Facebook have just made life a little easier for its users! They just released a new mobile app which allows Facebook friends to call each other for free.
The App, which was produced by internet telephony company Vonage, lets users call their Facebook friends using voice over internet protocol (VoIP), providing both parties have the app downloaded. The app will be available on iPhone, Android, and the iPod Touch (for outbound calls only).Vonage Mobile for Facebook is free to download and use and will work across Wi-Fi, 3G and 4G networks.
Later versions will look to include instant messaging, SMS and the ability to make call to mobile numbers directly from the application. An iPad version is also currently being developed.
Although this app does appear to offer Facebook users a very convenient way to contact their friends, it does raise an unavoidable question: how many of your Facebook friends would you feel comfortable being able to call your mobile phone?
Posted by jen | Comments (0)
Lonely Plant has made a move to expand its reach within the digital space, with the launch of a series of augmented reality (AR) apps on Google’s Android Market.The company already has a strong hold in the Apple App Store but wants to expand its mobile readership beyond this one domain.
The Lonely Planet Compass Guide apps use AR and the phone’s GPS features to display local attractions in 25 cities, including Bangkok, London and New York.
Matthew Cashmore, innovation and ecosystem manager at Lonely Planet, said the apps, priced at $4.99 (£3.14), are designed to drive premium revenues for the company, and ruled out any third-party ads.
In addition to the release of the AR city apps, they have recently introduced a discover eBooks series, which profiles areas of interest, on Apple’s iBookstore.
Lonely Plant’s expansion into these new digital arenas demonstrates their commitment to developing innovative and exciting products for their consumers, while at the same time developing their online operations.
Posted by jen | Comments (0)
Sales of Android phones have risen by more than 300% since the beginning of 2010! With 1 in 10 mobile contracts sold in the UK now running on Google's mobile operating system.
From the beginning of 2010, most of the UK's major mobile operators have started selling a number of Android based mobile devices, running on Google's Linux-based software. The HTC Desire and HTC Legend are among the devices hailed by critics and consumers alike. HTC, the Taiwanese manufacturer of many devices running Android, posted a 41% global sales increase for the first six months of 2010.
"The figures suggest an increasing number of consumers are now asking for Android handsets by name," said GfK analyst Megan Baldock. "Operating systems are no longer simply a by-product but a key selling point in their own right."
Posted by jen | Comments (0)
In Jan 2008, I went to Tokyo (the new New - York apparently) "on research" to see what's what over in Asia when it comes to mobile and what is now leading the industry for them. I took some snaps and I met with Ogilvy digital (Tokyo).
Tokyo is just a mad place and, eventually, I was dying to go home when faceed with all the media clutter and advertiser presence. In spite of this, it is the real vision of an "always on", digitally mobile and connected society where, if you do manage to intercept a Japanese consumer you have to make it count!
They do this by putting a mobile response number/url/QR code/ or search box on their advertising. This allows consumers to act on the advertising there and then, reducing OTS, and maximising advertising effectiveness (Plus it's relevant and cool etc..)
Here are some snaps of mobile enabled advertising (from Japan!) If you are interested in seeing a full presentation download slides below! (Just scroll to end - past all the pictures)
Donald
Guinness Drip mat pub locator - you snap the QR matrix and it takes to you mobile website.
Mobile response QR code on McDonalds POS, Leads to mobile website where information on menu and nutritional value can be found.
Mobile Search box on advertising
Coca Cola Ambient advertising - snap image and be brought to "coke side of life" mobile website.
PRESENTATION!
Toky'o'Mobile_Return2Sender.ppt (4.92 mb)
Posted by donald | Comments (2)
Tags: donald douglas, mobile marketing japan
According to Ireland.com, 3 Ireland have added Google Search to it's all star line up. 3 Customers have always been able to browse the mobile web using google but now the difference is that they will be doing it for free since it has been added as a service to 3's own portal. Google will appear alongside windows live messenger and yahoo.
To click and locate web links and stories will be completely free, however when the customer clicks through to the webpage itself they will need to buy the mobile broadband add on if they have not already done so. Mobile broadband options from three are currently €5.99 per month (limited) or €19.99 (Unlimited).
Posted by lisa | Comments (0)