Monthly Archives: July 2012

Rumor Mill: Facebook Making a Phone?

July 27, 2012

 

You know when you’re out at happy hour with coworkers and then a group of old coworkers from your last job shows up and your head starts spinning because you just can’t handle the two worlds colliding? That’s how I felt when I read today that Facebook has plans to partner up with HTC to build its own smartphone. Sometimes I feel like Facebook IS the internet… it’s how we get our news, talk to our friends, do our shopping. Rarely do I go straight to a site without following a link from Facebook. But I never considered that it could take over other parts of our lives, too, and I’m not sure how comfortable I feel with that. What do you think about the possibility of a Facebook phone?

According to Bloomberg, “More than half of Facebook’s 900 million users access the social network via mobile devices, while none of the $3.15 billion in advertising sales last year came from ads on phones. Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg could use a Facebook phone, with social-networking features built-in, to woo marketers and assuage concerns dragging on the company’s shares.”

Read the Bloomberg story about the phone here.

Check out this video from PhoneDog about the rumor:

 

Brian Teague, Chief Technology Evangelist

Design Trend: Anamorphic Typography

July 26, 2012

Loving anamorphic typography right now. It’s an illusion where type looks just right (and 2D) when seen from a specific point of view, but it looks stretched and warped when viewed from elsewhere in the room. Can you see this in your home or office? What about a cool print ad?

- Julie Watson, Interactive Art Director

It's more than just print

DSC_0039

Anamorphic Typography - 1

art /// joseph egan // anamorphic typography

art /// joseph egan // anamorphic typography

Museo Carlos Cruz Diez Exhibit

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art /// joseph egan // anamorphic typography

art /// joseph egan // anamorphic typography

The Tools Needed To Break Through and Reach Your Audience

July 24, 2012

 

When you think of cruises what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For me, the first thing that comes to mind is senior citizens. Well, senior citizens and Spam, but mostly seniors. You know… you hear about those retired couples talking about the ten cruises they took last year, and how they can’t wait for their next “adventure.” Maybe it’s all the food, maybe it’s all the bingo – who knows, but these cruise lines definitely have a loyal fan base. So you can imagine how surprised I was to hear on the radio the other day, that one of the major cruise lines is steering towards another audience: hipsters. Hearing this reminded me of how important it is to #1: know your audience and #2: remember loyalty is a two-way street.

I know, you’re probably still trying to wrap your head around hipsters and cruises. It’s like trying to market skinny jeans to seniors or something – total ew. Well it’s really happening. One of the largest indie festivals in the world, Coachella is teaming up with none other than Carnival Cruise lines to bring to you the S.S. Coachella (no this is not a joke), a “musical voyage.” After all the bad publicity Carnival has gotten in the past couple of years, from the stranded with Spam incident to boat collisions to the capsizing of the Costa Concordia, I suppose the S.S. Coachella seems like a way to regain their proud title of queen of the high seas. However, since the announcement, the comments have seemed to suggest otherwise. Comments such as, “BREAKING: Somali Pirates Deem Coachella Cruise Ship ‘Too Obnoxious to Seize,” and, “SS Coachella, talk about cashing in,” from Twitter.

At Pocketstop, we obsess over organizing human behavior and using that data to create fanatical loyalty between the brand and their audience. By getting to know their audience, where they hang out and what they like to do, the brand connects with their consumers on their level, and in a way that is safe and comfortable to them. That way brands are not forcing themselves on consumers who are not interested, but instead targeting the right audiences: Audiences that are interested and have the potential of being loyal. And, once the trust and loyalty is there it is important for the brand to nurture that loyalty. Just as in any relationship, loyalty is a two way street. Once you land the sweet and cute boyfriend you can’t go off and start flirting with other guys and expect him to stick around, can you?

- Katie Cohen, Junior Copywriter

Design Series: Business Cards That Really Say Something

July 23, 2012

Here at Pocketstop HQ, we’ve been through several (dozen) rounds of creative, working to get our new business cards just right. They are going to make their big debut soon, but in the meantime, I want to share some super creative business card ideas that define thinking outside of the box (or rectangle as it may be).

- Julie Watson, Interactive Art Director

business card

 

Business Card 2

Business card

Business Card Detail

Jason Parmenter's Tiny Business Card

DJ Mohit's turntable business card

Android Nexus7 vs. iPad

July 20, 2012

 

The Pocketstop office seems pretty evenly split between hardcore Apple fans and those who think Android is worth venturing off the beaten path. So we were pretty excited to learn that Google’s latest Android tablet called the Nexus 7 is hitting the market. According to Mashable,  it’s lightning fast, has a great video player and has a much friendlier price tag than the iPad.

