each mobile webpage in three clicks? ShotCode
This is why Winksite and ShotCode , highly compatible companies, have decided to join forces to provide connections between the physical world and the mobile Internet.
ShotCodes are circular sequences of black and white blocks (2D codes) that represent an internet address. By installing the free ShotCode software on your mobile phone you extend your camera’s functionality into that of a ShotCode reader.
The ShotCode works much in the same way as the reading of barcodes in supermarkets, you point your phone’s camera at a printed ShotCode, click, and your phone’s browser is automatically connected to the corresponding internet address.
Currently ShotCode and Winksite are in talks with several large international brands to offer the combined service bundled with promotional products such as personalized t-shirts, Winksite/ShotCode business cards, personalized ShotCode stamps, stickers and more.
See how ShotCodes work
David Harper, founder of Winksite , “ShotCode’s unique shape makes for an attractive and recognizable symbol that is easily branded or used in more personalized outings. With customers such as Coca Cola, Heineken and Xbox, ShotCode has proven to be the frontrunner in this exciting market. We’re enthusiastic about offering these real world hyperlinks to the Winksite mobile community for free.”
Make your ShotCodes here
Did you know that creating a mobile webpage can be as simple as creating a webpage for ‘the regular Internet’? WinkSite
Did you know that instead of typing a lengthy Internet address on your mobile phone, you can access each mobile webpage in three clicks? ShotCode
This is why Winksite and ShotCode , highly compatible companies, have decided to join forces to provide connections between the physical world and the mobile Internet.
ShotCodes are circular sequences of black and white blocks (2D codes) that represent an internet address. By installing the free ShotCode software on your mobile phone you extend your camera’s functionality into that of a ShotCode reader.
The ShotCode works much in the same way as the reading of barcodes in supermarkets, you point your phone’s camera at a printed ShotCode, click, and your phone’s browser is automatically connected to the corresponding internet address.
Currently ShotCode and Winksite are in talks with several large international brands to offer the combined service bundled with promotional products such as personalized t-shirts, Winksite/ShotCode business cards, personalized ShotCode stamps, stickers and more.
See how ShotCodes work
David Harper, founder of Winksite , “ShotCode’s unique shape makes for an attractive and recognizable symbol that is easily branded or used in more personalized outings. With customers such as Coca Cola, Heineken and Xbox, ShotCode has proven to be the frontrunner in this exciting market. We’re enthusiastic about offering these real world hyperlinks to the Winksite mobile community for free.”
Make your ShotCodes here
Friday, January 12, 2007
Create Your Own Physical World Hyperlink RFID Tag?
Create your own physical world hyperlink RFID tag.
This story has some interesting physical world connection potential.
Vernon Hills-based Zebra Technologies said Thursday it has agreed to buy WhereNet Corp., bolstering its position in an up-and-coming technology known as RFID.
Zebra will pay $126 million in cash for the privately-held WhereNet
Zebra is involved in 'passive' RFID, meaning it prints labels that can be read only when a wireless scanner is within 10 feet.
WhereNet makes 'active' RFID labels and the wireless systems that read them. Active RFID tags are battery-operated, and send out signals that can be read from 1,000 feet away.
Having a website and being able to print a shipping/postage label have allowed anyone to sell any product anywhere.
What companies and services will be created when an individual user can create their own RFID tag and scan it with an RFID browser ?
This story has some interesting physical world connection potential.
Vernon Hills-based Zebra Technologies said Thursday it has agreed to buy WhereNet Corp., bolstering its position in an up-and-coming technology known as RFID.
Zebra will pay $126 million in cash for the privately-held WhereNet
Zebra is involved in 'passive' RFID, meaning it prints labels that can be read only when a wireless scanner is within 10 feet.
WhereNet makes 'active' RFID labels and the wireless systems that read them. Active RFID tags are battery-operated, and send out signals that can be read from 1,000 feet away.
Having a website and being able to print a shipping/postage label have allowed anyone to sell any product anywhere.
What companies and services will be created when an individual user can create their own RFID tag and scan it with an RFID browser ?
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Apple's iPhone Offers More Than A Phone But A Killer Platform
Apple probably has to go down as one of the first companies to link the physical world with the Internet.
When you download a song on iTunes from the the Net, and then transfered to an Ipod (mobile device), indirectly and in reverse order you created a physical world connection.
