19 new stories on The Next Web today |  |
- Screenshots of Mac App Store reveal parental controls and more [TNW Apple]
- UK Council surprised its staff visits Facebook more than its own website [TNW UK]
- How to stay online over Christmas without annoying your family [TNW Apps]
- Robber holds up restaurant with an iPhone, bails when staff pull knives [TNW Apple]
- Apple to end antenna issues by placing it behind the Apple logo? [TNW Apple]
- Android Gingerbread ported to Nokia N900, the Swiss Army Knife of phones [TNW Mobile]
- 13 Year Old Korean girl refuses Apple’s water damage settlement, takes company to court [TNW Apple]
- Sony Ericsson to unveil new Xperia smartphone range on February 13 [TNW Mobile]
- The evolution of mobile: Is Windows Phone 7 what Apple should have done? [TNW Mobile]
- Ultimate geek stocking stuffer: The Emoticon Stamp [TNW Shareables]
- Angry Birds update features 15 new levels, new themes and more! [TNW Apps]
- His excitement got the better of him when his uncle did arrive… [TNW Shareables]
- Video: A stunning time lapse of this week’s lunar eclipse [TNW Shareables]
- Printable Presents: Best Online Deals for Last Minute Christmas Gifts [TNW Apps]
- The Dell Venue Pro will finally land in the UK this January 6th [TNW Microsoft]
- How to track Santa online this Christmas Eve [TNW Google]
- W+K’s 156 person holiday dinner party hosted via Skype [TNW Shareables]
- Camera+ 2: $614,000 in total sales. [Updated] [TNW Apple]
- Digitimes: Android 3.0 To Get March 2011 Release [TNW Google]
- Best Of 2010: Mobile Commerce [TNW Social Media]
| Screenshots of Mac App Store reveal parental controls and more [TNW Apple] Posted: 24 Dec 2010 03:36 AM PST
The shots reveal a few things we didn’t know before:
Set to open for business on 6 January 2011, the Mac App Store will bring Apple’s successful iOS App Store model to the desktop. It’s a move that’s likely to reinvigorate the Mac app development scene, allowing all developers’ apps (providing they meet Apple’s approval) to be browsed and downloaded in one place for the first time, opening up a potential goldmine for indie developers.
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| UK Council surprised its staff visits Facebook more than its own website [TNW UK] Posted: 24 Dec 2010 03:10 AM PST
The Daily Mail has got involved, noting “the significant amount of time some members of staff spend surfing the Internet may indicate that their role does not warrant a full-time position.” In one section, it showed one worker had spent 90 hours and ten minutes online in a month with another 73 hours and 16 minutes. eBay, Yahoo and BBC News were among the other websites visited, with the Council webpage ranking second behind Facebook. The council webpage’s ranking is probably artificially inflated because many staff set the website as their browser’s home page. It’s funny that people are surprised that staff check Facebook more than their own website? Unless your company’s website serves as an information portal, there would be no reason to check a website that barely changes from day-to-day and tells them nothing they don’t already know. As a result of this report, the council has put many sites on an internet blacklist, stopping workers from accessing Facebook and many other sites. Typically, when sites are blocked, internet users are going to spend a lot more time trying to access the websites using alternative methods. There needs to be a line in the sand where workers are allowed to browse and undertake research on the internet, outright blocking sites will lead to decreased staff motivation and extra time spent working out how to circumvent blocks. Perhaps management should be the ones to take the blame, if staff were managed better, they wouldn’t need to waste time on the internet.The Gaea Times, Image Credit [Notice: this is the RSS feed for ALL stories from across The Next Web - that means a lot of stories every day - for just our top stories, subscribe to our Top Stories RSS feed here.] |
| How to stay online over Christmas without annoying your family [TNW Apps] Posted: 24 Dec 2010 02:47 AM PST Christmas is here, and Internet addicts around the world will have mixed feelings. On one hand, it means a chance to relax and catch up with family and friends. On the other, those same people will probably be incredibly annoyed if you spend the whole day online, and let’s face it – you’re tempted, aren’t you? Here are some tips for keeping connected over the festive period without enraging those closest to you. Twitter SMS alerts