We haven’t tried it yet for ourselves, but I was pretty interested to find the video below, produced by SquareTrade, that tested the Nexus 7 and new iPad to see which device was more durable. And test it they did, with two major drops and a dunk in a bathtub.

The results showed that the The Nexus 7 proved to be sturdier in each test. But what about experience? Have you tried the Nexus 7? If so, did you prefer it to the iPad? The jury’s still out at Pocketstop, but we’ll let you know when the results are in.

- Sarah Toler, Creative Director

Google Wallet + NFC + POS = Enterprise Social CRM

July 18, 2012

Yesterday, I bought my first NFC enabled phone. While I’m not sure what all it does at this stage, I do know that my Samsung Galaxy S III phone has an NFC chip. A what? NFC stands for Near Field Communication, it’s an older technology that has finally found a home right inside of that highly coveted marketing device in your pocket (or purse). Ok, so what does that mean?

An NFC enabled device can communicate with another NFC enabled device and exchange information.  In regards to Google Wallet, the other NFC device is the terminal located next to the cash register. Imagine being able to swipe your phone in front of the terminal and the software does the rest. Well, this is the magic of Google Wallet + NFC + POS and it has profound implications when combined with an Enterprise Social CRM system. Here’s where it really gets cool.

Now, imagine that you are a marketer and you have the ability to push an offer to an already loyal consumer sitting in your database. Your objective is to increase overall visits by two more each month and the average rate of spend by 20%. In an electronic world, the offer can be unique and tied to the individual.  Further, upon redemption we can verify the offers authenticity and track its usage. Get the picture? In an increasingly connected world, using Enterprise Social CRM, we move mountains.

To get a copy of Pocketstop’s Enterprise Social CRM checklist, click here.

Check out this video to learn more.

If you want more of a technical explanation with a vision for the future, watch this video.

 

- Brian Teague, Chief Technology Evangelist

Superhero Mania

July 16, 2012

 

Do you have a secret shrine of comic books hidden under your bed or in your closet, all in mint condition, and they can only be touched with special gloves? Do you flee to San Diego every summer for the nerd fest that is Comic Con? Are you wearing a spandex suit under your clothes right now? Well Superfan, welcome to comic book heaven and the Summer of Superheroes.

Crawling along the ceiling, cruising in their batmobile and blasting alien threats with repulsor ray shots from the palm of their heads – the super characters from the pages of comic books are coming alive on the big screen, once again. Superheroes have proven their ability to draw crowds to the movies, but nothing like what we are seeing this summer. According to ticket sales, these summer blockbusters are living up to the hype, bringing in over $1.4 billion worldwide to the box offices. Oh, and that number comes just a week after The Amazing Spiderman hit theatres and a week before the release of The Dark Knight Rises. It’s official: we’re obsessed.

From magazine covers to news headlines to late night tv interviews – everyone is talking about Superheroes. What’s causing this obsession? Have we all just turned into a bunch of comic book nerds? Manohla Dargis of the NY Times says the “allure of comic book movies is obvious, because, among other attractions, they tap into deeply rooted national myths, including that of American Eden (Superman’s Smallville); the Western hero (who’s separate from the world and also its savior)and American exceptionalism.” Or maybe its the cape, spandex, and boots that draws people? Whatever it is, it’s working.

Well of course Pocketstop wanted to get in on the Superhero action, and it was just convenient that two of our clients are two of our favorite movie theatres. To add to the hype and anticipation of a Super summer at the movies, Pocketstop wanted to create an engaging way for Superhero movie fans (of all ages) to have fun and perhaps even win something. We couldn’t think of a better way to than to launch a Facebook photo contest in which kids (again, of all ages) could show off their Super Superhero looks. Yep, tights, briefs, cape – the whole get up.

Wanna get in on the Superhero Summer fun? Come on, let that spandex breathe and check out the Superhero photo contest.

- Katie Cohen, Junior Copywriter

The Best Traffic App Ever

July 12, 2012

 

So it’s 4 o’clock, one more hour to go. But for many of you, you are probably going to spend that next hour dreading your commute home. The hours you’ll spend sitting in traffic, the constant STOP then go then STOP then go again. And, with your luck you’ll probably get stuck behind a wreck again (for the third time this week). Well, what if I were to tell you that I have the solution to all your commuter worries and heartaches right here in my pocket? I too was once in your shoes, so I feel your pain (especially you north of 635-ers) and that is why I have decided to share my secret with you here today.

