Mobile Marketing, Monetization and Methods

Rediscover Your iPhone: Seriously Useful Built-in Features You Probably Aren’t Using – Part II

Tim Cascio — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 04:46:54 +0000

In December 2009, I posted an article named: Rediscover Your iPhone: 10 Seriously Useful Built-in Features You Probably Aren’t Using. As a follow-up to that post, I’ve taken a fresh look after a recent iOS 4.2 free upgrade and here’s another Top 10 list for your enjoyment.

Editor’s note: Based on iPhone’s software Ver 4.2.1 for iPhone 4. To see what version you’re running on your iPhone 3G, 3GS or 4, select the Settings app > General > About and look down the list for Version number. To update connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC and follow the onscreen instructions in iTunes.

1. View Meeting Invitations:

When you receive an email meeting invitation, you can now click on the .ics file attachment at the bottom of the email to view meeting invitation details.

In addition to viewing the Event Details, you can add the event to your calendar by tapping the “Add To Calendar” button.

2. Stock Price Range View:

In the Stocks App, you can swipe the lower portion of the screen to access the chart view. By turning the iPhone sideways, the chart view expands to full screen. Using any two fingers, tap and hold both simultaneously at different points along the timeline. Now, swipe either or both fingers to calculate the return on investment within two dates.

3. View Photos by Location:

When you take photographs (and videos) with your iPhone, a location based longitude/latitude coordinate is stored. When you launch the Photo App, the “Places” view option (in the bottom navigation) displays thumbtacks on the map. By tapping on a thumbnail, you’ll see how many photos are associated with each location. Be sure to zoom in on the map to your local neighborhood to explore the power of this feature. You can zoom in by touching the screen with two fingers, then spreading your fingers apart.

4. Assign Unique Text Tones to Individual Contacts:

Would you like to know who’s texting you without having to look at your screen? You can now assign custom tones for people in your contact list. To do so, launch the Contacts app, Edit an existing record and set the “Text Tone” option as shown below:

Choose from over 20 unique sounds:

5. Multitasking:

Multitasking offers the ability to quickly switch between apps. When you click the front facing home button while using an app, apps with background support will continue to run in the background. Double click the front facing home button twice to view your most recently used apps in a tray along the bottom of the screen. Scroll to the right within the tray to reveal apps and tap to re-open. The re-opened app picks up where you left off the last time used.

Apps running in the background can handle audio playback, GPS tracking, movie downloads, draft of a text or email message and more. Note: Be sure to have the latest version of your favorite apps. For example, if you don’t have Pandora’s 3.1 version or later, it won’t run in the background. To get the latest version of your apps, click on the App Store app and select the “Updates” icon in the lower navigation. Then select Update All option in the upper right (preferably when you’re on a WiFi connection).

I recently found multitasking to be particularly beneficial when toggling between the Email app and the Settings app. My Email app contained an email with info from a colleague who sent me instructions on how to configure my corporate email within the Settings app. Each app retained my prior location and the multitasking tray provided quick access to each app. I used the copy and paste function for a few iterations between the apps.

If you want to shut down an app running in the background, activate the multitask panel by double clicking the front facing home button. Press and hold the app icon until a red badge appears in the upper left of each icon as shown below. Tap on the red badge to close the app.

6. Easy-Access Music Controls:

When you run third-party music apps in the background (ex. Pandora Radio and ooTunes Radio), quick access to turn down the volume or advance the song is often not at hand. Note: Be sure to have the latest version of your favorite music app. For example, if you don’t have Pandora’s 3.1 version or later, it won’t run in the background. To get the latest version of your apps, click on the App Store app and select the “Updates” icon in the lower navigation. Then select Update All option in the upper right (preferably when you’re on a WiFi connection).

Double click the front facing home button twice. You’ll see your most recently used apps in a tray along the bottom of the screen. Now, swipe to the left to reveal audio controls including play, back and next.

Another swipe to the left reveals a slider to control audio volume as per the screen shot below.

7. Lock Portrait Orientation

Within some apps, the screen orientation is programmed to change to and from portrait and landscape mode when the phone detects rotation slightly past 90 degrees. In many cases, this creates the desired user experience, however, there are times when you’d prefer to lock in portrait orientation.

Double click the front facing home button twice. You’ll see your most recently used apps in a tray along the bottom of the screen. Now, swipe to the left to reveal the portrait orientation lock icon. Tapping the icon toggles between portrait lock and unlock states.

8. Add Birthdays to Calendar:

A well populated Contacts App, complete with family, friends, co-workers and business contacts makes the iPhone an even more productive tool. When you choose to Edit or Create a new contact record, the “add field” option appears at the bottom of the screen as shown below.

