Archive - Dec 2010
December 8th
Simply John's phone
Design firm John Doe Amsterdam has created “the world’s simplest mobile phone.” This phone is the complete antithesis of the smartphone. It cannot access the web, take pictures or movies, sync with your calendars or even text. It is designed to simply and competently make and receive calls.
Why it matters
John’s phone is for the increasing mass of consumers who are tired of constant connectivity, looking for simplicity and seeking something unique in the world of the seemingly ubiquitous iPhone, android and blackberry. Could this be the start of an anti-tech trend, in favour of a back to basics mentality?
Social media integrated into talent show
Vodafone sponsors Holland’s answer to X Factor, The Voice of Holland, which is proving a great success on TV and online. During the live shows participants are active on social networks such as Twitter, generating 57,000 tweets per hour.
Why it matters
Media consumption has changed forever. TV is no longer a stand alone channel but is being viewed in conjunction with social networks such as Twitter. Brands like Vodafone need to adapt their marketing to maintain relevance with consumers. Will we see telecoms brands lead the way in this new era of sociable, digital communication?
Not so lost memories
Bouygues Telecom launched its Facebook page inviting their followers to create a book collecting the best moments/posts/statuses and photos on the network. People were invited to participate in the creation of their books and receive a printed copy of their statuses and photos. They could choose up to 10 friends to add into the book, as well as the desired timeframe: birthday, wedding, the very beginning of the profile, etc.
Why it matters
With social media evolving on a daily basis, new forms of social interaction online are now a regular occurrence. Bouygues Telecom shows us the huge potential this has for brands. Rather than just following other’s lead, there’s an exciting chance today for brands to invent new forms of interaction with their consumers. What other ways will we see brands experiment with social media, discovering new forms of consumer engagement along the way?