The answer to complete traffic bliss lies in a simple community-based traffic and navigation app, Waze. Community-based means that your fellow commuters have joined forces to outsmart traffic by generating real-time traffic and road alerts. In other words, with Waze you’ll be able to check if  any accidents, hazards, police traps, etc. are blocking your commute before it’s too late and you’re stuck for hours behind some five-car-pile-up (you know the kind where you would rather jump ship and walk home).

And, don’t worry Waze isn’t one of those traffic apps that adds hazards such as trying to read a map while driving or trying to find a better route with one hand while steering with the other. Nope, Waze is designed to void your commute of all possible hazards, equipped with voice guided navigation and automatic rerouting to ensure you get where you want to go both safely and on time.

Not only does Waze care about getting you wherever you need to go safely, but Waze also cares about saving you money. Chances are somewhere along the line in your commute to and from work you are going to need to stop and get gas. With gas prices pushing $4 this summer, wouldn’t it be nice to know where you can get the best deal at the pump? Waze can help you with that too, the app points out the cheapest gas stations en route.

Download the Waze app for your phone.

- Jeff Kilman, CEO

Must Have Apps for the Beach

July 3, 2012


Texas heat cramping your style? Come on, lets round up the kids, or the girlfriends, or the bros and road trip it out to California for some ocean breeze, sandy beaches, and most of all, double digit temps only. And what one thing do you need to really crank up the fun on your summer roadtrip? Your smart phone.

Surf’s up. Everyone’s laying around, soaking up some sun and relaxing. But you? You’re the adventurous one in the group and your sights are set on catching some gnarly waves. As luck would have it, the waves are pathetic. Mood ruined. Now pause. Pull out smart phone, download Surf Report. With this must-have surfer’s app you can check out surf heights, swell direction, tide, and everything else you’d need to know to catch the mega wave. Keep exploring this app to watch great surf videos and get the latest news. Surf Report is also a great way to get familiar with the surf community (in other words, fit-in at the beach). From surf star bios to photos of the latest events, Surf Report keeps you in the know. Now that you’ve downloaded Surf Report, next time you can pick your beach accordingly and read up on the latest wave action before you head out.

Now you’re not the adventurous water sport type. You’re the touristy, small shops, 100 photographs of the beach kind of guy (or gal). You’ve been dreaming of gorgeous sunsets, beautiful white sands, and a stunning ocean of blue water. Instead your Instagram shows a trash covered beach, smoggy skies and murky water that nobody wants to swim in. Don’t fret, just download Beach Finder. Find all the beaches in your area, with ratings AND pictures of the beaches. No surprises here. Better yet, explore the area and discover new beaches you didn’t know existed. You can read comments from the beach finder community for opinions and photos of the beach in question. And yes, directions are included. Find your perfect beach and instagram to your heart’s desire.

Surfing? Exploring? You’re only reason for coming on this trip was to tan. And nap. But mostly tan. You’re the lounger in the group, no worries, we’re not judging. But practicing safe sun isn’t always easy and next thing you know you’re rockin’ the rock lobster look. Oh but wait, not only are you burnt to a crisp, but you never turned so only your front side is nice and red. Your back? Pale as a ghost. Now you’re peeling AND uneven. This can all be prevented with my friend, SPF. Download this app to calculate the amount of time you should be in sun based on your skin type and the UV index. Better yet, tell the app your spf on your sunscreen so it can tell you how often you should reapply. This app uses information from the World Health Organization to give you the most accurate results. When you get back, all your friends will be jealous at your perfectly even and glowing tan. No sunburns for you.

Let mobile take the hassle or (unwanted) surprises out of your summer vacay. And, remember don’t ever go mobile while driving, but do go mobile once you get there.

- Dhanya Yalamanchi, Public Relations Associate

Design Trends: Through the Eye of an iPhone

July 2, 2012

iPhoneography. Heard of it? If you don’t know much about the prevailing trend of using iPhones to create professional caliber photography, you should. Photographers from every corner of the globe are creating innovative ways to use iPhones to get shots most of us couldn’t get with our best DSLR. There’s even an annual awards competition for the best iPhone photographs. Check out a few of my favorites below.

- Julie Watson, Interactive Art Director

self portrait 2

metro

Monona Bay Sunset

Bangkok

181/366 ~ Striking Back