Your contact’s birthday can be entered as per the screen below.

After you enter and save the birthdate, the Calendar App displays that information on the corresponding day of the year as per the example below.

9. iPhone Capacity:

When you sync your iPhone to iTunes you can clearly see how much space remains on your iPhone. If you’re like me, you can go 2 months without a sync up. To get a quick view of your iPhone capacity that remains, open the Settings app, select General then About. Scan the list for the rows named Capacity and Available.

10. HD Video:

The iPhone 4 can record video in high-definition (HD) at 1280×720 (720p) and uses an aspect ratio of 16:9 with up to 30 frames per second including audio.

After opening the iPhone’s Camera app, controls include start/stop, optional LED flash (which can be enabled/disabled at any time during a recording) and front facing (VGA) vs. rear facing camera activation (HD). You can tap the screen [a blinking square will appear] to focus and set exposure on your subject.

Tim Cascio is the author of the Mobile Marketing, Monetization and Methods blog, Co-Founder/Co-Chair of the Mobile Visionary Roundtable at the Illinois Technology Association and Sr. Digital Strategist at Bader Rutter & Associates, an award-winning integrated marketing services agency that specializes in advertising, public relations, brand asset management, relationship marketing and digital solutions. Tim is @timcascio on Twitter and can be reached in the United States at 262-938-5543.

Please reach out to me if there’s any way I can help you through my network or otherwise. Your comments below are welcome.

The Coming Global Wave of Mobile Widgets to be Explored at the Illinois Technology Association’s Mobile Visionary Roundtable on June 16, 2010, at 8:30am

Tim Cascio — Tue, 25 May 2010 23:09:34 +0000

On June 16, the Mobile Visionary Roundtable at the Illinois Technology Association (ITA) welcomes virtual guest speaker Mark Caron presenting, “The Coming Global Wave of Mobile Widgets.” Mr. Caron, based in New York City, is the Founder and CEO of Snac, Inc. He has spent his career playing a leading role in bringing mobile services to the mass-market; starting with digital wireless services in the 1990s, text messaging in the early 2000s, and now the mobile internet with his latest start-up, Snac, Inc.

Take a look at these interesting statistics:

80% of mobile consumers would increase content usage if faster and more reliable. (Equation Research survey of 1001 US mobile web users – 9/09)
iPhones only comprise only 6-7% of the US market/other smartphones only add another 16-17%. (Yankee Group – 9/09 extrapolated)
The average free iPhone app loses 90% of it users after the first 8-9 days. (Pinch Media)
The average US mobile site gets only 2 unique visits/month. (Crisp Wireless)
Consumer-facing companies in the US are spending more than $1 billion/year trying to engage mobile users. (eMarketer, Mobile Marketing Association, and company estimates)

In this roundtable, participants will:

Discover why widgets will be much bigger in mobile than the PC/web
Learn about the new, global mobile widget standard that has these “mini-apps” poised for rapid growth on the heels of mass compatibility
See fast, flexible and dynamic widgets in action to witness the next trend in mobile content delivery
Better understand the mobile widget market: opportunities, challenges, key players and more
Direct your live questions to a pioneer in the mobile widget space

Roundtable presenters will address major factors impacting the mobile industry and highlight success stories. Following the insightful mobile industry presentation, participants will benefit from networking opportunities to share best practices in mobile marketing, technology and application development.

This event takes place in downtown Chicago on Wednesday, June 16, 2010, 8:30am-10:30am.
Register for the event here.

ITA roundtables are a benefit of ITA membership. Members of the general Illinois technology community are always welcome to check out any ITA roundtables free-of-charge. Roundtable events are held in downtown Chicago, across from the Sears Tower (now named the Willis Tower) at 200 S Wacker Dr, 15th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606.

Additional forthcoming Mobile Visionary Roundtable mobile topics include:

• Mobile Marketing Plans
• Best Practices in Apps Development
• The Future of Mobile
• Business Enterprise Applications
• Mobile Monetization
• Global Considerations in Mobile
• Platform Comparisons (iPhone vs. Android vs. Pre, etc.)

