A Sobering Smartphone Stat for the Global Mobile World Gartner this week published a new report indicating that worldwide sales of smartphones to end users had a record fourth quarter of 2014 (with an increase of 29.9 percent from the fourth quarter of 2013).
All told, last quarter smartphone shipments clocked in at 367.5 million units. Arguably, the bigger story is that “Samsung lost the No. 1 spot to Apple in the global smartphone market in the fourth quarter of 2014,” Gartner’s report summary reads. Samsung had retained the top spot since 2011. In 2014, sales of smartphones to end users totaled 1.2 billion units, up 28.4 percent from 2013 and represented two-thirds of global mobile phone sales.
“Samsung’s performance in the smartphone market deteriorated further in the fourth quarter of 2014, when it lost nearly 10 percentage points in market share,” said Anshul Gupta, principal research analyst at Gartner. Op-Ed: Why You Shouldn’t Leave Your Social Media to a Niece or Nephew The following is a guest contributed post to MMW from Jay York, a social media strategist at EMSI Public Relations.
It’s true that millennials are massive users of social media, but does that mean any young friend or family member has the background to be enlisted to give your business’ social media campaign the attention it needs? Probably not. Let’s take a look at several good reasons to put your social media marketing in the hands of a pro. Experience and education. Simply put, unless one of your family members has a background in marketing and – more specifically – digital marketing, they likely won’t have a real theoretical basis for their methods. Yes, we all know how to like, comment, share, tweet, etc., but a real social media expert will have a formal and professional background in their craft.
Real social media managers continually hone their knowledge and keep up to date with trends throughout the social space, marketing world, et al. Strategy. Why is strategy so important? Cisco and Street-Artist Zosen Team Up For Mural at Mobile World Congress 2015 Cisco Systems Inc. is putting a focus on the visual as Mobile World Congress 2015 began Monday in Barcelona.
The worldwide leader in information technology has asked Barcelona-based street-artist Zosen and his team of painters to put their graffiti-style talents to work as they create a lavish wall mural to portray the mobility elements and hot topics at MWC 2015. There is also a story within the artistic story. A portion of the mural’s left side will be dedicated to portraying elements of Mobility IQ, a new Cisco Cloud SaaS that unlocks the power of visual-network knowledge. Mobility IQ is a visual-metrics platform that is hosted on the Cisco cloud and will allow Cisco’s service provider customers to better understand how to optimize the network, monetize user behavior and make important business decisions. MWC 2015: Some ‘Good Technology’ Finds its Way to Wearables, Internet of Things On Tuesday, Good Technology, a provider of secure mobility solutions, unveiled at Mobile World Congress 2015 its support for the rapidly expanding ecosystem of connected things and wearables on the Good Dynamics Secure Mobility Platform.
According to the company’s formal announcement, Good is the only enterprise mobility management (EMM) vendor mobilizing apps and content for secure access on wearables. Good Dynamics enables security and protection of business data accessed by and stored on wearables and shared between other Good-secured apps. Good is also enabling a new era of productivity with access to corporate email and calendars on paired wearable devices through Good Work.
Reps for Good Technology say the Internet of Things represents the “next frontier for secure mobility, extending beyond smartphones and tablets to include connected cars, smart meters, vending machines, wearables and other non-traditional connected devices in the enterprise.” Pizza Hut’s mobile commerce goals drive connected car ordering test. Connected-car meal ordering.
Pizza Hut’s demonstration with Visa and Accenture of a connected car shopping experience at the Mobile World Congress is the next stage in consumers’ addiction to their smartphones, built on their growing trust in mobile commerce. In an industry first, Visa is demonstrating connected car commerce this week at the Barcelona exhibition. The partners expect to test the connected car commerce experience in Northern California, over a three-month period, starting this spring.
