Phone Giants Roll Out "Three Screen" Strategy

The nation's largest phone companies sell packages of wireless phone service, Internet access and pay TV to consumers. Now they're taking integration one step further, airing video programming -- and selling ads -- across all three platforms.

[via the WSJ]

Appaling Peeping Tom viral video to promote LG's Secret

LG's promotional video for their new handset "Secret" highlights the touchscreen feature through voyeurism and softcore. Engadget calls it creepy. I'd like to add appaling. A man secretly filming a woman sleeping in bed from outside a window, and caressing her body on his screen, is not appealing but horrifying. What were they thinking?

[via Engadget]

Your wife called. Verizon commercial

Verizon (video message) commercial spotted on SMS Text News.

Guerrilla Mirror Phones - Rogers Video Phone Ads

Canadian wireless operator Rogers has launched an innovative campaign to promote their new video phone service. Trendhunter reports.

"The giant cell phone decals were placed around Toronto bathrooms in restaurants, bars and clubs, with the screen portion cut out so people would have a live visual of what it would look like when they video called their friends.

The tagline reads, “Look your best. Video Calling is here.”

Mobile TV To Be Biggest Mobile Ad Revenue Generator By 2010

Although the vast majority of mobile advertising is currently based on SMS, Juniper Research predicts that streamed and broadcast mobile TV services will become the most lucrative channels for mobile ads by 2010.

Juniper that spending on mobile TV advertising will grow from $335 million in 2008 to more than $2.5 billion in 2013.

[via The Washington Post / MocoNews.net]

Win $1000 in the Hunt for Bin Laden

A scavanger hunt for camera phones is launching in five cities on Monday, to promote Morgan Spurlock's new movie Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?, premiering April 18. JustPressPlay reports.

Street-teams will create and locally distribute multiple branded reward flyers featuring contest information and unique stills from the upcoming film.

With help from local radio stations, contest participants will search around their towns and cities to snap a photo of any of these images in the two week contest period from their camera phones and email it to a pre-determined email address that will be clearly marked on the flyers between 4/7 and 4/18.

Utilizing the image recognition based mobile marketing technology from SnapTell, each picture will then be verified and the participants will receive a message back confirming their entry into the contest and a link to exclusive content from the film.

Fans will also be able to enter by following clues in promotional ads in local newspapers.

Watch Apple trailer.

iPhone gets video ads from Ad Infuse

Ad Infuse, a San Francisco start-up is launching the first mobile video ads for the iPhone today.

Elinor Mills for News.com gave it a try, but connecting over AT&T's network was just too slow.

I visiting the HFM mobile site on my brand new iPhone and clicked on one of their portable training programs. I then waited as long as four or five minutes while the ad downloaded then a blank white screen came on making me wonder what to do next. The ad finally started playing and I was able to watch the 10 or 12 second anti-drug spot before the training video for working out abs on an exercise ball started playing.

Wow, if that's the experience I think I'll pass.

LG Mobile, Paramount and Marvel to promote technology for "Iron Man" launch

LG Electronics ahs announced its partnership with Paramount Pictures and Marvel Studios to launch a multi-faceted campaign to promote the role of technology in the upcoming Marvel Studios film "Iron Man," to be distributed by Paramount Pictures.

Prior to the film's May 2, 2008 release date, LG will unveil advertising, as well as retail, online and consumer electronics industry initiatives to showcase the company's high-tech expertise and "leading role" in developing sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing multimedia devices.

[via Just Aother Mobile Phone Blog]

H&M's semacode campaign enables impulse shopping via camphone

H&M has launched a billboard and magazine campaign in Europe, enabling consumers to buy the clothes with their cameraphones, by scanning the semacode. The item is then charged to the user's cell phone bill.

[via My Digital Life]

Ecko billboard lets your mobile handle the graffitiing

This brilliantly designed ad by Marc Ecko sports an LCD that can be painted up by your Bluetooth cellphone, as it allows passers to use their mobile as a spray can to decorate the screen as they please.

[ via Engadget]

Ultimatum For MMS & Picture Recognition

Universal movie ‘The Bourne Ultimatum’, starring Matt Damon, is using mobile picture recognition technology in press ads to promote the film launch, according to 160characters.org.

"Universal is the first brand to use this technology in print media. Previous use of the technology was included in posters to promote Mr Bean's Holiday.

The half page digitally interactive advertisement in national press enables readers to get free mobile content such as movie trailer, wallpapers and screensavers.

