Iphone – First impressions August 22, 2007
Posted by mikesolomon in Mac, The Web.1 comment so far
Yup thats right- I managed to get my grubby mits on an iPhone from the 5th ave Apple store in NY (i didn’t go unfortunately but a mate got it for me -im in South Africa by the way)
So what can i say about the iPhone? It is nothing short of spectacular beyond belief and truly had taken cell phones to a new level. Its smaller than you think from seeing pics etc. True i cant use all the cellphone features yet, but i did managed to bypass the activation in about 1 minute and get access.
The screen and functionality is superb. The touch screen is nothing short of revolutionary and browsing web sites via wi-fi is a treat! The ipod is mind blowing and sound quality superb. Sure im really talking this device up (im a huge apple fan) but all of that aside – this thing will change the way you look at hand-held devices (cellphones, mp3 players etc) I actually got gasps from people when i showed them the iPhone – when was the last time a device got that reaction? Basically – every positive article you’ve read is true.
A few things minor i can see being an issue are:
1) when you send an sms it doesn’t count the characters you’ve typed (maybe when its activated it does?)
2) Things like stock, weather etc are pretty pointless.
3) the note taking could be a bit more serious – it has a very childish font
4) keyboard takes some getting used to – im sure it just needs practice though.
Thats about all i can comment on at the moment, but im working feverishly to crack the phone functionality (apparently it has been done in Europe) Also as of now there is still no word as to when the iPhone will be in SA and im not holding my breath either.
Ill report my progress going forward!
Brilliant movie marketing!! July 20, 2007
Posted by mikesolomon in Different Advertising, The Web.add a comment
Sure the title it a tad over the top, but this is truly sensational in my book. Its an upcoming movie called “Cloverfield” or “01-18-08″ – both of these are used because the studio hasn’t told anyone what the name is!
Talk about creating hype. The trailer played in US cinemas just before Transformers and created a huge stir – mainly because it doesn’t say a thing about the movie, i.e. what its about, or even what its name is! Totally different for Hollywood who normally spends millions on getting the name and synopsis to the public.
The trailer starts of at a party and is filmed on a “shaky handycam” ala Blair Witch.We then see a power cut and hear an ungodly roar. The party goers run upstairs to see a huge fireball engulf part of the city. They the run downstairs to the street only to hear the roar again and see the head of the Statue of Liberty smash to the ground! Wow.
Further searching also reveals a website with 3 time stamped pics, and this site as well
It seems to be a fantastic marketing ploy that is working wonders – I personally cant wait to see what the next tidbit is! plus ill definitely see the film – lets just hope it lives up to the hype.
The TV Killer? May 22, 2007
Posted by mikesolomon in Different Advertising, Sites, The Web, Uncategorized.1 comment so far
I signed up to check out Joost, the new internet tv streaming programme from the heavyweight founders of Kazaa and Skype.
Essentially, Joost is being touted as tv on your internet and boy is it good. They’ve worked hard on their streaming capabilities and they are pretty much the best ive seen. I was watching on a 3g datacard with true speed of 1.8mbps and it looked great. I can only image what a 4gig fixed line would deliver. ( or even higher speed like they have overseas)
Unfortunately there isnt much to watch at the moment, but im sure as they get going, more and more networks will jump on board. Joost is ad sponsored and free to the end consumers (as long as they look at a few ads) I was exposed to a Nike ad for a product that you cant get here, so theres a bit of
wastage there. I also saw it twice and was a bit annoyed, but im sure they will fix that going forward.
I only hope they dont block shows by region i.e. only show Lost in the US etc.
In short, if all web tv looks this good, I seriously see trouble in TV’s future.
The Third Screen February 9, 2007
Posted by mikesolomon in The Media Landscape, The Web, Thoughts.add a comment
Dan Dodge has a great article on the adoption of cell phones in China. According to some pundits, cellphones (mobiles) are called the Third Screen after Tv and Internet. Well according to Dan, in China it is the first screen.
Im also starting to think this way about SA. With the majority of people in SA not having any pc/ Internet access, cellphones are defiantly going to become the second screen, if not the first.
This new medium can also give great opportunities to marketers to reach a captive audience through permission based marketing (spamming sucks – it damages your brand – remember that) and with the adoption of 3g and MMS, the marketing and branding opportunities are endless. Plus tv commercials can now be sent to phones. Think about it!
How long before Mobile is the First screen here in SA?
