The Olympics have come a long way since they began in 776 B.C., and with current mobile advertising technology, the games will continue to expand and reach new audiences. During the Beijing Summer Olympics, NBC executives were shocked to see that 6.5 million viewers visited their mobile website during the games. This is the inspiration that caused NBC to add two applications, a smartphone version of the NBC Olympics mobile site, and new social media features to its mobile offerings. In addition, NBC said they have been “able to attract advertisers to mobile—not because it was part of a large media TV or online buy—but because of the strong performance numbers from Beijing.” The applications offer news results, videos and the opportunity for viewers to follow athletes’ Twitter feeds and Facebook; however, there are no live coverage links of the events. With changing technology, many fear that such an ancient tradition that has contributed so much to our world history may be lost. However, with advances such as smartphone applications and mobile coverage, the games will be further preserved.
It may be hard for Wilmington to imagine, but this past weekend, the Washington D.C. area accumulated almost three feet of snow. When the power is out and the roads are unplowed it’s hard to come up with anything exciting to do. However, a group of young professionals in DuPont Circle formulated a plan that brought people of all ages together. The secret to their success: social media.
When news of the snow was announced on Thursday, Ami Greener and her friend Michael Lipin decided to put their Twitter accounts to a new use. As friends who live on opposite sides of DuPont Circle, they figured it would be fun to arrange a massive snowball fight for the whole city to participate in.
“You keep reading in the media how companies are using Twitter,” Greener said. “I said, ‘Okay, I’m going to do that.’ ”
The tweet went out on Thursday night, along with a Facebook group advertising the snowball fight. On Thursday the group had 33 members, but by Saturday morning it had over 5,000. On Saturday afternoon over 2,000 people, including children, young professionals and lawyers had congregated in DuPont Circle to participate in a good old fashioned snowball fight.
The fight was a carefree attempt to unite a community and take advantage of the record breaking storm. However, without the help of Twitter and Facebook, it would have undoubtedly been a much smaller event.
Last week, Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled their latest creation: the iPad. With laptops and smart phones belonging to so many people these days, Apple managed to develop a third device that fits neatly in between the two. Available in both Wi-Fi and 3G, the iPad includes features such as Safari, mail, photos, movies, iPod, iTunes, iBooks and several more.
Although the iPad does include many useful and fun features, it is also missing a few that some people consider a weak point for the product. It does not have simple features like phone capabilities, a camera or even a USB port. But Apple usually knows what they’re doing. Is the iPad intended for just a very specific audience? Is it geared toward people who may not be very “computer savvy” but still want to enjoy the perks of being linked in? Or was this new device created for the people who hate multitasking?
Another issue that many people have with this new product is its name: iPad. Many people online are comparing the name to feminine hygiene products. Not a flattering start for Apple’s latest venture.
But while there is much speculation and buzz on the internet surrounding the iPad, The New York Times’ David Pogue has an interesting take on consumer criticism of Apple products. He has a theory that all Apple products are put through the same cycle of phases, beginning with pre-announcement speculation and hype, to online bashing, to buyers giving it positive reviews and eventually everyone falling in love with it.
Aside from the jokes about the name and the criticism over the features not available, there was some initial controversy surrounding the iPad regarding Adobe Flash. Apparently the demo video that was originally posted on Apple’s web site to promote the iPad showed web pages, specifically The New York Times, working as though the device were supported by Flash, which was incorrect. This raised suspicion because during the first iPad demonstration, when Jobs pulled up a NY Times page, a “broken plug-in” icon appeared because it needed Adobe Flash to display properly. So when the demo on Apple’s web site showed the web pages working perfectly, people began to ask questions. It became evident that The NY Times’ web pages were duplicates of the real pages, supposedly generated by The NY Times for Apple. But thanks to the internet’s capability of spreading news such as this like wildfire, Apple has now corrected the promo video, replacing it with a more accurate version.
As with each new product entering the market, there will be criticism and controversy, as well as enthusiasm and excitement. Most likely, this device isn’t meant for everyone, but instead it is probably intended for a niche audience that wants exactly what the iPad offers. It is expected to become available by early April, and during the next couple months, much more will be said about the product. To read what people are saying now, check out the Twitter feed.
With businesses pinching pennies and thousands looking for jobs its no wonder Skype has become a valuable tool in corporate operations, such as the interviewing process. This video chat software offers an inexpensive, low hassle way to meet potential employees, as well as to communicate with current employees. Many companies, such as Zappos.com and Maxim Integrated Products, use Skype as their internal phone system. Companies have employees speaking through their computer speakers and telephones, visually through the web cameras, and exchanging instant messages and documents. Maxim Integrated Products saved $200,000 on long distance calls using Skype, and $2 million annually.
Companies have now found ways to integrate Skype into marketing themselves as accessible. Many small business owners report that Skype helps them stay connected with their clients and allows them to meet at anytime necessary. Businesses have also claimed it increases productivity and stimulates the creative environment. Skype also helps expand small business clientele geographically, which, without the use of Skype, is typically a financial burden.
Skype has not only helped small businesses get ahead, but has also played a large role in connecting networks of families, friends and colleagues, which could increase social capital. However, according to Putnam, the Internet decreases social capital. Perhaps in some cases this is true, but for many, social networking platforms have opened a whole new social capital opportunity to millions of users. Regardless of the debate, it is clear that Skype continues to open up new avenues for businesses, family and communities.