Users take a picture of the ad using their mobile phone and send it via MMS to 82222. The algorithm technology then automatically identifies if they have sent the correct image, it will also identify the type of phone they have and then offer them the appropriate free content, optimised for their specific device. If they shoot an incorrect image they will be informed of this and asked to try again.

The consumer’s picture is matched to the promotional image logged on the database and even partial images taken in poor light or at an angle will be recognisable. "

Click-to-Video Mobile Advertising

Advertisers looking to deliver the mobile video ad campaigns can now use the Click-to-Video landing page service from Nexage, a mobile video solution provider. Mobile Crunch reports.

"This service will make ad campaigns accessible to 550 million mobile phones, including 450 phone models operating on more than 350 wireless networks worldwide.

This self service tool enables advertisers to create mobile Web pages and include videos. The service is based Nexage’s PhoneCast platform, which offers wireless operators and content providers a way to launch mobile video services over 3G networks."

Cameraphone Classifieds

According to ScreenPlays, iqzone inc. plans on launching on August 15 a service that enables camera phone users to take a photo or video clip and post a classified ad in less than a minute’s time.

"Although other do-it-yourself classified services exist online, iqzone is specifically targeting an “under-30 handset generation” who tends to engage in far more text messaging than in PC-based activity, and whose phone likely has an integrated camera.

Sellers will be able to broadcast their mobile ads to a network of free online and paid classified sites and print publications. Buyers can set mobile alerts for items or services of interest or search for items using their mobile phone or the iqzone.com Web site."

Pepsi Using Bluetooth to Distribute Video Adverts

Cellular News reports that Pepsi has started a Bluetooth based marketing campaign, allowing people to download a video clip to their mobile phone from poster adverts.

"The campaign to deliver viral video clips, which went live on April 2nd, runs for two months in outdoor advertising locations consisting of 120 bus shelters in Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Denver and Orange County, and pay phone kiosks in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

Each of the media networks has integrated Qwikker's Bluetooth content distribution technology into their street furniture. Any consumer with a Bluetooth enabled phone is able to download free video clips from a Pepsi Smash advertisement. The viral video clips being distributed are five "Pass The Mic" clips of freestyle hip hop, provided by Yahoo! Music.

In the first week of the Pepsi campaign, opt-in rates to download content were reported to be 27% across the network."

Picture from USA Today.

"The Godfather" special edition Nokia phone

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the release of "The Godfather", Nokia has teamed up with Paramount Pictures to launch the Nokia N73 Godfather edition phone.

The N73 Godfather is exactly the same as the standard N73 except it includes a 256MB memory card with a full length version of The Godfather film and a nice presentation box.

[Unwired View via Mad4Mobile Phones ]

StarTAC III gets a bash

For the birth of a new baby, StarTAC III, Motorola Korea wound back the clock to the 1960s, reports Joongangdaily.

"In sync with the theme of retro TV shows, the white search beams at the entrance of their launch party not only lit up the black sky in Apgujeong-dong but also young Koreans roaming around on a festive night before the Independence holiday last week.

It was a typical fashion party, with local celebrities posing at the door and over-the-top decor ― except the obscure object of desire was not shoes or swimsuits but a mobile phone."

"The Science of Sleep". Moblog Your Dreams

Warner Pictures has teamed up with mobile community The Science of Sleep. Netimperative reports.

"In keeping with the theme of the film, the new site invites users to send in their dreams in video, audio and image form via MMS or email.

The best dream captured and shared on the dream blog will win a signed poster by director Michel Gondry and tickets to see the movie. 10 runners up will also win 2 tickets each to an exclusive screening of the movie on Valentines day at the Warner building in London."

Paramount to Launch Mobile Portal

Paramount Pictures and Crisp Wireless are launching a mobile portal for movie promotions and mobile content, according to GigaOM.

"Visitors to the mobile movie sites will be able to browse and purchase movie-related content from their mobile phones, and opt-in to receive alerts about Paramount Pictures."

Nokia Releases 5-Megapixel N95 Commercial

Cameratown reports that Nokia has released a commercial for their new 5-Megapixel N95 camera phone - which can be viewed on YouTube.

The Nokia N95 is an all-in-one multimedia computer with a pioneering 2-way slide concept, integrated GPS functionality, a 5 megapixel camera and support for high-speed mobile network, making it easier to watch and record videos, listen to songs, take high-quality photos, browse the internet, or catch up on email while on the move.>

Reuters Offers Free Videos to Mobile Phones

The news agency, Reuters has announced the launch of the first free, ad-supported mobile news video service in the USA, making it the first major news organization in the U.S. to offer such a service to mobile phones. Cellular News reports.