Apple and iTunes got millions of people (especially the targeted demographics) to link a mobile device to their PC. The disruption isn't in the iPod or the Nano, but in the iTunes platform. I think the same thing will occur around the platform for the iPhone.
I see the iPhone being more than just a communication device that surfs the Net and holds music. An iPhone pplication could provide the platform for two of the fastest growing industries, mobile marketing and mcommerce.
An iPhone application on the PC could link your mobile world to your PC.
If Apple can make it as easy to interlink a mobile phone and a PC (like they do with iTunes and an iPod), they could become a mobile marketing and mobile commerce powerhouse .
I know iPhone won't be the name of Apple's new phone, but I use the term because it's easy to identify.
Apple could do what every wireless carrier dreams of, tying your PC world with your mobile world. iTunes provided the conduit for the PC and mobile worlds. The iPhone will provide the Internet access.
Your iPhone application on your PC becomes a place where you store all of your mobile search requests, text messages, pictures, phone calls (think voIP applications), mcommerce transactions (soon). Yes a universal remote control but with a website that allows control and review.
How many times in the last 6 mos have you logged into your wireless account online?
I have often wondered why wireless carriers don't spend more time marketing a "MyCell" webpage. They are sitting on an advertising and customer relationship goldmine but they are ignoring it.
Apple Computer Inc. will finally end the rumors and announce a cell phone today with wireless service from Cingular Wireless LLC, a news report said.
Apple and Cingular team up for cell phone
Rather than tie itself to a single service provider, Apple is likely to introduce an “unlocked” phone that can be used on different networks.
Would you allow Apple to deliver ads on your iPhone if they compensated you with extra minutes?
Apple can provide a billing platform for movie tickets, coupons, airline tickets.
Go to iTunes or the iPhone application, download a ticket for Jimmey Buffet concert and get a 2d code, barcode on your iPod/iPhone. The billing is ALREADY IN PLACE and you just wave your iPod/iPhone at the door.
Apple has already tapped into a Physical World Connection application
Just imagine the possibilities if the iPhone has a camera too.
Thoughts comments?
When you download a song on iTunes from the the Net, and then transfered to an Ipod (mobile device), indirectly and in reverse order you created a physical world connection.
Apple and iTunes got millions of people (especially the targeted demographics) to link a mobile device to their PC. The disruption isn't in the iPod or the Nano, but in the iTunes platform. I think the same thing will occur around the platform for the iPhone.
I see the iPhone being more than just a communication device that surfs the Net and holds music. An iPhone pplication could provide the platform for two of the fastest growing industries, mobile marketing and mcommerce.
An iPhone application on the PC could link your mobile world to your PC.
If Apple can make it as easy to interlink a mobile phone and a PC (like they do with iTunes and an iPod), they could become a mobile marketing and mobile commerce powerhouse .
I know iPhone won't be the name of Apple's new phone, but I use the term because it's easy to identify.
Apple could do what every wireless carrier dreams of, tying your PC world with your mobile world. iTunes provided the conduit for the PC and mobile worlds. The iPhone will provide the Internet access.
Your iPhone application on your PC becomes a place where you store all of your mobile search requests, text messages, pictures, phone calls (think voIP applications), mcommerce transactions (soon). Yes a universal remote control but with a website that allows control and review.
How many times in the last 6 mos have you logged into your wireless account online?
I have often wondered why wireless carriers don't spend more time marketing a "MyCell" webpage. They are sitting on an advertising and customer relationship goldmine but they are ignoring it.
Apple Computer Inc. will finally end the rumors and announce a cell phone today with wireless service from Cingular Wireless LLC, a news report said.
Apple and Cingular team up for cell phone
Rather than tie itself to a single service provider, Apple is likely to introduce an “unlocked” phone that can be used on different networks.
Would you allow Apple to deliver ads on your iPhone if they compensated you with extra minutes?
Apple can provide a billing platform for movie tickets, coupons, airline tickets.
Go to iTunes or the iPhone application, download a ticket for Jimmey Buffet concert and get a 2d code, barcode on your iPod/iPhone. The billing is ALREADY IN PLACE and you just wave your iPod/iPhone at the door.
Apple has already tapped into a Physical World Connection application
Just imagine the possibilities if the iPhone has a camera too.
Thoughts comments?