The connected car is to feature Visa Checkout, Visa’s online payment service, cellular connectivity, Bluetooth Low Energy, as well as Beacon technology deployed at Pizza Hut restaurants to alert staff when the customer has arrived and is ready to pick up the order. Accenture is managing the technologies’ integration. “First, the proliferation of mobile devices has fast-forwarded the technology and infrastructure necessary to create connected cars,” he said. Like this article? Google s wireless strategy has potential to be global carrier-agnostic service - Mobile Marketer - By Chantal Tode March 4, 2015 Google will start offering mobile voice and data plans Google’s intention to offer wireless talk and data plans on a limited scale has the potential to evolve into a global carrier-agnostic service that would be tightly integrated with applications, search and payments while enabling the company to provide higher-priced marketing services.
At Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this week, Google confirmed what had been rumored for the past year that it is working on a wireless service. Mcommerce Summit New York April 29: Macy's, Target, Sephora, Capital One, GameStop, Forrester - Mobile Commerce Daily - Content. Martine Reardon is chief marketing officer of Macy’s Please click here to register for the Mcommerce Summit: State of Mobile Commerce 2015 on Wednesday, April 29 in New York Macy’s, Target, Sephora, Capital One and GameStop: nowhere else will you find this impressive lineup of senior execs from Fortune 500 companies talking about how mobile commerce and payments is changing the way they do business.
Mall developer Starwood offers time-sensitive mobile deals to build traffic. StepsAway app.
Starwood Retail Partners is bringing an in-mall mobile application that offers consumers immediate deals to 10 mall properties throughout the United States to drive more transactions at bricks-and-mortar stores. The StepsAway app brings malls and retailers together to drive in-store sales by offering retailers time-sensitive opportunities to influence purchases in traditional outlets. The Starwood-StepsAway deal points to how mall developers are increasingly leveraging retail technologies to influence consumer decisions while retailers embrace omnichannel marketing strategies.
“Our usage data has shown that shoppers are very interested in using mobile-driven offers to enhance their shopping experiences while onsite at malls,” said Allan Haims, CEO of StepsAway. “And while many prefer not to download native apps, our browser-based StepsAway app is accessible via the mall’s free Wi-Fi network and requires no download. Nissan s potent mobile pitch mixes native ads, geo-location and customization.
By Chantal Tode March 4, 2015 Nissan is running native mobile ads on Huffington Post Nissan is driving customized, local car-shopping experiences via a native ad on Huffington Post that makes it easy for readers to build their desired vehicle configuration and get a quote from a nearby dealer.
With a big red “Shop Now” button appearing in the ad, the campaign reflects how consumers in the market for a new car are increasingly shopping from their mobile devices. The effort also effectively takes advantage of key mobile strategies such as geo-location, native advertising and customization. OpenTable spins rebranding toward mobile with redesigned site, social contest - Mobile Commerce Daily - Strategy. OpenTable’s app and site offer a more streamlined look OpenTable is continuing its goal of providing streamlined dining experiences by undergoing a rebranding, which includes a new logo, tagline and Web site that is also optimized for mobile, suggesting that more restaurant-goers are looking for dining options on their smartphones.
The redesign offers an updated, fresh look and feel to the mobile and Web experience for restauranteurs as well as consumers. OpenTable is also tapping social media to launch a campaign that aims to give away 100 dining experiences at iconic eateries worldwide. “We had our old branding for more than 10 years,” said Scott Jampol, senior vice president of marketing at OpenTable, San Francisco, CA. “And the world and our company has changed dramatically. Swiss Diamond cooks up easier-to-use site for smartphone shoppers - Mobile Commerce Daily - Merchandising. Mobile-optimized responsive site. Swiss Diamond, a maker of high-end cookware and kitchen items, has seen conversion rates jump 25 percent since launching a mobile-optimized Web site that combines improved user navigation and functionality to enhance the browsing experience.
A new feature is a retailer portal which lets stores log in and view promotions, download sales materials and place orders directly on the Web site, providing a direct drop-shipping option. The positive results point to how mobile’s ability to improve the shopper journey makes it a necessity in commerce amid increased consumer expectations. “While with all ecom sites, getting the purchase is the final goal, the best way to do so is to be sure that our merchandise is shown quickly, easily, and relevant to their interest,” said R.J.
