Yesterday Google announced Chrome OS, a version of their Chrome Web browser turned into a full-blown operating system. Based on Linux, Chrome OS behaves differently from standard operating systems. All of a user's files, such as music and documents, are stored online on Google servers that can accessed from anywhere. This is what is known as "the cloud," where files are always on and always available. This is ideal for netbooks (compact laptops), but really won't fill the place of operating systems that can install non-Web applications locally. Got that? It's a little esoteric, yes, but just know that Google is moving the ball forward is some interesting ways.
View - "Google's Chrome OS revealed -- with video!" at Engadget
Last week, I strolled into a certain local department store. To be frank, I’m not
really sure what spurred my visit. Maybe they had 2-for-1 on dandruff shampoo,
or a killer deal on a Huffy. But if there is one sagely piece of advice I can
give to you this day, it would be this: do not model your business after this
department store. And yes, that includes your Internet storefront.
With an economic rain cloud still hovering this holiday season, Campbell Soup Co. is adjusting to changing client behavior with CampbellsKitchen.com, a site dedicated to recipes and holiday favorites for chefs in the making. The move comes after more consumers are cutting costs by dining out less.
Not to be outdone, General Mills has followed suit with Tablespoon.com, a place where users can explore and create customized recipes to share on Facebook and Twitter. It seems creative application through the Web during these hard times is one way for companies to reach out to their consumers.
Read - "Recession Leads Campbell to Overhaul Cooking Site" at Advertising Age
Just when you were looking for another reason not to leave your house, along comes the augmented reality app Fashionista, found on the website of clothing retailer Tobi. It works something like this: print out a barcode-esque clothing key and position yourself in front of a webcam with it, the clothing item will appear, then move the barcode around to match your body dimensions. It's not perfect, but it probably trumps blindly shopping online.
Read - "Forget Bloomies. Use Augmented Reality to Clothes-Shop from Your Computer" at Fast Company
Research finds savvy shoppers will search for the best deals through social networking sites such as Facebook this holiday season, including coupons and comparison shopping. Another part of the study finds research and shopping on mobile phones will also be a part of the mix. Can you hear that? It's the sound of Sunday circulars letting out a resounding sigh.
Read - "Holiday Web Shoppers Hit Social Networks" at eMarketer
A new article looks into the Web of the future, all the way to the year 2014. Beyond an increase in multimedia options and content, contributors list the possibility of micro-payments for quality content and more horizontal scrolling sites as widescreen monitors become the norm. One thing is for certain: as more dollars shift online, sites will have greater resources but much greater demands. The Web will more than likely be more interactive and user-friendly, but you probably still won't get that flying car you were hoping for.
Read - "The Future Of The Web: Where Will We Be In Five Years?" at Noupe
Newspapers may be reeling, but a new study finds adults 35 and over still consider newspaper ads influential. When it comes to the Web, women appear less likely to make the jump over from traditional media.
Read - "Men More Likely To 'Go Digital,' Study Says" at AdWeek
Creative projection ads are now being featured at London's Waterloo Station, and they sure are nifty. The ads are done by the UK's aptly-named Projection Advertising.
View - More examples of AdTrace technology in action
Google has announced voicemail management to its currently invite-only Google Voice, a component most mobile carrier's incur a monthly charge for as 'visual voicemail.' The service also transcribes voice messages to text and other functionality you'd usually be seeing on your statement. This announcement comes hot on the heels of Android 2.0, Google's operating system for cell phones which features free turn-by-turn navigation through Google Maps, negating another monthly charge. It seems Google is slowly chipping away at carriers' nickel-and-diming schemes.
Read - "Google Voice can now manage your cellphone's voicemail" at Engadget
The "Save Your Logo" initiative lets companies give back to their animal inspiration by donating towards biodiversity, education and community engagement across the world. The program is backed by several non-profit organizations, including World Bank.
Dubuque
Main Street has recognized Matter, The Design Store With A Cause, as
Outstanding New Retail Establishment at the 24th Annual Meeting
& Awards Banquet.
Mission Creative is honored to have work featured in Print
Magazine’s 2009 Regional Design Annual, a handpicked showcase of the year’s
best in print design. Print claims it as
the only comprehensive survey of outstanding design throughout the United
States, with Mission Creative as one of only two agencies featured in Iowa.
Online video is one of the most engaging, powerful and influential social
media tools available today. It can create realism and build credibility to
your brand. Better yet, it is easily shared. Videos that engage users can to
become viral almost instantly.Businesses have the opportunity to not only embrace video, but get
creative in how they incorporate it into their business strategies.