Monday, January 08, 2007
Mobile Phone And Barcode Called Disruptive Technology
I expect to see more tech magazines and pundits recognize the physical world connection and physical world hyperlinks as disruptive technology.
From GizMag ScanBuy Barcode software on your camera
January 8, 2007 From time-to-time, we see a potentially disruptive technology of such magnitude we ponder its ability to shake the foundations - Scanbuy rates in that category.
The whole story
From GizMag ScanBuy Barcode software on your camera
January 8, 2007 From time-to-time, we see a potentially disruptive technology of such magnitude we ponder its ability to shake the foundations - Scanbuy rates in that category.
The whole story
Friday, January 05, 2007
Google And China Mobile Get Ready To Link The Physical World With QR Codes
Last year Time Magazine named "You" as the Person Of The Year because "You" made an enormous impact when "You" created and uploaded digital content to the Net.
The next transformation and major impact for the Internet will be when "You" link physical objects to it and "You" will play a big role in that too.
I don't imagine it will be much longer before Google introduces a 2D code creating application.
When Google signed a deal with China Mobile for mobile search services, and China Mobile will be delivering a preinstalled QRcode reader, it means the physical world will soon be connected ( in China for now) .
China Mobile's subsidiary ASPire Technologies is handling the QRcode service.
Google would just need to add a QRcode creator site, to one of it's applications/menus, and just about ANYTHING online or in the physical world could be connected using a mobile phone.
I know there are free 2D code generating sites out there, that's not the point. The money isn't in creating 2D codes, it's in scanning them with a mobile phone.
When a platform as big as Google's implement ANOTHER form of search, advertisers will follow. Google is all about CREATING and finding content on the Net. Think of QR code as a "mobile keyword".
Pay per click is replaced by pay per scan for mobile info, not search.
Big Mouth Media sums it up pretty good.
What happens when a high percentage of a country's population, as in China, don't have access to computers and hence the internet and their search engines?
Start thinking of the camera on the mobile phone as the browser. Instead of typing lengthy URLS, users will be able to click on QR codes, or physical world hyperlinks.
The next transformation and major impact for the Internet will be when "You" link physical objects to it and "You" will play a big role in that too.
I don't imagine it will be much longer before Google introduces a 2D code creating application.
When Google signed a deal with China Mobile for mobile search services, and China Mobile will be delivering a preinstalled QRcode reader, it means the physical world will soon be connected ( in China for now) .
China Mobile's subsidiary ASPire Technologies is handling the QRcode service.
Google would just need to add a QRcode creator site, to one of it's applications/menus, and just about ANYTHING online or in the physical world could be connected using a mobile phone.
I know there are free 2D code generating sites out there, that's not the point. The money isn't in creating 2D codes, it's in scanning them with a mobile phone.
When a platform as big as Google's implement ANOTHER form of search, advertisers will follow. Google is all about CREATING and finding content on the Net. Think of QR code as a "mobile keyword".
Pay per click is replaced by pay per scan for mobile info, not search.
Big Mouth Media sums it up pretty good.
What happens when a high percentage of a country's population, as in China, don't have access to computers and hence the internet and their search engines?
Start thinking of the camera on the mobile phone as the browser. Instead of typing lengthy URLS, users will be able to click on QR codes, or physical world hyperlinks.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
BeeTagg Passes One Hundred Million Tagg Mark
The guys at BeeTagg have been as busy as, well, you know.
A couple weeks ago they were named Start Up of the week by Cash, the largest financial newspaper in Switzerland.
BeeTagg , a physical world connection player with a unique code, is running probably the biggest mobile tagging game in the world so far.
Overall they are publishing over 100 million BeeTaggs in several media campaigns.
This is the second PWC player that has publicly quantified the number of codes in a mobile marketing campaign. We are starting to see some physical world connection metrics.
OP3 recently announced their ShotCode was being placed on 40 million Sprite bottles.
Gradually physical world hyperlinks (2D codes) are being attached to content in addition to the ones that already exist (1D code) and the physical world is being connected.
It is my opinion that the next big trend after uploading content to the Internet, will be to tag, (add a physical world hyperlink) to physical world objects.
BeeTagg already offers the ability to link items on eBay.
Sponsors of this tagging game include Sony, Orange, Fujitsu, Sony Ericsson, Toshiba, Freixenet, Lipton. Media partners include Blick (biggest newspaper in Switzerland) and Heute
The mobile tagging game is based on the famous European computer game character Moorhuhn . Users are placing their codes in the real world and media partners are publishing codes in their newspapers, posters and even radio broadcasts.