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Chairs:

Tim Cascio (262) 938-5543
tcascio[at]bader-rutter.com

Raymond J. Reinhardt (312) 957-8579
Raymond@Cuddlephish.com

About the speaker, Mark Caron
Founder/CEO of Snac, Inc., New York, New York

Mark Caron has spent his career playing a leading role in bringing mobile services to the mass-market; starting with digital wireless services in the 1990s, text messaging in the early 2000s, and now the mobile internet with his latest start-up, Snac, Inc. Prior to founding Snac, Mark was Founder/CEO of MobileSpring/Ztango (now part of Real Networks). Under his leadership, the company developed and deployed in 2001, the first inter-carrier text messaging network, enabling messages to travel cross-network and kicking off the explosion in text messaging. After merging with Ztango, Mark as CEO led the company in offering a range of messaging and mobile content services to nearly all tier 1 and tier 2 US carriers. Before MobileSpring/Ztango, Mark was a co-founder and lead marketing executive at Omnipoint Communications, the first GSM carrier in the Northeast (now part of T-Mobile). Mark started his wireless career at Ericsson as a Product Manager, after working in information systems and telecommunications at GE. He has an AB in Computer Science from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

About The Mobile Visionary Roundtable
The Mobile Visionary Roundtable offers a forum for ITA members to engage in active networking and interactive, high-gain, topical discussions regarding mobile marketing and technology. The monthly Mobile Visionary Roundtables feature mobile expert guest speakers, including mobile strategists, marketers and developers from around the world.

About the Illinois Technology Association
The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) represents the interests of a diverse membership of more than 650 companies in Illinois that create, deploy and utilize information technology as a core part of their organization. By connecting members with industry peers and participants, providing the latest strategic information, market research and critical market insight and by promoting key thought leaders to raise visibility and gain a greater market awareness and presence, ITA is focused on building and developing the Illinois technology community through collaboration. Additional information is available at http://www.IllinoisTech.org

Tim Cascio is the author of the Mobile Marketing, Monetization and Methods blog, Co-Founder/Co-Chair of the Mobile Visionary Roundtable at the Illinois Technology Association and Sr. Digital Strategist at Bader Rutter & Associates, an award-winning integrated marketing services agency that specializes in advertising, public relations, brand asset management, relationship marketing and digital solutions. Tim is @timcascio on Twitter and can be reached in the United States at 262-938-5543.

Please reach out to me if there’s any way I can help you through my network or otherwise. Your comments below are welcome.

Relationship Between Mobile and Social Media to be Explored at the Illinois Technology Association’s Mobile Visionary Roundtable on May 19, 2010, at 8:30am

Tim Cascio — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:20:44 +0000

On May 19, the Mobile Visionary Roundtable at the Illinois Technology Association (ITA) welcomes guest speaker Webster Lewin presenting, “How to Leverage the Relationship Between Mobile and Social Media to Build Brands.” Mr. Lewin, based in New York City, is the Senior Vice President, Director of Digital Innovation at MS&L Group North America.

Mobile and social media have redefined how we buy, sell and interact. Brands that can adapt and engage using these communication mediums will have a competitive advantage. Roundtable presenters will address major global factors impacting the mobile industry and highlight success stories.

Following the insightful mobile industry presentation, participants will split into themed mobile “20/20” breakout sessions, where they will enjoy networking opportunities and share best practices in mobile marketing, technology and application development.

In this roundtable, participants will:

Learn how mobile communications and social media are integrally related
Learn why some of the fastest growing social media networks are location-based mobile services like Foursquare, and how brands are beginning to use social-based proximity marketing
Find out who are the mobile social media “hyper-influencers” that can serve as super-advocates for your brand
Learn best practices and cost-effective ways to leverage mobile social media within your marketing and communications programs
Discover ways that mobile programs can achieve greater ROI though integrated with social media networks

This event takes place in downtown Chicago on Wednesday, May 19, 2010, 8:30am-10:30am.
Register for the event here.

Additional forthcoming Mobile Visionary Roundtable mobile topics include:

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Chairs:

Tim Cascio (262) 938-5543
tcascio[at]bader-rutter.com

Raymond J. Reinhardt (312) 957-8579
Raymond@Cuddlephish.com

About the speaker, Webster Lewin
Senior Vice President, Director of Digital Innovation and Strategy MS&L Group North America, New York.
As a thought leader with nearly 18 years of experience in the interactive media and digital space, Webster is responsible for spearheading transformational digital thinking and strategy in MS&L’s North American offices. In 2008, Webster was elected to the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA), North America Board of Directors. He also serves as co-chairman of the Education Committee of the MMA, and has been an active member of the MMA Mobile Advertising committee.

Please reach out to me if there’s any way I can help you through my network or otherwise. Your comments below are welcome.

How Touchless Interfaces Will Redefine Mobile

Tim Cascio — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:57:54 +0000

Using a standard mobile video camera with object recognition software, a whole new way to interact with mobile devices is in the works. Natural, intuitive body movements and gestures will soon activate and control software applications ranging from productivity tools to interactive games.