To get set up, visit the Mobile tab in Twitter’s settings. Here you can register your mobile phone number and then choose which types of tweets you want to receive. If you want to receive all tweets from a particular user, you can visit their profile and click the tiny mobile phone icon next to the ‘Follow’ button (or use text commands, see below). You can also choose to receive Direct Messages and replies to your tweets by SMS. To send a tweet yourself, just send an SMS to your country’s Twitter short code. You can also send text commands to Twitter. So, if you follow The Next Web and want to start receiving our tweets, just send “ON thenextweb” (without the quotation marks) to 86444. A full list of commands can be found on Twitter’s mobile settings page. While Twitter does not charge for SMS alerts, be aware that whether you get charged by your carrier or not depends on your carrier, so check with them if you’re not sure. Be a “Triviabuster”
Reaching for your phone or computer, you can answer your family’s trivia queries with a swift Google or Wikipedia search. Hey, if you end up checking your email or Facebook while you’re there, no-one’s going to mind. You just confirmed that, yes, George Lazenby did play James Bond in ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’. Be a Web expert
Hey, if they happen to be your favorite apps, websites and videos too, it won’t matter – everyone else will be so enthralled that it won’t matter (thanks for the suggestion, @UmarSajid) Break out the iPad
If you’re cooking a Christmas meal, you’ll have another chance to use your iPad for covert Internet access. There are plenty of recipe book apps available to download. Just pretend that you’re using one as a reference for your cookery. Then, when you’re alone you can browse-while-you-bake or tweet-while-you-tenderise. Multitasking FTW! Be discreet
Keep an eye out for any opportunity when others in the room are distracted, busy or simply can’t see you. Now’s your chance – binge on the Internet as quick as you can before anyone notices! Once you’ve done this a few times, you’ll find that you should be able to read your email and check Twitter, Facebook and anything else you want to keep an eye on in well under a minute.Image (1), Image (2), Image (3) [Notice: this is the RSS feed for ALL stories from across The Next Web - that means a lot of stories every day - for just our top stories, subscribe to our Top Stories RSS feed here.] |
| Robber holds up restaurant with an iPhone, bails when staff pull knives [TNW Apple] Posted: 24 Dec 2010 02:28 AM PST
A man from New London, Connecticut tried to rob an Indian restaurant yesterday brandishing what was thought to be a small handgun, only for it to emerge the robber was using his black iPhone when cooks confronted him with kitchen knives. Police were called to the restaurant, responding to a report of a suspicious person, learning that the man, identified as Jerome Taylor, used a back entrance to gain access to the kitchen before demanding money from the cooks. The cooks, thinking Taylor had a small handgun at the time, refused to comply with the robbers demands, grabbing kitchen knives. When confronted, Taylor apparently became apologetic, said he was only joking and that he just wanted money for his child. He subsequently fled and was apprehended a couple of hours later after a foot chase with the police. Then came a fantastic admission – Taylor claims he never had a handgun, instead he used his black iPhone to commit his attempted robbery. At first the victims were reluctant to press charges because it was the holiday season and he had a small child. However, he was charged with interfering with police, first-degree criminal attempt to commit first-degree robbery and criminal attempt to commit six-degree larceny. Now, is there an app for that?!The Day, Image Credit [Notice: this is the RSS feed for ALL stories from across The Next Web - that means a lot of stories every day - for just our top stories, subscribe to our Top Stories RSS feed here.] |
| Apple to end antenna issues by placing it behind the Apple logo? [TNW Apple] Posted: 24 Dec 2010 02:06 AM PST
The filing almost certainly comes after the “Antennagate” debacle when the iPhone 4 launched; the device would lose signal if two of the antenna housings were bridged with the hand. This led to Apple handing out free iPhone 4 cases for users that requested them and looks to have inspired a change in where the wireless antennas will be housed in the future. The patent for “logo antennas” shows the antenna placed in a housing that contains conductive sidewalls, holding compents and integrated circuits. The logo antenna woud then be able to transmit and receive radio-frequencies (both 3G and Wi-Fi), therefore gaining a clearer and ultimately stronger signal without metal stuctures or other conductive housing walls interfering.