Supported phones
Get the BeeTagg reader
Create your own BeeTaggs and attach them to Flickr, a blog, business card.
Don't have a camera phone? Their BeeTagg Reader Lite allows a user to enter a number or keyword and be directed.
A couple weeks ago they were named Start Up of the week by Cash, the largest financial newspaper in Switzerland.
BeeTagg , a physical world connection player with a unique code, is running probably the biggest mobile tagging game in the world so far.
Overall they are publishing over 100 million BeeTaggs in several media campaigns.
This is the second PWC player that has publicly quantified the number of codes in a mobile marketing campaign. We are starting to see some physical world connection metrics.
OP3 recently announced their ShotCode was being placed on 40 million Sprite bottles.
Gradually physical world hyperlinks (2D codes) are being attached to content in addition to the ones that already exist (1D code) and the physical world is being connected.
It is my opinion that the next big trend after uploading content to the Internet, will be to tag, (add a physical world hyperlink) to physical world objects.
BeeTagg already offers the ability to link items on eBay.
Sponsors of this tagging game include Sony, Orange, Fujitsu, Sony Ericsson, Toshiba, Freixenet, Lipton. Media partners include Blick (biggest newspaper in Switzerland) and Heute
The mobile tagging game is based on the famous European computer game character Moorhuhn . Users are placing their codes in the real world and media partners are publishing codes in their newspapers, posters and even radio broadcasts.
Supported phones
Get the BeeTagg reader
Create your own BeeTaggs and attach them to Flickr, a blog, business card.
Don't have a camera phone? Their BeeTagg Reader Lite allows a user to enter a number or keyword and be directed.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Scanbuy Receives Mobile Barcode Patent
Scanbuy , a physical world connection company best known for scanning a barcode with camera phone, receives barcode and mobile device patent. 
Patent # 7,156,311
System and method for decoding and analyzing barcodes using a mobile device
The present invention discloses a system and method for decoding barcodes using mobile device.
Generally, the barcode image is acquired via a digital camera attached to the mobile device.
After the barcode image has been acquired, software located on the mobile device enhances the barcode image and subsequently decodes the barcode information. The barcode information is then transmitted to a server via a wireless network. The server processes the barcode information and transmits media content related to the barcode back to the mobile device
They were just recently listed as a company to watch in 2007 by Microsoft's Don Dodge.
Patent # 7,156,311
System and method for decoding and analyzing barcodes using a mobile device
The present invention discloses a system and method for decoding barcodes using mobile device.
Generally, the barcode image is acquired via a digital camera attached to the mobile device.
After the barcode image has been acquired, software located on the mobile device enhances the barcode image and subsequently decodes the barcode information. The barcode information is then transmitted to a server via a wireless network. The server processes the barcode information and transmits media content related to the barcode back to the mobile device
They were just recently listed as a company to watch in 2007 by Microsoft's Don Dodge.
Mobile Phone Makers Sued Over Bluetooth IP
Just having a broad patent isn't a business model.
The WRF was smart to let the major industry players (cellphone manuf) incorporate Bluetooth before throwing their weight around and stifling the adoption.
From ZD Net U.S. Group sues over Bluetooth IP
An intellectual-property management group has sued mobile phone makers Nokia, Samsung Electronics and Matsushita-owned Panasonic for infringing on a patent for wireless Bluetooth technology.
"Defendants have manufactured, used, imported into the United States, sold and offered for sale devices which, or the use of which, infringes at least the '963' patent," Washington Research Foundation said in a complaint filed at the U.S. Western District Court of Washington at Seattle. WRF helps manage investment in and licensing of technology developed by researchers in the state of Washington.
The WRF complaint targeted products containing Bluetooth chips from British chipmaker CSR, which is the world market leader for chips that wirelessly connect electronic gadgets such as cell phones, headsets and laptops.
CSR, which was not immediately available to comment, was not sued by the research group. And CSR rival Broadcom, based in the U.S., has acquired a license to use the radio frequency receiver technology, which was patented in 1999, WRF said.
Engineer Jaap Haartsen, at Swedish mobile phone maker Ericsson, has been credited with the invention of Bluetooth during his research work in the second half of the 1990s.