Here are a few examples of touchless gestures:

Wave your hand to scroll through a document
Point at an icon to activate an application
Shoot a gun in an action game

In essence, you can point, click, drag, scroll, zoom and rotate with simple hand movements that never touch the screen. Texas Instruments and XTR 3D have teamed to develop a set of software components to improve the way we interface and interact with mobile devices. Here’s a brief video that demonstrates the technology:

So, what can we expect the future to hold for mobile software that can detect our physical gestures and recognize objects with a great deal of accuracy? What will happen with the confluence of more capable smart phones, faster processing speed via cloud computing (where thousands of computers are available on-demand) and 4G LTE networks that could provide up to 10x current speeds?

Pranav Mistry may have the answer. Among many honors, Pranav was recently awarded ‘Invention of the Year 2009’ by Popular Science for his work on SixthSense, a combination miniature projector, webcam and notebook computer. According to Pranav, we’ll soon have the ability to paint the physical world with digital information rather than confine pixels to the device. In a number of compelling examples, he demonstrates how we will be able to use any surface, any wall as an interface and our own gestures to interact. Check out Pranav’s demonstration at TEDIndia:

Part II

Pranav Mistry identifies himself as a “Designeer.” He’s a former UX Researcher with Microsoft. He received his Master in Media Arts and Sciences from MIT and Master of Design from IIT Bombay. Currently, Pranav is a Research Assistant and PhD candidate at the MIT Media Lab.

As he sets out to make connections between the physical world and the digital world, Pranav hopes to make computing interfaces fluid and more intuitive for the masses. Furthermore, his aim is to allow us to get away from traditional computer settings and out interacting with the world.

Recent developments in mobile embedded video projection, video capture and cloud computing will likely consolidate concepts like SixthSense into one singular device.

I look forward to following Pranav‘s continued research and achievements. He’s truly a mobile visionary and one to watch.

Please reach out to me if there’s any way I can help you through my network or otherwise. Your comments below are welcome.

Mobile Visionary Roundtable Event to be Held in Chicago on February 17, 2010: Mobile Marketing and a Visionary Look Forward

Tim Cascio — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 02:39:20 +0000

On February 17, the Mobile Visionary Roundtable at the Illinois Technology Association (ITA) welcomes guest speaker Alex Campbell presenting on Mobile Marketing and a Visionary Look Forward.

Did you know mobile messaging revenues worldwide are expected to grow to $233 billion in 2014, up from about $150 billion in 2009, according to a new forecast issued by Portio Research? Additionally, according to Gartner, mobile app store revenues will reach $6.2 billion in 2010. Worldwide downloads are expected to surpass 21.6 billion by 2013.

Known throughout the industry for his candor regarding the state of mobile technology, Alex is a sought after speaker within the technology and financing circuits. He has won a number of awards throughout his career including Red Herring’s Top 25 Tech Rebels and Crain’s Business Chicago Top 40 Professionals under 40.

Following the insightful educational portion of our roundtable, participants will split into themed mobile breakout sessions where they will enjoy networking opportunities and share best practices in mobile marketing, technology and application development.

This event takes place in downtown Chicago on Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 8:30am-11:00am.
Register for the event here.

Additional forthcoming Mobile Visionary roundtable mobile topics include:

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Chairs:

Tim Cascio (262) 938-5543
tcascio[at]bader-rutter.com

Raymond J. Reinhardt (312) 924-1681
Raymond@Cuddlephish.com

About the speaker, Alex Campbell
Alex has dedicated the past decade to pioneering the mobile marketing discipline and educating clients on its value as a viable marketing solution. A leader and visionary, his expertise has led to Vibes’ double digit growth, every year since 2004.

Please reach out to me if there’s any way I can help you through my network or otherwise. Your comments below are welcome.

The 10 Legal Mistakes That Can Destroy A Mobile Marketing Campaign and How to Avoid Them

Tim Cascio — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:42:07 +0000

Countless case studies point to convincingly high success rates for well-executed mobile marketing campaigns. Results are measured by the size and quality of opt-in subscribers, offer redemptions and depth of customer engagement. This is all very exciting, however, lack of compliance with privacy laws and codes of conduct can invite trouble.

I’d like to introduce you to Tammi Franke, an accomplished attorney and Adjunct Professor at DePaul University’s Graduate Program in Public Relations and Advertising. I met her through the Illinois Technology Association where we chair separate monthly roundtable events. Tammi’s guest article below is a tremendous resource for marketers and technologists with mobile marketing responsibility.

The 10 Legal Mistakes That Can Destroy A Mobile Marketing Campaign and How to Avoid Them

by Tammi Franke

New technologies are available to marketers almost everyday. The toolkit of today’s savvy marketer would seem like magic to the “Mad Men” of the 1960’s. Unfortunately, the law does not change at the same rapid pace as technology. This creates some uncertainty and no one wants to end up as a test case in court over a mobile campaign. Avoiding the following 10 legal landmines will help keep your mobile marketing campaign out of hot water and in the minds of consumers where it belongs.

