by Steve Smith on Feb 28, 8:53 AM
The #1 desktop search advertiser online is also the top advertiser in mobile search -- Amazon. But after that the disparity between mobile and desktop search spend is remarkable. Even brands that otherwise seem heavily invested in mobile seem underpowered in search.
by Steve Smith on Feb 27, 8:38 AM
Purina's new Beggin' Nosecam app benefits from low ambitions. More brands should take this lead. Stop trying to get us to like you. Instead give us something we enjoy or like...even if for a few minutes.
by Steve Smith on Feb 26, 8:59 AM
At Mobile World Congress, MasterCard revealed a pilot project that makes cell phones the key to adding security to credit cards. At least these companies are starting to glean what Apple and Starbucks already know about how digital wallets will finally make sense to consumers.
by Steve Smith on Feb 25, 8:03 AM
A provocative report from ZenithOptimedia/Performics suggests that after the role of smartphones peaks, the dispersal of connectivity to an Internet of Things will make these personal devices obsolete. Maybe. You could argue the opposite as well.
by Steve Smith on Feb 24, 7:05 AM
A lot of us dread the prospect of auto-play video ads in an already polluted Facebook stream. But the social network will be releasing its long-awaited format into favorable trending -- strong growth in video consumption on its platform in January.
by Steve Smith on Feb 21, 9:14 AM
Mobile ad reach grew substantially in the last year, but most users don't think they are paying for the data that ads consume. But little things like data caps and even fitness apps are helping to enlighten consumers that all data is a commodity -- some of which they already own.
by Steve Smith on Feb 20, 6:55 AM
The majority of music videos from the leading source of the form are now viewed off of the desktop. Mobility could be a key driver in the current revival of a form that seemed to exhaust its creativity and cultural power more than a decade ago.
by Steve Smith on Feb 19, 6:57 AM
A new patent award for Apple shows plans for biometric headphones that can read head gestures, heart rate, and perspiration and perhaps interpret psychological states. We are on the edge of having media read us rather than us reading it.
by Steve Smith on Feb 18, 8:20 AM
Jimmy Fallon occupies the revered "Tonight" show chair this week, and a mobile app launches to accompany him. While it has some of the host's own quirks, it is as tepid and uninspiring as the show the host is inheriting.
by Steve Smith on Feb 17, 8:29 AM
Yet again, Microsoft is trying to leverage the diverse video assets it has stitched together across gaming, Web and now devices and even video calling. SMG will develop new cross-screen video programs with the software giant.