Ericsson donated the technology, royalty-free, to create a large market for its applications. Since then, hundreds of millions of mobile phones, headsets and laptops have been equipped with Bluetooth chips every year
The WRF was smart to let the major industry players (cellphone manuf) incorporate Bluetooth before throwing their weight around and stifling the adoption.
From ZD Net U.S. Group sues over Bluetooth IP
An intellectual-property management group has sued mobile phone makers Nokia, Samsung Electronics and Matsushita-owned Panasonic for infringing on a patent for wireless Bluetooth technology.
"Defendants have manufactured, used, imported into the United States, sold and offered for sale devices which, or the use of which, infringes at least the '963' patent," Washington Research Foundation said in a complaint filed at the U.S. Western District Court of Washington at Seattle. WRF helps manage investment in and licensing of technology developed by researchers in the state of Washington.
The WRF complaint targeted products containing Bluetooth chips from British chipmaker CSR, which is the world market leader for chips that wirelessly connect electronic gadgets such as cell phones, headsets and laptops.
CSR, which was not immediately available to comment, was not sued by the research group. And CSR rival Broadcom, based in the U.S., has acquired a license to use the radio frequency receiver technology, which was patented in 1999, WRF said.
Engineer Jaap Haartsen, at Swedish mobile phone maker Ericsson, has been credited with the invention of Bluetooth during his research work in the second half of the 1990s.
Ericsson donated the technology, royalty-free, to create a large market for its applications. Since then, hundreds of millions of mobile phones, headsets and laptops have been equipped with Bluetooth chips every year
Friday, December 29, 2006
Do You Know Your Own Physical World Hyperlinks?
How well do you know your own physical world hyperlinks?
Each one of us has a few natural form physical world hyperlinks (PWH). A PWH is some machine readable identifier that when scanned and matched up in a database on the Internet, identifies a specific person, or object.
When an item is scanned and identified in a supermarket, that is a closed from of physical world connection. The magnetic strip on your credit card or license is a physical world hyperlink.
Soon instead of just a 1D barcode, there will be other PWHs (2D code, QR code, RFID tag) on physical objects that will allow mobile phones to scan, identify from a universal database, and retrieve information from the Net.
There's a good chance at least 2 of your own PWH are already in a database and being used.
This is one example of a natural physical world hyperlink.
Use another natural physical world hyperlink to pay for your groceries.
There is at least one man-made physical world hyperlink and these guys are developing it.
The biggest, and the most identifiable, will eventually have multiple machine readable identifiers for it. Know what it is?
The "Internet of Things" doesn't just include inanimate objects.
The Next Generation of the Net, or Phase 2, is when every object has a dial tone and can be connected to the Internet. The mobile phone and other devices will provide the dial tone, but the fun will be in identifying the hyperlink.
So do you know how many PWH you have?
Each one of us has a few natural form physical world hyperlinks (PWH). A PWH is some machine readable identifier that when scanned and matched up in a database on the Internet, identifies a specific person, or object.
When an item is scanned and identified in a supermarket, that is a closed from of physical world connection. The magnetic strip on your credit card or license is a physical world hyperlink.
Soon instead of just a 1D barcode, there will be other PWHs (2D code, QR code, RFID tag) on physical objects that will allow mobile phones to scan, identify from a universal database, and retrieve information from the Net.
There's a good chance at least 2 of your own PWH are already in a database and being used.
This is one example of a natural physical world hyperlink.
Use another natural physical world hyperlink to pay for your groceries.
There is at least one man-made physical world hyperlink and these guys are developing it.
The biggest, and the most identifiable, will eventually have multiple machine readable identifiers for it. Know what it is?
The "Internet of Things" doesn't just include inanimate objects.
The Next Generation of the Net, or Phase 2, is when every object has a dial tone and can be connected to the Internet. The mobile phone and other devices will provide the dial tone, but the fun will be in identifying the hyperlink.
So do you know how many PWH you have?
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Pondering Primate Predictions For 2007
Predictions, ponderings or maybe just pontifications?
Here are some of my thoughts on what I think, (throw in a little hope), will happen for the coming New Year.
By this time next year:
1. SMS Portal
A clear SMS portal emerges. Like Google has established itself as "the" search engine for the PC, there will be a "find" engine for the mobile. Subsequently, the "shortcode" takes on a greater role for ALL forms of advertising.
