SONY recently launched its new Reader in Europe. Weighing no more than a standard paperback book, it can hold up to 7,500 pages of reading equivalent to approximately 160 standard paperback books. It has a 6” display with the new Ink® technology that makes reading possible on its display even in bright sunshine. In addition, its screen allows for high contrast and high resolution, with a near 180° viewing angle. The text can be changed between three different font sizes and connection to the internet from this device is also possible. It costs between $300 and $400 depending on the country of sale. It will be interesting to see if and how this new digital e-book device can change the reading experience, and if institutions such as libraries and book stores will forever be changed.
A group of former Google employees has set up a new search engine called Cuil. Even though this new search engine promises better results by scouring a larger index of web pages than Google, experts are cautious about its prospects. Cuil has compiled an index three times as large as Google’s as it searches for results across 120 billion web pages, compared with Google’s index of 40 billion pages. Rather than displaying results in a list, like Google, Cuil shows them on a page which has a magazine-like feel. Each result has a greater amount of text alongside it, and sometimes an image as well.
Its success will be determined by how quickly Cuil can get fresh content and breaking news into the search results; and how it deals with spam, where websites try to trick search engines into thinking they are more relevant than a competitor site. The site was launched on July 28th; however, its usability has been sporadic.
Advertgames (advertising games) creates an engaging and branded interactive entertainment experience that generates buzz and keep consumers coming back for more. Older technology, such as TV commercials, are becoming less successful, web banner are not generateing much traffic, and web pop-ups are just ignored.
The idea is simple: Advertgames allows companies to dissimulate their branded products in an entertaining content highlighting the scope and the values of the company. This new interactive communication tool, very popular in the U.S, is growing in Europe and is already used by major companies like Nike, Kellogg, General Mills, Pepsi, Kodak, and Volvo.
Advergames delivers a powerful promotional platform that enables valuable CRM efforts. It’s an attractive interactive solution generating buzz.
This Summer BMW France sent to 68,000 clients a 36-page book of “accessories stories”, wrapped with a red ribbon like a big literature prize, with the words “Summer Grand Prize”. The primary target of this direct marketing campaign is BMW’s younger clients, meaning clients that have owned their car for less than two years. The design theme of the book is the four seasons of the year. The goal is to drive traffic to the BMW garages and shops throughout the year. The style of the book, the choice of the paper, and the layout gives a luxurious campaign effect. It fits very well with the image of a top-rated brand.
The campaign started with a teaser in the specialized national press to announce the campaign.
You can view the online version of the book in visiting BMW France Web site http://www.bmw.fr/fr/fr/owners/accessories/ete_2008/index.html