Manoni, director of ecommerce and All Things Web for Swiss Diamond, Sierre, Switzerland. CBS Interactive launches content studio to capitalize on mobile content - Mobile Marketer - Strategy. By Brielle Jaekel March 4, 2015 CBS Interactive is available on all mobile devices Digital content network CBS Interactive launched in-house production company Studio 61 to develop mobile and digital content exclusively for brands and marketers. This new initiative takes advantage of the growing popularity of viral mobile content. The studio will focus on producing marketing content to engage consumers. “CBS Interactive’s move to create a break off and build Studio 61 makes a lot of sense and will likely make the company better positioned to win more creative projects.” said Shuli Lowy, marketing director at Ping Mobile, New York.
“CBS Interactive has a lot of data and expertise when it comes to understanding the key ingredients to building an effective video pre-roll ad because it has access to a ton of data on user activity,” she said. Webinar on April 9: Using in-app campaigns to reach the brand's entire app audience - Mobile Marketer - Messaging.
March 4, 2015 Coffee push Please register for the free webinar at 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Le M ridien Hotels spikes travel fever with Instagram contest - Mobile Marketer. By Alex Samuely March 4, 2015 Le Meridien Hotels is getting active on social media. Mobile Minutes: PayPal buys Paydiant; Apple's smartwatch; Google backtracks on Android encryption; Apple's Photos app - Mobile Commerce Daily - Content. Google’s wireless strategy has potential to be global carrier-agnostic service - Mobile Marketer - Mobile Commerce Daily - Content. Alternative Apparel leverages digital optimization for 161pc Facebook sales increase.
By Alex Samuely March 4, 2015 The brand saw jumps in social media traction Alternative Apparel is one of the brands leveraging digital marketing optimization platform Accomplice to link its outbound advertisements and social media material with ultimate brand objectives, resulting in the brand seeing a 161 percent increase in revenue from Facebook. Alternative Apparel’s participation in Accomplice’s alpha phase has had a significant impact on the retailer, which previously did not have a cohesive social media strategy. Examples such as this have resulted in Accomplice securing a $5 million Series A funding round, helping the platform roll out a beta phase for brands. “Our workflow covers the entire process from message creation all the way to attributable Web conversion,” said Brian Lewis, president, chief data scientist and co-founder of Accomplice, San Francisco, CA.
Accomplice was previously known as Fractal Sciences. Mobile Minutes: PayPal buys Paydiant; Apple's smartwatch; Google backtracks on Android encryption; Apple's Photos app - Sotheby’s eases transactions with DocuSign app - Luxury Daily. Pizza Hut s mobile commerce goals drive connected car ordering test - Mobile Commerce Daily - Mobile Marketer - Commerce. Sotheby s eases transactions with DocuSign app - Luxury Daily. Italian jewelry house Bulgari is highlighting its popular Serpenti collection with a microsite dedicated to the handbags and a short video exploring its creation. Bally communicates timeless appeal with ’60s-inspired film Swiss apparel and accessories label Bally is expressing its values by bringing together the worlds of music and fashion in a short film featuring pop duo Singtank.Click here to read the entire article.
Single-channel approaches to customer conversations will not work. Single-channel approaches to customer conversations will not work. March 4, 2015. Get Smart: That’s What Smart Device Consumers Do to Research a New Device “Get Smart” isn’t just that old classic television series created by Mel Brooks. Industry’s First Programmatic Multichannel Mobile Marketing Cloud Launches at MWC 2015 MWC 2015: Google to Challenge Apple Pay Google made big news in Barcelona on Monday, as the Internet search giant looked to make waves right out of the gate at Mobile World Congress 2015.
Hypori Shows Off Virtual Mobile Infrastructure at MWC 2015 Indosat, Smaato Roll Out Mobile Ad Exchange in Indonesia New Coupling Makes it Easier for Enterprises to Deploy Employee Mobility Programs Syntonic, a connected services provider, came to Barcelona this week to announce a solution for Samsung KNOX. MWC 2015: Next IBM MobileFirst for iOS Apps Revealed in Barcelona Domino’s makes ordering on-the-go even easier with smartwatch integration.
