How the “Connected Car” took a wrong turn!

Ok, you must admit the notion of having a “Dashboard of the Future” is kinda cool, Wifi connected, with streaming audio features, voice commands and social integration screams fun!  I wonder though, face booking, tweeting, texting and driving is a scary notion no matter how cool, sleek and well designed the Dashboard of the future may look.  Automakers are in a rush to design the future automobile that could change the way we drive forever.  Actually it could revolutionize the way we drive forever.  Just think of the amazing things you could do with a smart Dashboard.

Is Prankvertising the new trend in Advertising?

Prankvertising is when a brand pulls a marketing prank on random, unsuspecting consumers. More major brands have started to use this approach as they realize how powerful this medium is at generating word of mouth buzz.  The more clever the “prank” the more apt it is to be spread virally through You Tube, Facebook, Twitter, etc.  It has the same appeal that “flash mobs” started way back in 2003.

Brands such as Coca Cola, Samsung and the TNT television network have all employed this tactic in their marketing strategy.   Some examples include the movie trailer for Dead Man Down.  The scene is set in an office building.

Google Glass

Google Glass is at the forefront of what I’m predicting to be a new turn into an explosion of wearable technology. The Google Glass is a lightweight frame equipped with a hidden camera and tiny corner display that responds to voice commands. It could be described as the Internet layered on top of augmented reality. Literarily, it’s an eyeglass display with facial recognition. It also gives directions as you walk and takes video from your point of view. Because eye movements are largely subconscious, Glass will quickly learn a significant amount of information that you probably don’t realize about yourself. It can collect, send and receive information when you’re not thinking about it. There’s no clicking or swiping which eliminates that brief second of choice. When information is rapidly collected, it destroys Glass users’ control over the personal information that we may or may not choose to share.

Get a Head Start on Your Holiday Marketing

As I was shopping for some outdoor and patio items this past weekend and noticed several “Christmas” sections starting to appear in many major retail establishments.  The holiday marketing season is rapidly approaching and consumer marketers are already in the process of finalizing holiday strategies.  Even though successful marketing tactics and strategies carry over from year-to-year, each season offers new wrinkles on old ideas and sometimes completely new marketing channels and technologies.   Here are a few tactics to consider when planning your holiday marketing campaign:

ALERT: Consumer Trends to Watch in 2013

There is a cool new consumer trend sweeping the world right now spurring innovation. In today’s “On-Demand” economy consumers are not just demanding innovation, but they want cool exciting products. They want the best; they want it first, and they want an experience with real human connection.