"The service is available to consumers through the Reuters mobile site and it contains breaking news and business video segments optimized for select smart phones such as the Nokia E62, Palm 700w, and Blackberry Pearl."

"Knick Picks: " Virgin coins trend of women snapping themselves in their lingerie

According to The Register, Virgin mobile has launched a PR coup, claiming their "trendsetters" have spotted women using their mobiles phones wearing the lingerie they want to be given for Xmas. They take pictures of themselves in dressing rooms with their cameraphone, and send it off to their boyfriend/husband as a hint.

Sounds more like Virgin is trying to create a trend than having spotted one, nevertheless it's a nice idea, widespread or not. And surely such pictures are welcoming diversion for boyfriends/husbands of the world at work. And who cares if they don't get the message "buy me lingerie", but something else. It's still good for the phone company.

Virgin has even been given the trend a name: Knick Pics."

Personalised adverts on mobile TV

Mobile TV viewers in Norway will be served personalised ads as part of a two-month trial, reports the BBC

"Banner adverts will be sent to mobile phones and tailored to the individual user under the trial by broadcaster NRK, a mobile TV pioneer."

Broadcaster and Ericsson wireless announce ad test

Norwegian broadcaster NRK and Swedish LM Ericsson AB on Wednesday announced what they called the world's first test of customized advertising for mobile phone television. The AP reports.

"For the next two months, volunteers in Norway will receive interactive commercials tailored to their age, gender, interests and location while watching television on their mobile phones, the Norwegian state broadcaster said. Some 20 Norwegian and international advertisers are also participating, a news release said.

... During the test, anyone in Norway who volunteers will be able to access NRK's two television stations and five of its radio channels with their normal mobile phones, using existing mobile phone infrastructure and a Java application."

Samsung promotoes Fantasy Film ‘Eragon’ on cell phones

Samsung is cooperating with film producer Twentieth Century Fox to promote the fantasy film Eragon, on mobile phones. [via Sawf News]

"Eragon, the Christmas blockbuster includes such actors as Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, Robert Carlyle and Sienna Guillory , begins in cinemas in mid-December.

Samsung mobile phone users in Europe will be able to exclusively receive free mobile contents such as film trailers, screensavers and wallpapers before the movie premieres as they download from the website at eragon.samsungmobile.com."

Experiencing DMB mobile phones with a latte in Seoul

LG Electronics is partnering with Starbucks to market its DMB mobile phones.

"LG said Sunday it will open an “experience zone” where customers can test LG Electronics’ pocket TV phone while sipping coffee at 10 Starbucks stores in Seoul until Nov. 12.

LG aims to promote its 10.95 mm pocket TV phones equipped with the terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) technology.

Customers will be able to experience “the stylish design and superb image quality” of the firm’s DMB phones there.

[via Digital Chosunilbo]

Sony Ericsson launches limited edition James Bond Cyber-shot phone

Sony Ericsson today announced special silver versions of the K800 and K790 Cyber-shot camera phones as used by James Bond in the eagerly awaited new Bond movie,Casino Royale. [via Esato]

"These exclusive new camera phones which will be available for a limited period of three months.

Casino Royale will be released globally on November 17, starring Daniel Craig as "007".

“With both the latest Cyber-shot phone and the M600 Smartphone being used to assist the non-stop action in Casino Royale, plus a major marketing promotion to coincide with the launch of the movie, this is yet another example of collaboration between us and Sony Pictures Entertainment," says Jan Wareby, Corporate Executive Vice President and Head of Sales and Marketing at Sony Ericsson."

Pamela Anderson fronts new Virgin mobile ad

According to NMA, Virgin Mobile has signed up Pamela Anderson to launch its mobile TV service in its new TV campaign.

"Breaking on 9 October, the campaign shows the ex-Baywatch actress watching Coronation by the pool on her Virgin Mobile 'tellyphone'.

Cellphone advertising aims Chinese market

More companies are making advertisements specially designed for mobile phones to target Chinese consumers, reports China's People's Daily Online .

"The mobile ads market in China may grow to $16.5 million this year compared to $10.3 million in 2005, according to a Beijing-based research firm, Analysys International.

Big names such as BMW have placed ads on mobile phone screens in the past months. Mobile users can reach BMW's customer service hotline by clicking on a banner, or view video ads for BMW and even download wallpapers and ring tones.

Li Jia, an analyst with Analysys International, forecast the mobile ads market in China could hit $50.7 million by 2008."