2. 2D Code Service
Google or Yahoo (maybe even AOL gets creative) introduces a 2d code (QR code) generating application and finds a way to monetize it's use.
3. Apple Phone
The Apple Phone debuts and Apple creates a mobile marketing powerhouse.
4. Buyout
Somebody buys this company out. In my opinion, they could play a big role in the Next Generation of the Net.
5. New PWC Player
A new physical world connection player with a powerful platform gets added to the list .
6. Wireless Carrier adopts PWC
At least one of the U.S. Physical World Connection players gets their platform adopted by a major carrier. This one really isn't a prediction because I know this to be true shortly.
7. A PWC Buyout
At least two companies on the Physical World Connection list get bought out.
8. Venture Capitalists Target PWC
The "Internet of Things", or Physical World Connection becomes the next hot area for VC money.
9. Google Phone
By this time next year, the buzz will be about the upcoming Google Phone and at least one US carrier will be offering it. There will be screen shots, and leaks about the applications on it that will have the tech world awaiting its arrival.
And the "it could happen" one for the year....
10. Microsoft buys Yahoo
In an effort to take on Google, Microsoft buys Yahoo.
Which one(s) are likely, and which ones are pie in the sky?
Here are some of my thoughts on what I think, (throw in a little hope), will happen for the coming New Year.
By this time next year:
1. SMS Portal
A clear SMS portal emerges. Like Google has established itself as "the" search engine for the PC, there will be a "find" engine for the mobile. Subsequently, the "shortcode" takes on a greater role for ALL forms of advertising.
2. 2D Code Service
Google or Yahoo (maybe even AOL gets creative) introduces a 2d code (QR code) generating application and finds a way to monetize it's use.
3. Apple Phone
The Apple Phone debuts and Apple creates a mobile marketing powerhouse.
4. Buyout
Somebody buys this company out. In my opinion, they could play a big role in the Next Generation of the Net.
5. New PWC Player
A new physical world connection player with a powerful platform gets added to the list .
6. Wireless Carrier adopts PWC
At least one of the U.S. Physical World Connection players gets their platform adopted by a major carrier. This one really isn't a prediction because I know this to be true shortly.
7. A PWC Buyout
At least two companies on the Physical World Connection list get bought out.
8. Venture Capitalists Target PWC
The "Internet of Things", or Physical World Connection becomes the next hot area for VC money.
9. Google Phone
By this time next year, the buzz will be about the upcoming Google Phone and at least one US carrier will be offering it. There will be screen shots, and leaks about the applications on it that will have the tech world awaiting its arrival.
And the "it could happen" one for the year....
10. Microsoft buys Yahoo
In an effort to take on Google, Microsoft buys Yahoo.
Which one(s) are likely, and which ones are pie in the sky?
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
GPS Meets RFID
Combine a physical world hyperlink (RFID tag) with location based services (GPS) and some powerful physical world connection possibilities arise.
Imagine what happens when mobile phones can scan an RFID tag.
From Engadget Fujitsu unveils GPS receiver with integrated RFID tag
While we've got both GPS receivers and RFID tags handling very important duties around the world, Fujitsu has gone and unveiled a GPS unit with built-in RFID capabilities to provide the best of both worlds.
The Tag Locator V2 sports the locating abilities we've come to know and love, promising accurate longitude / latitude measurements between "three and five meters, and bundles in an active RFID tag that operates on the 429MHz frequency band. Once the GPS receiver beams out the location data, the device then communicates the RFID information via "a unique ID," and can purportedly channel its data to any reader within 200 meters.
Designed primarily to provide constant streams of precise data in airports, garages, and other locales that manage a plethora of equipment / vehicles (or lucrative PS3 boxes), the units should hit shipyards soon at ¥20,000 ($169) a pop.
Imagine what happens when mobile phones can scan an RFID tag.
From Engadget Fujitsu unveils GPS receiver with integrated RFID tag
While we've got both GPS receivers and RFID tags handling very important duties around the world, Fujitsu has gone and unveiled a GPS unit with built-in RFID capabilities to provide the best of both worlds.
The Tag Locator V2 sports the locating abilities we've come to know and love, promising accurate longitude / latitude measurements between "three and five meters, and bundles in an active RFID tag that operates on the 429MHz frequency band. Once the GPS receiver beams out the location data, the device then communicates the RFID information via "a unique ID," and can purportedly channel its data to any reader within 200 meters.
