Weekly Wrap Up #4
1. Is the iPhone 5 release date just around the corner?
After months of speculation the rumor mills are turning again but this time more credibility seems to loom as an actual date has been set for the highly anticipated iPhone 5 launch. Could it be Tuesday, October 4? According to sources close to the situation, this date has been reserved for Apple’s next big “media event”. While Apple remains silent, per usual, on all accounts regarding a new iPhone launch, these latest details seem to allude to an impending launch. Are you planning on upgrading to the iPhone 5 whenever it’s finally available?
2. Facebook put a Facebook in the upper right of your Facebook so you can Facebook while you Facebook – And now, how to get rid of the annoying new feature…
In its latest set of upgrades, Facebook has rolled out a feature resembling a “Ticker” update box at the top right of the News Feed. The Ticker essentially functions like a Twitter stream, allowing users to see short, real-time updates from those they subscribe to, as well as from friends. Unfortunately, the new feature was not well received as hostile tweets started flying once the public learned of the updates. Notably, the free Chrome extension Facebook Ticker Remover completely does away with the Ticker. If you’re one of the many users annoyed by this update, find out how to remove the Ticker at The Next Web.
3. We’re #1!
According to Bloomberg Businessweek, Raleigh, N.C. ranks as America’s best city in the U.S. when it comes to offering a wealth of culture, entertainment, good schools, low crime and plenty of green space. In addition to our 867 restaurants, 110 bars and 51 museums, our city was commended on its “cultural graces” in anchoring three major universities, pro sports teams, Research Triangle Park and a thriving social scene. Learn more reasons why Raleigh was ranked number one as America’s best city at Bloomberg Businessweek.
4. What to do with the Company Follow feature on LinkedIn
Want to know the inside scoop on your favorite companies and their latest updates? You can with the “Company Follow” feature on LinkedIn. Not only does this feature serve as a feed for status and business updates it also serves as a tool to monitor competition for brands and customers. With up-to-date info at the click of a button you can also use this feature as a hiring tool by keeping in touch with employees through open communication.
5. Do you feel like you’re getting duped into spending more at the grocery store on items you don’t need?
Unfortunately, you probably are. Not only have grocery stores been doing this for a while (putting milk and meats at the very back of the store so customers must walk through the entire store to get to necessity items likely picking up non-necessities on the way) but some stores in particular have become even more crafty in their approach to encourage you to buy more. At the forefront of this issue is Whole Foods, a market chain priding itself on selling the highest quality, freshest, and most environmentally sound produce. Learn more about Whole Foods’ multiple deceiving strategies throughout their stores.
Image Credit – BellaBim
iWar: Battle of the Titans
The long awaited and much anticipated day that I have been dreaming of for the past few years is finally here. No, not my college graduation, but the iPhone at Verizon! If there was a way to make bells ring in the sky I would, although I’m sure there is an app for that.
More »
Ready for awesome? OK Go!
I’ve been attending the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco for the last week, and last night was the official Apple party. The one where almost every developer and Apple engineer here, all 6000 of us, go across the street to the Yerba Buena Gardens, get fed, and listen to a band rock out. Last year they had Cake, the year before it was Barenaked Ladies, but we didn’t know who the band would be until we got there. There were rumors all over the place, but there wasn’t any proof. No lost iPhone with a memo on it revealing the band’s indentity. Nothing. Well, not until people started looking at the stage and discovered a piece of tape on a mic that said enough.
WWDC Sold Out
Apple’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference sells out for the third straight year in a record-breaking eight days. Not a good sign for Flash.
TIMA Lunch & Learn to Feature Apple on Mobile Marketing
The Triangle Interactive Marketing Association’s (TIMA) May “Lunch & Learn” will feature Francis Shepherd, Senior System Engineer, Apple, Inc. on how to tune out the static in your mobile marketing buzz. More »
This Week in Technology: March 8-12
So much happened this week. Apple iPads went on pre-order, Microsoft lost another patent case, Canon made a travel mug that looks like a lens, and Playstation announced they’re going to rip-off the wii-mote.
In-Depth Review of Snow Leopard
John Siracusa has posted an exhaustive review of Apple’s latest OS release, Snow Leopard. Great read if you really want to learn why you need to upgrade.
Griffin's FAIL Maker Shows Corporations How iPhone Apps Should Be Done
New platforms bring new opportunities for marketers. The iPhone is one of the platforms currently most talked about in marketing brainstorms around the world. Apple with its application store has made it easy for individuals and companies to develop and distribute mobile applications. Over 1 billion applications have already been downloaded on iPhones and iPod touch devices.
As with any other platform that begins to reach critical mass, companies are trying to determine what type of mobile application will help their customers or help them market and reach potential customers. Let’s look at an example of a company who has recently done this successfully.
Griffin’s FAIL Maker
griffin fail maker
At first glance many people probably thought Griffin was crazy for developing this “silly” application. These are the same people who don’t read the FAIL Blog. The FAIL Blog is a successful Internet meme that showcases funny picture with brief captions that include the word “FAIL” with the intent to make the image even funner. As one of the blogs long at the top of my must read list the FAIL blog offers a great get away with some really funny images. Being a FAIL blog fan I instantly downloaded the FAIL Maker app and had no clue it was developed by Griffin.
The application lets you ad caption to photos taken with or stored on your iPhone and then easily submit them to FAIL Blog. It is a simple app that works well and supports an existing community of users. FAIL Maker has quickly become one of the most popular iPhone applications.
Why did Griffin’s app succeed when so many other applications go unnoticed?
- It already had a community of users before it was developed (ie. FAIL blog readers)
- It was free
- It is simple to use and gives users the power over their images
- It is funny
- It encouraged people to share with each other thus promoting the application in the process
What does Griffin get for developing Fail Maker?
- In application ads that promote Griffin’s other iPhone applications (some of them paid) resulting in direct ROI from paid app downloads
- Griffin makes iPhone and ipod accessories so FAIL Maker builds its brand with potential customers
- Because of the platform users are already potential customers for Griffin products and can learn about them through in app ads
Developing on Apple’s mobile platform isn’t right for everyone, but Griffin shows that it can be successful and deliver ROI if your plan and application serves your customer community.