1. Ignoring Generally Accepted Privacy Principles (GAPP).

Why this is a problem: In the U.S., Privacy laws are spread across several different pieces of federal and state legislation making compliance confusing and difficult. GAPP and its framework make compliance much easier.

How you can avoid this problem: Familiarize yourself with each of the GAPP principles. Make sure your mobile marketing campaign complies with the GAPP framework.

2. Ignoring the MMA Code of Conduct

Why this is a problem: The MMA Code of Conduct is the leading example of industry self-regulation and mirrors many of the GAPP principles. Ignoring the MMA Code of Conduct puts not only your campaign at risk but also puts the entire industry at risk of increased federal regulation.

How you can avoid this problem: Familiarize yourself with the MMA Code of Conduct Make sure your mobile marketing campaign complies with it.

3. Not getting approval of your mobile campaign from wireless carriers

Why this is a problem: Some messages to wireless devices are covered under CAN-SPAM and others, according to a recent California case, under the TCPA. For these reasons and customer service concerns, wireless carriers review and approve every broadcast mobile campaign over its network. If your campaign isn’t approved, the carriers may block it.

How you can avoid this problem: Using a leading aggregator or a short code from the Common Short Code Administration website, will simplify and expedite carrier approvals.

4. Short cutting your legal review/clearance process because “it’s only a text”.

Why this is a problem: FTC regulations apply to ads no matter how they are delivered. In fact, mobile campaigns are under a microscope now because of heightened privacy concerns and because additional charges apply for many consumers when they receive mobile ads.

How you can avoid this problem: Treat your mobile campaigns just like any other ad or marketing campaign and use the same clearance process prior to launch. Factor in the additional requirement for approval/clearance by wireless carriers.

5. Cutting out ad disclaimers because you don’t have room for them

Why this is a problem: Unfortunately, “I didn’t have enough room” is not a valid defense in a lawsuit. If your ad requires an ad disclaimer, you’re obligated to provide it. Just ask the pharmaceutical companies who received FDA warning letters for making claims in Google Adwords without the required disclaimers.

How you can avoid this problem: Revise the content in the mobile ad/text message so that it does not require a disclaimer or use mobile messaging as a tool for gathering opt-ins and information and not for pushing ad content.

6. Thinking you won’t get sued if you send an ad via text to a cell phone without permission. You will.

Why this is a problem: Several litigation firms who specialize in representing consumers with claims under the TCPA are now focusing on class action law suits for the receipt of unauthorized text messages. Many of these same firms previously brought class action “junk fax” suits under the TCPA.

How you can avoid this problem: Develop your own opt-in list with opt-in documentation for every mobile marketing message you send. Don’t rely on third parties to do your homework.

7. Sneaking in a mobile opt-in on another registration.

Why this is a problem: The TCPA requires the express consent of a consumer before a mobile marketing message is sent. The 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals held in a recent case that an opt-in to receive messages from a company’s “affiliates and brands” did not constitute express written consent to receive a message from someone who purchased the opt-in list.

How you can avoid this problem: Develop your own opt-in list with opt-in documentation for every mobile marketing message you send. Don’t rely on consents given to third parties.

8. Ignoring consumer complaints.

Why this is a problem: 73% of FCC complaints in the first quarter of 2009 regarding wireless services were related to unsolicited marketing calls or messages. FCC complaints are easy for consumers to file. If you don’t resolve a consumer complaint quickly, often the next step is a complaint to the FCC. This can lead to increased industry regulation or inquiries into your specific marketing practices.

How you can avoid this problem: Assign a specific person or group to address consumer complaints regarding your campaign quickly.

9. Violating GAPP using Bluetooth proximity marketing.

Why this is a problem: Even if a consumer isn’t charged for receiving a message via Bluetooth, pushing unsolicited content onto a mobile device via Bluetooth can seem as invasive to a consumer as receiving an unwanted text message.

How you can avoid this problem: Familiarize yourself with each of the GAPP principles. Make sure your Bluetooth proximity campaign complies with the GAPP framework.

10. Ignoring contest and promotion rules because it is easy to conduct a contest via a mobile device.

Why this is a problem: State and Federal laws and regulations regarding contests, sweepstakes and lotteries apply to no matter how the promotion is delivered.

How you can avoid this problem: Treat your mobile promotions just like any other promotion. Use the same legal review and clearance process prior to launch.

This article was prepared for informational purposes and is not legal advice. You should not act upon this information without seeking advice from a lawyer licensed in your own state or country.