CBS Digital Media taps actress as its "Wireless Hostess"

According to The Wireless Report, in an attempt to attach a face to its growing portfolio of wireless products, CBS Digital Media has tapped actress A Ashley Hartman as its "wireless hostess."

"According to the company, Ms. Hartman will be showing up on videos and alerts on mobile phones along with CBS websites where consumers will have the opportunity to buy CBS-branded mobile content such as news alerts and video clips from shows such as Entertainment Tonight."

In 2003, Hartman went to Hollywood in order to participate in American Idol and made it into the second season's top 32 finalists. ... She was soon recruited by the casting director of the FOX series The O.C. She had a recurring role as Holly Fischer in the first season of The O.C. for six of that season's episodes.

CBS To Promote Shows Through Bluetooth Downloads

A new CBS marketing campaign enables users to download video clisp on their mobile phones from interactive posters. Rafat Ali reports on Moco News.

"CBS is starting a trial in New York City, installing five interactive posters in Grand Central terminal, which will allow users to download video clisp on their mobile phones, using Bluetooth. These half minte clips will be scenes from one of the CBS’ four new prime-time programs — “Shark,” “Smith,” “Jericho” and “The Class” — as well as its hit show “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” A viewer can later delete the clip, or save it and pass it along.

Some Bluetooth campaigns have already been launched in the U.S. Absolut Vodka streamed a song from rock star Lenny Kravitz through billboards in NYC and LA."

Toyota dives back into mobile TV

Toyota Motors North America plans to expand its mobile marketing efforts with a new wireless TV series from Fun Little Movies, reports RCRNews.

"The automaker is sponsoring “The Pool,” a made-for-mobile comedy series that is being promoted with broadcast television commercials on major networks including ABC, Fox, BET and UPN.

Toyota is sponsoring the offering to showcase its 2007 automobiles, and the series will be available through FLM partners including Sprint Nextel Corp., Bango, SmartVideo and other distribution channels."

Picture yourself at the World Cup

This summer, Lufthansa is bringing the world to the Cup. [via [BB-Blog]]

We want you to be part of the celebration. Simply capture a moment with your digital camera that defines you as a fan, then click on the "Add your photo" tab to upload your image. We'll add it to our fan gallery and immortalize you in larger-than-life-size on the Reuters Times Square billboard in New York City.

Click here for other interactive Tim Square billboard campaigns

Sony Ericsson TV commercial for new Cyber-shot phone

Sony Ericsson, global title sponsor of the WTA Tour, announced today the launch of a global marketing campaign for its new Cyber-shot phone that includes “Never Miss a Shot,” a high-paced TV commercial featuring Tour stars Ana Ivanovic and Daniela Hantuchova. [via Tennis News]

The TV commercial, which can be viewed on the internet at nevermissashot.com from today and will air on television in over 25 countries throughout the world, is Sony Ericsson’s first commercial to feature tennis and is a further indication of the
commitment of the Tour’s title sponsor to promote women’s tennis on an unprecedented global scale.

Click here to view commerical

Nick Jr. offers previews on Web, telephones

As further evidence of its commitment to be everywhere its audience is, Nick Jr. is using Web and mobile platforms to give a glimpse of its newest animated preschool show before it hits TV. Reuters reports.

"Beginning Tuesday, the network will launch music videos and character segments of "Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!" simultaneously on wireless carriers, Nick Jr. video, Nick Jr.'s broadband service, on air, and over "The Wubbcast," a video podcast of preschooler programming."

Garou's new album includes MobileTag

Mobile software solutions company Abaxia is including a MobileTag voucher with every copy of leading French-Canadian singer Garou's new CD, which is released today.

When scanned with a camera-phone, the Tag will give Garou fans the chance to win an exclusive meeting with the artist during his show in Paris in November.

[via Mobile Marketing Magazine]

Cameraphone Contest Will Animate Wimbledon

Mobile Marketing reports on a cameraphone competition to be held at this year's Wimbledon tennis tournament.

"At this year's event, which runs from 26 June to 9 July, spectators will be able to use their cameraphones to send photos of their favourite Wimbledon moments to a giant, Robinsons-branded display that can be seen by the 60,000 fans waiting outside to gain entry each day.

The person submitting the image that best captures the atmosphere of the event will win a pair of VIP centre court tickets for a match later in the tournament. The best pictures will also be included in a mosaic image presented on the screen at the end of each day."

Virgin Mobile Launches Wannabee Contest

Virgin Mobile UK has launched a tongue-in-cheek campaign satirising celebrity wannabees by offering someone a role in its next television ad, reports Brand Republic.