NCAA March Madness reveals growing role for Snapchat in sports marketing - Mobile Marketer. Mcommerce Summit New York April 29: Macy's, Target, Sephora, Capital One, GameStop, Forrester - Mobile Commerce Daily - Strategy. Samsung, PayPal each reach for bigger mobile payments role. IKEA s powered furniture line gives mobile users a charge. MasterCard positions smartphones as remote control to cities. Joe Fresh takes US trendy apparel turf war to app. Most valuable users acquired via mobile ads between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.: report. Oral-B toothbrush app update lets users get feedback from dentist. Mobile Minutes: Google's mobile network; Microsoft's smartphones; Sony drives wearable demand; BlackBerry goes to cloud - Mobile Commerce Daily - Content. NCAA March Madness reveals growing role for Snapchat in sports marketing - Mobile Marketer - Mobile Commerce Daily - Content.
IAB taps beacons to greet 30K festival attendees. Mobile Minutes: Google's mobile network; Microsoft's smartphones; Sony drives wearable demand; BlackBerry goes to cloud. Domino s makes ordering on-the-go even easier with smartwatch integration - Mobile Commerce Daily - Mobile Marketer - Co. Swiss watchmakers take analog approach for smartwatch entrance - Luxury Daily. Swiss watchmakers take analog approach for smartwatch entrance - Luxury Daily. Wearables are talk of the show at Barcelona s Mobile World Congress. Wearables are talk of the show at Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress. Jumping on the Carousel: First Facebook, Now Pinterest Plans New Multi-Image Ad Game Developers Conference Brings Out Best and Brightest in Interactive Games Technology and Trends Meet the New Mobile Legal Contract Creation Platform Flexible Electronics Technology Hits Mobile World Congress 2015
Tim Cook: Apple Watch May Replace Your Car Keys What’s at the Core of Apple’s March 9th Media Event? mHealth News: What You Need to Know Target tests mobile loyalty app to drive in-store purchases - Mobile Commerce Daily - Database/CRM. Mcommerce Summit New York April 29: Macy's, Target, Sephora, Capital One, GameStop, Forrester - Mobile Commerce Daily - Strategy. Pepsi becomes positive symbol for families in video reunion campaign - Mobile Marketer - Video. Expedia.ca competes in tight mobile travel sector with loyalty program - Mobile Commerce Daily - Strategy. Google's updated flight-search tool spikes fear among booking apps - Mobile Marketer - Search. Amazon, JCPenney respond to The Dress color debate on Twitter - Mobile Marketer. Starbucks partners with Concur to bridge business expenses, mobile rewards. Grow Financial leverages Apple Pay to lure younger customers on mobile - Mobile Commerce Daily - Banking.
Mobile Minutes: Ericsson sues Apple; Galaxy S6 unveiling; YouTube Kids app; Samsung's wage freeze - Mobile Commerce Daily - Content. DreamWorks Animation app game seeks revenue, buzz ahead of Home movie launch - Mobile Marketer - Gaming. Fashion-forward wearables will hamper mobile marketing: report. Pepsi becomes positive symbol for families in video reunion campaign - Mobile Marketer - Mobile Commerce Daily - Content. Lexus drives interest in LS with image-centered Vanity Fair ad - Luxury Daily. Mobile Minutes: Ericsson sues Apple; Galaxy S6 unveiling; YouTube Kids app; Samsung's wage freeze - Mobile Marketer - Co.
Target tests mobile loyalty app to drive in-store purchases - Mobile Commerce Daily - Commerce. Lexus drives interest in LS with image-centered Vanity Fair ad - Luxury Daily. Native advertising is underused in the mobile context. Native advertising is underused in the mobile context. U.S. Now Leads Ad Spending Per Capita Did The Chinese Government Just Blacklist Apple? Here’s What Happened in Mobile Marketing This Week Hotel Hotline: Take the Pillows, Take the Beds, But a Hotel Without Wifi Is Going to Be Dead OpenX Gets the Tap: Major League Gaming Selects Company for Its Digital Advertising Platform News in TV Marketing: Rovi’s Predictive Analytics Platform Powers Audience Targeting for A&E Networks Aquafadas to Showcase What’s New in Mobile Marketing at Mobile World Congress 2015