Tammi Franke
Fitzgerald & Hewes LLP
550 West Van Buren Street, Suite 1450
Chicago, Illinois 60607
office: 312.447.2900 ext. 2903
email: tfranke (at) fitzhewlaw.com
blog: http://tammifranke.blogspot.com

Tammi Franke is an experienced business executive and lawyer. She advises software, leasing, consulting, and other emerging and established marketing, communication and technology companies. Her specialties include licensing, business organization, corporate finance, and commercial matters.

She has experience in entertainment law, software licensing, and consulting services, a wide range of debt and equity financings, including venture capital and other private placements, and commercial lending.

She is formerly the Executive Director of Lawyers for the Creative Arts in Chicago and is currently an Adjunct Professor at DePaul University in the Graduate Program in Public Relations and Advertising.

Please reach out to me if there’s any way I can help you through my network or otherwise. Your comments below are welcome.

Apple iSlate Roadmap: Game-Changing Features for Version 1.0 and Beyond

Tim Cascio — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:20:41 +0000

Mobile industry experts tend to agree on the purported iSlate features such as multi-touch, WiFi wireless networking and a long-life battery. But, what would make the iSlate a truly revolutionary device? I explore some possibilities below.

Apple’s new product announcement is scheduled for Wednesday, January 27, 2010, at 10am PST. Click here for live coverage at the time of the event.

Live TV Programming.
Play live TV broadcasts that include local, national and international programming. The initial offering could have a select number of high profile choices. Broadcast networks and their advertisers would love the eventual demographic and local targeting. Built-in analytics would drive further interest and participation.
Voiceprint Technology.
Biometric voice authentication could be required to unlock the device, conduct monetary transactions or access sensitive data. Industries such as health care and banking are key verticals where Apple would like to get a foothold for their tablet device. Authentication would allow for admin-defined sensitivity settings where access to extremely sensitive applications may require more voice samples to verify identity.
Touch-back Screen.
A keyboard would display on-screen similar to the iPhone, however, when your fingertips make contact, you’d receive touch-back feedback, providing unmistakable confirmation by sensors and actuators. The intensity level could be set by the user. Context-appropriate haptic (vibration) effects would make game playing more engaging, intuitive and natural. Furthermore, industrial and commercial applications would benefit from safer and more accurate control in distractive environments.
Ultra-Thin OLED Flexible Displays and Batteries.
If Apple employs OLED flexible display technology, the display depth could be paper-thin and the tablet could potentially be even thinner than the iPhone. Complementary thin, flexible battery technology could create some interesting form factors. While I don’t expect Apple’s first generation tablet to leverage a flexible display, it’s a strong possibility in future versions.
Writing and Sketch-Pad Reinvented.
The multi-touch screen would also work with a provided writing device. Creative professionals such as game developers, graphic designers, architects, animators, fashion designers and photographers would love the natural feel and accuracy that the writing device provides. Furthermore, students and business professionals could have their hand-written notes transcribed on-the-fly to typed text. Using the tablet as a sketch-pad would be a popular feature and the reverse end of the writing device could be used as an eraser.
Publishing Rejuvenated. The timing is very good for publishers to find new revenue sources and Apple may be in the right place at the right time to help. Apple has the scale, payment and distribution platform to execute well. Apple’s Quattro Wireless acquisition and their advertising platform allows publishers to leverage their adverting base for ad serving on the iSlate and iPhone. Taking this one step further, Apple could eventually integrate location-aware pre-roll, post-roll and mid-roll advertising within their movie, TV and podcast content.
- Free Past Editions of Magazines and Newspapers.
  To instill new behaviors for how people browse their favorite publications, Apple’s tablet device could offer access to free past editions of a select number of high profile magazines and newspapers. I expect a reading-friendly form factor with features that include Apple-elegant page turning, zoom, rotating display, “mark-as-read” feature and bookmarking.
- Purchase, Annotate and Share Magazine and Newspaper Articles.
  The tablet could allow for annotations, highlighting or comments to be added as a removable layer. With a few strokes of your finger, you could share the document via email, Facebook, Twitter or other social network with or without your annotations. Similar to how Apple offered individual songs for sale at an affordable price, articles could be offered for sale individually, too. May the best written articles win. Actually, it’s probably more accurate to say, “May the articles with the best headline, abstract, teaser photography and reviewer ratings win.” Purchases of articles, full editions and subscriptions would be made using iTunes.
- Text-to-Speech Playback.
  Articles and/or books could be read to you. iPhone already has a similar feature found by accessing: Settings > General > Accessibility > VoiceOver. Select from a number of available male and female voices.
- Embedded Interactive Videos.
  Magazines and newspapers could begin to include embedded videos for feature stories and advertising content.
- eBook Teaser Content and Instant Downloads.
  Similar to Amazon’s “Look Inside” feature, best sellers, new releases and text books could offer previews of their table of contents, prologue, introductory chapters and the index. Apple has the potential to ultimately become the low cost provider of e-textbooks that serve students from grade school to graduate school. eBook purchases would be made using iTunes.
iPhone Internet Tethering.
Besides having built-in Wi-Fi wireless networking, the tablet could allow for iPhone Internet tethering. This would enable tablet users to connect to the Internet via their iPhone AT&T service plan.

