Ad of the Week: Google’s Superbowl Commercial

This commercial aired during Superbowl XLIV; it’s really simple yet works on so many levels and it does a very effective job of showcasing the power of search (in this case Google’s). I was surprised that there wasn’t more involvement of GPS widget mapping etc. given their recent NexusOne push, but perhaps they wanted to maintain the simplicity of the advert.

Ad of the Week: NexusOne’s NINJA’S UNBOXING

As far as we’re concerned, any ad that has ninjas in it AUTOMATICALLY is considered for Ad of the Week. This commercial is particularly interesting and original; who knew Ninjas loved technology as much as the art of stealth assassination? Although if you think about it, Ninjas could benefit from smartphone technology, especially one that integrates Google applications into a single device so they can stay connected to their:

1. Calendar: see who they’re supposed to assassinate on which days
2. Email: exchange emails with other ninjas to take over their shifts when they have to go to the DMV to renew their driver’s license
3. GPS: see where their assassination targets are located, as well as the closest Starbucks to fuel up on caffeine and biscotti before the job
4. Facebook/Twitter: “ripped a hole in the crotch area of my Ninja suit – oops!”

If you decide to buy a NexusOne, make sure you don’t open it around any Ninjas or be prepared for the consequences.

Happy Friday!

Google Friend Connect Overview

Not too long ago, I added the Google Friend Connect Members gadget to a few of my sites. As you’d expect, Google’s working on several gadgets to enable bloggers, including: Social Bar, Comments, Ratings & Reviews, Interests Poll, Featured Content and Newsletter Subscription

Chasing Mobile Audiences Beyond Phones

The line between desktop, laptop, computer, mobile device continues to become even more blurred. This is an interesting video that touches on the idea that as internet access continues its penetration, increasingly through wireless, it only increases the opportunities for engagement between users, advertisers and communities. This should further a trend that has already taken hold with the advent of smart devices allowing micro-blogging/updating. It’s in fact that unique combination of this access with platforms that have enabled a thought, an offer or an experience to be instantly communicated to the world.

For companies, it means NOW is the time to be ensuring that you have a.) first decided the importance of listening to what your consumers are saying, b.) based on that, determining how much responding and/or proactive communications your organization wants to be responsible for, c.) begin strategizing on how to make it happen.

Checking out Amazon Associates on Blogger

Just heard that Blogger has integrated Amazon Associates and I’m trying to test it out.

So far it works pretty good – when is WordPress going to follow?

See in action here.