Mobile Banking Gains Popularity

ABI Research reports that mobile banking grew from 400,000 users in 2007 to 3.1 million in 2008.

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Mobile Offers Opportunities for Local Advertisers

I read another article today on the report I posted about yesterday issued by The Kelsey Group surrounding mobile ad revenue. This article highlighted the opportunity for local advertisers.

"It's closer to the point of purchase in the store, it opens up opportunities to data feeds, product price, and the ability to do shopping and not having to do all the planning before you leave the house," said Michael Boland, The Kelsey Group's senior analyst and program director.

NOW partners using mobile web sites are already out selling locally to a variety of clients in industries such as retail, automotive and real estate.

Mobile Advertising Could Reach $3.1 Billion in 2013

U.S. mobile ad revenue is predicted to grow from $160 million in 2008 to $3.1 billion in 2013 according to The Kelsey Group.

$1.3 billion of the forecast is attributed to mobile local search advertising (when people look for local info and content from their handsets).

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Nielsen: 11 million Americans watched wireless video in Q4

Nielsen reports 11 million Americans viewed wireless video during Q4 2008, an increase of 9 percent from Q3. Video users spent an average of three hours and 42 minutes watching mobile TV per month which is a 2 percent increase compared to the previous quarter.

News Over Wireless (NOW) and its media partners currently offer mobile video to consumers through various channels.

• Mobile web sites
• Subscription applications (on-deck with major carriers)
  
• Video channels (Verizon V CAST and Sprint TV)
• iPhone apps
  

NOW also helps partners monetize mobile video by enabling pre-roll video opportunities.

Read more about Nielsen's findings

Convenience Driving Marriott Mobile's Usage Up

Hotel chain Marriott has experienced success with their mobile site, generating $2 million in gross revenue in just five months! One in four visitors to the mobile site book a room, resulting in a conversion rate that surpasses their web site. Read more

Mobile Ad Usage High Among iPhone Users

This article shares some recent data on the behavior of iPhone users. Some interesting points include:

• One in two iPhone users who recalled seeing a mobile ad said they responded in some way.
• iPhone users are more than 2x as likely as non-iPhone users to browse the mobile web.
• Mobile web ads are the 2nd most recalled type of ads by iPhone users. SMS ranks 1st.
• Mobile ad spend is expected to rise by nearly 40% in 2009.
  

Integrating Mobile into Marketing Campaigns

Many marketing experts have discussed the benefits of integrating mobile into marketing campaigns rather than marketing mobile as a standalone.

An article I read today strongly supported this thought by explaining that mobile is primarily pull media (items have to be requested by the user) and combining it with traditional push media (info is automatically sent to the user) will allow mobile to "work its magic."

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T-Mobile Ad Inspires Flash Mob in UK

T-Mobile is running an ad in the UK featuring 350 dancers performing spontaneously in the middle of Liverpool Street train station in London. A group of Facebook members was formed and they were inspired to reenact the ad. Over 1,200 people showed up! Read more

Original ad:


Recreation:

iPhone Rumors on the Rise

The iPhone is generating more buzz as the media speculates on the release of a $99 iPhone in 2009. This MSNBC article suggests that a new iPhone with less features will be released this summer. An upgraded iPhone 3G is also anticipated.

Another article I read also suggested that a cheaper iPhone could be on the way along with a lower-cost model targeting India and China as well as a 32G version available in multiple colors.

Mobile Video Growth Continues

MediaWeek published an article about the growing popularity of mobile video, including long-form videos. Data from Nielsen suggests that many watching mobile videos are actually watching their favorite TV shows on their handsets. This breaks from the idea that users prefer short video clips; however, NBC and CBS both "chapter" long-form videos to make for a better user experience.

Google's Latitude Released

Google has launched a new mobile app named Latitude that works with Google Maps and allows users to track the approximate locations of friends.

Google is well aware of privacy concerns, so they have made it an opt-in app. There are also some other security features such as the ability to customize the level of detail each friend is able to see on your exact location.

I read an article on MediaPost that discusses how this could impact mobile advertising even though this is not mentioned at all in Google's press release. The technology used could easy play into location-based mobile advertising, which is incredibly desirable for advertisers.

It is currently only available on Blackberry, S60 and Windows Mobile, with Android and iPhone coming soon. It can also be used on your computer.

1-800-Flowers Adds the iPhone to Media Mix

In hopes of capitalizing on Valentine's Day, this florist now has an app in the App Store. Users can send flowers and other gifts via the app. Read more.

Arizona Bank Offers Mobile Access

Arizona State Credit Union now offers customers a mobile banking site with the same functionality as their Internet site.

Some cool features for users include:

• Access to account details
• Text message alerts with account balance and transaction history

Hits and Misses of Superbowl XLIII

Many in the mobile industry are voicing their opinions on mobile's role (or lack thereof) in Superbowl XLIII. MobileMarketingProfits.com posted a great video summary of what worked, what didn't and some missed opportunities for mobile marketing.

NFL Uses SMS Service For Stadium Security

Fans at Super Bowl XLIII used text messaging to report disorderly conduct in Raymond James Stadium yesterday. They were able to send messages directly to the security command center. The service is being used by other professional leagues and universities.

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