Or is tv the first to go? January 29, 2007
Posted by mikesolomon in The Media Landscape, The Web.add a comment
A great article on Advertising Lab about the death of TV – from a TV guy!!
Some chap called Guy Carter recently gave a speech about how tv is dying. Now, Guy works for Fremantle who has bought us gems like Big Brother and Popstars. Now as far as im concerned reality tv is the worst thing to ever slime our small screens so ill shed no tears when it dies!
Its great when industry people realise their industry is dying if changes aren’t made. I guess its up to them to warn the others and then say “I told you so” when they’re out of jobs!! But seriously an interesting speech.
Are the Newspapers first to go? January 27, 2007
Posted by mikesolomon in The Media Landscape, The Web.2 comments
In my excitement over the way the Internet is challenging traditional and staid media, I’m constantly looking out for old media casualties.
It seems a clear winner (or is that loser) is emerging in the form of newspapers. This IOL report talks about repeated layoffs in the newspaper industry due to their failure to move to web based prominence and their dogmatism regarding print. They think things will stay the same but they wont, you have to adapt or die.
Now let me say that I’m not a fan of anyone being laid off work – it isn’t cool. But it does show in black and white, that if you cant adapt in business and life, unfortunately there will be consequences.
Wake up “old media” or suffer the consequences!
Zune Evangelism? January 22, 2007
Posted by mikesolomon in Sites, The Web.2 comments
Yup it really exists. Or does it? This lovely blog called ..wait for it.. Zunerama claims to be the definitive guide for all things Zune – I was also shocked to see that it was more that 1 page long.
Anyway this blog smacks of corporate backer (like er Microsoft) The blog claims to be receiving updated from Microsoft itself with comments like “We were alerted to this by an email from Microsoft – which at first aroused our suspicions because the links in the email went to a non-Microsoft site”, as well as having inside info about a couple of other things like knowing the Zune’s 3 year plan (believe it or not it doesn’t involve curling up and dying!)
The site also doesnt really ahve anything bad to say about the Zune – hmmm.
Anyway maybe in wrong but something doesnt fit. Have a look and see for yourself?
Exclusive Books annoys me January 9, 2007
Posted by mikesolomon in The Web, Thoughts.2 comments
Its not just Exclusive Books, its most book stores. Guess im just not into browsing. But now im convinced why I don’t like them.
This is a picture of their “internet and e- business section” in the Sandton store. It’s packed – with audiotapes from Dale Carnegie and Jon Maxwell for 4 rows, with 5 measly Internet books making up the last row – WTF! What do Jon and Dale have to do with Ajax, Blogging and E strategies? Im not knocking these tapes, Im sure they serve their purpose in the motivation section – not in the e bus section
Exclusive Books wake up please – do you know Internet is the most important business tool around and people need to read books about it? Sorry guys, but im buying online next time.
Search with live help December 6, 2006
Posted by mikesolomon in Sites, The Web.add a comment
Ok so I heard about Cha Cha.com which apparently offers LIVE SEARCH HELP. Yup thats right. You can choose to either search using the web or using a live search agent.
I went to the site thinking that this would be a load of crap – the chat wouldnt work, no one would be on the other end etc etc.But boy was i wrong!!
I was greeted by the lovely maryw who assisted me with my search for a USB 3g modem for my Mac – a bit if test i must admit. Lo and behold she came back with 6 strong links (in about a minute – not quick but accurate) None where for South Africa, but i didnt exactly specify that.
Only problem is when i went back a few minutes later to look for something else, all the agents were busy and i wasnt prepared to wait. Who are these people and is this all they do?
Cha Cha flies in the face of search algorithms etc etc and is almost anti Google and anti web by using people instead of computers. Its great and good fun but i dont suggest you use it to find your closest S & M shop – maybe save that for Google.
Screwing mass media (using a condom) November 22, 2006
Posted by mikesolomon in Sites, The Web.add a comment
Seems a new SA condom called Pronto Condom has bucked the mass media trend and chosen to go viral. Their choice of viral ads are 2 low budget funnies aimed at taking on Manto and old Zuma Zuma (theyre funny cos theyre true)
According to Biz Community the site is pretty much blowing up all over the world and getting rave reviews and sales.You Tube is close on half a million views and Alexa is tracking the site as major mover and shaker with a 2000% increase in hits.
Not too shabby for a spend that I reckon would amount to probably amount to 1 spot on any of our major channels here in sunny SA. Great success story and yet another warning sign to the mass media boys.