Credit/Debit Card Swiping.
Would we use the Apple tablet more often if it were easier to make online purchases or to accept payments? Perhaps a built-in card swipe feature is in the works? Square is getting a lot of press with their mobile payment solution.

iPhone Apps Compatibility, Synching and Multi-tasking.
iPhone apps would wirelessly synchronize to the tablet and fully function in each of the following ways.
- Run any app full-screen. Perfect for interactive games and entertainment apps.
- Run apps in background. Ideal for music streaming Apps like Pandora.
- Run several apps at one time. Great for tracking real-time sports statistics while chatting with friends in Facebook and monitoring your Ebay bids.

What features do you envision for the Apple tablet roadmap? Please leave your comments below.

2009 Comes to a Close: Gratitude, Hopes and a Prayer

Tim Cascio — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 02:49:51 +0000

As this year comes to a close, I’m very grateful and look forward to the possibilities that 2010 will bring. I want to take this opportunity to thank my blog readers and mobile experts who have contributed as blog interviewees and as keynote speakers at our Mobile Visionary Roundtable. My life has truly been enriched; thank you!

My hope for each of you (from a mobile perspective):

May your phone be in fashion
And your bill be cheap,
May you find your mobile passion
And good company keep.
May your social connections abound
And your blog be first rate,
And may your videos stream
Without any wait!

My prayer for each of you:

May your Faith be in God Himself
And not so in man,
May your bible leave the shelf
And affect your life’s plan.
May your kindness flow
And your forgiveness unwaver,
So when God comes a callin’
He’ll return the favor!

Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year filled with God’s blessings!

Sincerely,

Rediscover Your iPhone: 10 Seriously Useful Built-in Features You Probably Aren’t Using

Tim Cascio — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 01:08:09 +0000

The goal behind technology is to simplify our lives, right? Well, sometimes the key is in knowing what’s possible with the technology we already have. Here’s a list of ten iPhone features that I find particularly useful.

Editor’s note: Based on iPhone’s software Ver 3.1.2

1. Global Time Zones:

I’m in contact with folks located throughout the world and it’s always been a chore to recall time differences, especially around daylight savings time…until now. To utilize this feature, follow these steps:

Select the Clock icon
Click on World Clock option in the bottom navigation bar
Hit the plus (+) icon
Type in the city or country and select from the available choices
Repeat steps 3 and 4 for places whose time you’d like to have reported.

2. Stock Market News:

Thanks to a recent iPhone software upgrade, news stories for stocks you’re tracking are easy to monitor. To access this feature, open the Stocks icon as usual. When the graph displays at the bottom of the screen for a particular stock, swipe your finger across the graph with a leftward motion. Now you can view headlines as well as scroll vertically for more stories. When you click on a headline, it launches you into Safari’s browser to read the story.

3. Screen Capture:

Have you ever wanted to capture a snapshot of what’s on your iPhone screen? Simply press the home button (located on the front face at the bottom) then simultaneously press the sleep/wake button (located on the top right edge). You should hear a shutter click and your screen will flash white. This is an indication that you’ve successfully captured the screen shot and can retrieve by selecting your Photos icon and then Camera Roll directory.

4. Quiet a Ringing iPhone and/or Send to Voicemail:

Ever have your iPhone ring out loud during an important meeting or while in church? Not good. You can quiet your iPhone midstream by simply pressing the sleep/wake button (located on the top right edge). You still have the option to take the call, even though you’ve silenced the ringer. I absolutely love this feature because I can activate this feature while the phone is in my belt holster. In other words, I do not need to unlock the phone or look at the front face. In addition, you can optionally send the call to voice mail with a second press of the same button. Keep in mind, there’s a handy ring/silent switch located on the upper left edge of the phone for times when you want to silence the ringer in advance. When you toggle the ring/silent switch to expose the orange dot, the phone’s ringer is set to silent.

5. Voice Dialing:

(requires 3GS model) Press and hold the Home button to activate Voice Control. With this feature you can say the name of the person or number to call. In addition, the iPhone accepts audible requests for the music you’d like to play.