"Would-be-celebrities are encouraged to send in images of themselves via their mobile phone to 07734 999119 and to submit entry forms to Virgin Mobile stores by June 5.

Virgin Mobile's star will be chosen from a shortlist of 20 finalists and will be picked for their potential star quality.

The finalists will be invited to a grand final audition in London, which will be judged by a panel including a celebrity guest."

UK army uses mobile video to recruit

To entice new recruits into signing up, the British army is publishing the latest videos of an expedition of Army mountaineers attempting to conquer Everest, onto the mobile phones of interested parties and potential recruits. [Press release]

This expedition is an amazing feat for the army, and publishing video updates onto peoples mobile phones is a great way to publicise the event.

In addition to the climb, the teams will also be raising money for charity and assisting medical teams in researching cures into cystic fibrosis and the affects of altitude on the human body. For updates on the expedition, visit www.armyoneverest.mod.uk.

Other military related mobile phone campaign: - Text Messaging to become recruiting tool for US army

Toyota ad to be featured in "Prison Break" mobisode

The WSJ reports that "Toyota Motor and News Corp.'s Fox network plan to announce today that they have cut an extensive deal for the auto company to sponsor -- and be featured in -- a spinoff series for mobile phones of the hit drama "Prison Break".

... "Toyota says it pursued the mobile series as a way to break free from the traditional 60-second TV spot and go after young consumers."

Related:

-- Mobile product placement the next next big thing

-- PocketSpots Delivers Mini-Ads For Mobile Devices

-- Levi's launches worlwide campaign on Mobuzz TV first

Mobile product placement the next next big thing

AdJab links to a Business Week article claiming mobile advertising is the next frontier.

"... Cell phones are increasingly video compatible and of course video iPods are smaller, more convenient and allow for constant updating of content in ways that, say, portable DVD players never could.

Even more attractive is the fact that content on cell phones is malleable and can be customized based on the user. ... Doing placement deals on mobile devices is also - at least for the moment - a whole lot cheaper than those deals are on TV. That's because so many of the deals, like those on The Apprentice, also include pricey ad buys in addition to the brand placement within the show."

Related:

-- PocketSpots Delivers Mini-Ads For Mobile Devices

-- Levi's launches worlwide campaign on Mobuzz TV first

Pantech's androgynous ad

Interesting androgynous positioning for Pantech's new IM-S100 business phone (2 megapixel cameraphone) for their print campaign. [via MobileKorea.tv]

Pay your cell-phone bill by watching ads

Israeli customers of mobile operator Orange who have 3G phones will soon be able to kiss their bills goodbye -- if they're willing to watch a few commercials instead. Physorg.com reports.

"The amount of the discount depends on the number of commercials the customer watches.

In the pilot and the first stages of the plan Orange will combine ads with the Celltrix game, a product of the Cellfun company. Celltrix is currently available to Orange customers via the "Oboxlive" portal.

..."Unlike traditional advertising, cellular advertising on the Orange network puts the customer in the center, and allows him to decide at every stage whether to watch commercials, to skip directly to the game, or even to download the game without ads," the company statement said. "

PocketSpots Delivers Mini-Ads For Mobile Devices

SurfNoise, a company that provides voice advertisements, has launched Pocketspots, a mini commercial created portable devices such as iPods, mobile phones, or whatever else the future brings. [via TechWeb]

Click here for a quick 2 minute audio presentation..

The company promises to deliver the finished production within 3 business days. And also offer same day turnaround from a few select voice talent.

Levi's launches worlwide campaign on Mobuzz TV first

Levi's has launched it's worldwide campaign 5 days before TV & Cinema on Mobuzz TV, Spanish version.

Mobuzz TV has just become the first video blog with advertising.

Well done mobuzz team!

Cameraphone ad placement in Season Premiere of "24"

The San Francisco Examiner has an interesting read on product integration in TV shows. One example related to this column; the placement of a cameraphone in this season's premiere of "24".

"The nation’s future was at stake and Jack Bauer, as usual, was racing against the clock on last month’s season premiere of “24.” Stuck in an airport crawl space, he could only watch helplessly as the enemy terrorized hostages and made demands of the president.

Fortunately, the writers made sure the maverick agent had a fully charged camera phone. The sponsors made sure it was a Sprint Treo 650.

Bauer even offered a testimonial to his colleagues at headquarters: “I’m going to send you photos of the hostages. They should be clear enough for you to identify them.”