Designed primarily to provide constant streams of precise data in airports, garages, and other locales that manage a plethora of equipment / vehicles (or lucrative PS3 boxes), the units should hit shipyards soon at ¥20,000 ($169) a pop.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Microsoft's Don Dodge Picks Scanbuy As A Company To Watch In 2007
When Microsoft identifies a physical world connection player, as a company to watch in a multi billion dollar opportunity, that can only mean good things for this space. 
A couple years ago I introduced Robert Scoble, Microsoft's Chief Evangelist, to the concept of physical world connection and after a live demonstration, he called it "the next killer app". Today the Head of Biz Dev at Microsoft files it under "the Next Big Thing".
I dont think there's any doubt thatPhysical World Connection is coming.
Don Dodge, Director of Business Development for Microsoft's Emerging Business Team has put together his list of 2007 Predictions for Web and Software on his blog called "The Next Big Thing"
He considers "Mobile Web" as one of the top 5 hot areas and under "Mobile Search", a multi billion dollar opportunity, Don suggests ScanBuy as a company to watch.
Scanbuy just recently completed a $9m raise from Longworth. Masthead and Hudson.
It doesn't hurt that they have the previous CEO of barnesandnoble.com steering the ship either.
Microsoft is recognizing the potential for Scanbuy's applications but is Google already looking at Scanbuy?
I will be posting my physical world connection predictions for 2007 shortly.
A couple years ago I introduced Robert Scoble, Microsoft's Chief Evangelist, to the concept of physical world connection and after a live demonstration, he called it "the next killer app". Today the Head of Biz Dev at Microsoft files it under "the Next Big Thing".
I dont think there's any doubt thatPhysical World Connection is coming.
Don Dodge, Director of Business Development for Microsoft's Emerging Business Team has put together his list of 2007 Predictions for Web and Software on his blog called "The Next Big Thing"
He considers "Mobile Web" as one of the top 5 hot areas and under "Mobile Search", a multi billion dollar opportunity, Don suggests ScanBuy as a company to watch.
Scanbuy just recently completed a $9m raise from Longworth. Masthead and Hudson.
It doesn't hurt that they have the previous CEO of barnesandnoble.com steering the ship either.
Microsoft is recognizing the potential for Scanbuy's applications but is Google already looking at Scanbuy?
I will be posting my physical world connection predictions for 2007 shortly.
Cellit Offers Interactive Theater Text Message Service
What a great idea. Why not use the captive audience at a movie theater to introduce a text message campaign?
Cellit, LLC announced today its landmark agreement with Cinema Screen Media, LLC (CSM) to provide mobile marketing services to CSM’s clients.
CSM’s on-screen advertisers will now be able to incorporate text messaging features into their pre-movie slideshow display, creating innovative, interactive promotions. CSM will start offering these services in the Phoenix metro area, while planning for a national roll-out.
Using Cellit’s technology, moviegoers can interact with specific promotions showcased in the pre-movie slideshow. By texting the advertiser’s selected keyword to a special 5-digit phone number included in the pre-movie slideshow, the audience can obtain additional product information, text their vote on a topic, or participate in games and contests.
The advertiser can also better understand advertising effectiveness through using different “text in” keywords in different theaters or in different ads.
Two questions I have.
Is there a strong enough cell signal in most theaters for this to work. (Did they test strength?)
How do they make sure response text messages aren't sent during the movie?
Cellit, LLC announced today its landmark agreement with Cinema Screen Media, LLC (CSM) to provide mobile marketing services to CSM’s clients.
CSM’s on-screen advertisers will now be able to incorporate text messaging features into their pre-movie slideshow display, creating innovative, interactive promotions. CSM will start offering these services in the Phoenix metro area, while planning for a national roll-out.
Using Cellit’s technology, moviegoers can interact with specific promotions showcased in the pre-movie slideshow. By texting the advertiser’s selected keyword to a special 5-digit phone number included in the pre-movie slideshow, the audience can obtain additional product information, text their vote on a topic, or participate in games and contests.
The advertiser can also better understand advertising effectiveness through using different “text in” keywords in different theaters or in different ads.
Two questions I have.
Is there a strong enough cell signal in most theaters for this to work. (Did they test strength?)
How do they make sure response text messages aren't sent during the movie?
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