6. Street View:

Perhaps you’d like to explore a “Street View” of your destination before you begin your trip. Try Bern, Switzerland, for example. Or, you’re looking to buy a new home and would like to get a feel for the neighborhood. Street View gives you a 360-degree perspective and you can zoom, rotate and pan through street level photos within cities in more than 25 countries. To activate this feature, simply select the Map icon, enter and search for an address. If street level views are available, you’ll see the orange Pegman icon. Tap on the Pegman icon to activate Street View. If you want a street view of your current location, tap on the navigation icon in the lower left of the screen. The blue strobing sphere will appear. Tap it to reveal your approximate address. If street level views are available, you’ll see the orange Pegman icon. Tap the Pegman icon to activate Street View. Arrows on the street are clickable and your view is updated as you travel virtually. You can even turn corners at intersections or rotate your view 180 degrees to turn around! Need to look up to see tall buildings, simply flick your finger accordingly.

7. Scroll to Top of Page:

When the contents within your view exceed the length of the page, you’ll scroll down to view what’s below. By tapping the current time at the very top of the screen you’ll return to the top of the page. This works for most common views, including Email, Notepad, Safari, Phone Directory, Text Messages, Photos and more.

8. Local Public Transportation Suggestions:

When traveling by bus and/or train in major cities, you’ll enjoy the local transit feature found in Maps. Find out what forms of public transportation are offered to and from your destination and customize your scheduled departure and arrival times. The routing is overlaid on a Google Map and bus/train numbers are indicated so that you know where and when the transfers occur. Arrival time is estimated, taking into account all forms of transportation. To activate this feature, tap on the Maps icon and then tap on the Directions button at the bottom of the screen. Enter your Start and End address information. If you want to start with your current location, tap on the navigation icon in the lower left of the screen. Select the Bus icon at the top of the screen for public transportation routing information. Selecting bus or train icons on the map reveals a blue arrow icon to access contact and website information for those public transportation services.

9. Send a Text Message to More Than One Recipient at a Time:

This is a common feature for many cell phones, but for iPhone users it’s a new addition in 2009. When creating a New Message, populate the To: section, however, if a “+” doesn’t appear to the right for adding more recipients, simply tap the To: section again and you’ll see the “+” sign appear. Tap to add more recipients and repeat as needed.

10. Edit Text Within a Word or Sentence:

You can edit text within an individual word by simply holding your finger down over the area where you’d like to edit. By doing so, a magnifying glass will appear and you can then move your finger in the direction of the text you’d like to edit.

Please reach out to me if there’s any way I can help you through my network or otherwise. Your comments below are welcome.

Mobile and Youth Culture in China to be Explored at the Illinois Technology Association’s Mobile Visionary Roundtable on January 20, 2010, at 8:30am

Tim Cascio — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:09:50 +0000

On January 20, the Mobile Visionary Roundtable at the Illinois Technology Association (ITA) welcomes virtual guest speaker Kevin Lee presenting on Mobile and Youth Culture in China. Mr. Lee, who lives in Beijing, is an advertising and media brand manager in charge of the new media division for Ringier China, publisher of the largest English-language entertainment magazine in China.

With China’s 500 million people under the age of 30, there’s an enormous opportunity for foreign brands and marketers who can execute well. Individuality in China has evolved in a substantive way and brands that can relate using today’s mobile technology will have a competitive advantage.

Mobile is clearly a disruptive technology and affects nearly every industry. Roundtable presenters will address major global factors impacting the mobile industry and highlight success stories.

In this roundtable, participants will:

Learn about common misconceptions about China and get a feel for Chinese perceptions of America
Find out how Chinese Youth think and what influences them
Discover the iPhone popularity or lack thereof (iPhone was launched only a few months ago in China)
Learn which mobile devices and features are in high demand
See how marketers are using the mobile channel to engage consumers

This event takes place in downtown Chicago on Wednesday, January 20, 2010, 8:30am-11:00am.
Register for the event here.

Additional forthcoming Mobile Visionary roundtable mobile topics include:

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Chairs:

Tim Cascio (262) 938-5543
tcascio[at]bader-rutter.com

Raymond J. Reinhardt (312) 924-1681
Raymond@Cuddlephish.com

About the speaker, Kevin Lee
Mr. Lee is the Strategic Marketing Manager of New Media at Ringier China,
Beijing. He heads the New Media division, building products and channels for web, ecommerce and mobile. Drawing on experiences as an entrepreneur, artist and amateur historian, Mr. Lee writes a well-respected blog called http://www.genYchina.com, which discusses the changing interplay between technology, media and culture in China.

Please reach out to me if there’s any way I can help you through my network or otherwise. Your comments below are welcome.