The patent could also demonstrate Apple’s intentions to create 3G/4G-enabled laptops that can be used on the go, possibly an upgrade to the already very light and ultra-portable MacBook Air. We aren’t sure how the antenna would work behind an Apple logo on the iPhone but if it means we have a glowing LED Apple logo on the back, Apple fans have one more reason to want one.Image Credit [Notice: this is the RSS feed for ALL stories from across The Next Web - that means a lot of stories every day - for just our top stories, subscribe to our Top Stories RSS feed here.] |
| Android Gingerbread ported to Nokia N900, the Swiss Army Knife of phones [TNW Mobile] Posted: 24 Dec 2010 12:31 AM PST
In the past, developers have been able to load Windows, Linux, MeeGo, Maemo and older versions of Android, making it quintessentially the Swiss Army Knife of the mobile phone world. The rest of us Android device owners will need to hang on whilst Google readies the update for Nexus One owners and the mobile carriers decide to get moving and roll out their updates. If you have a Nokia N900, it seems the world is your oyster. [Notice: this is the RSS feed for ALL stories from across The Next Web - that means a lot of stories every day - for just our top stories, subscribe to our Top Stories RSS feed here.] |
| 13 Year Old Korean girl refuses Apple’s water damage settlement, takes company to court [TNW Apple] Posted: 24 Dec 2010 12:12 AM PST
The suit has been filed by the plaintiff’s father Lee Chul-ho on behalf of his daughter, looking to receive 294,000 won (US$251) in compensation following an Apple service centres refusal to fix the broken iPhone 3G even though it was still within the one year warranty. To test whether iPhone models have been broken as a result of dropping the handset into water, Apple manufacturers its iPhone’s with a sensor in the bottom of the device that will discolour should the handset be submerged or subjected to water damage. In this case, it appears Apple refused to fix the phone because the sensor indicated water damage, but Lee has denied any responsibility. Lee has further claimed that Apple Korea tried to silence the pair, offering to cover repair costs if his daughter would drop the suit and agree to disclose the agreement publicly. Apple has stated that this is routine procedure, trying to reach a compromise before legal proceedings begin. The child’s father denies the suit is solely for the money, stating that he believes many people have been unfairly accused of subjecting their iPhone devices to water when it has not been the case. He seeks to change the way Apple deals with the process in the future, noting that there is no point filing the suit if it’s just one person that gets the compensation:
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| Sony Ericsson to unveil new Xperia smartphone range on February 13 [TNW Mobile] Posted: 23 Dec 2010 11:46 PM PST
None of Sony Ericsson’s new line-up has been confirmed yet but that is all set to change come February 13 at the Mobile World Congress conference in Barcelona. On this date, Sony Ericsson will be introducing us to “new members of the Xperia family”, likely unveiling the Android-powered PlayStation Phone, the X12 and we feel there might even be a little space reserved for a new Windows Phone 7 handset somewhere in all of that. Sony Ericsson has trademarked the Xperia Play name, so the PlayStation Phone might go under a slightly more formal brand name. PhoneArena notes that Sony Ericsson has also registered the names for Xperia Arc, Xperia Duo, and Xperia Neo; something tells me one of them might have a little Microsoft influence. [Notice: this is the RSS feed for ALL stories from across The Next Web - that means a lot of stories every day - for just our top stories, subscribe to our Top Stories RSS feed here.] |
| The evolution of mobile: Is Windows Phone 7 what Apple should have done? [TNW Mobile] Posted: 23 Dec 2010 09:49 PM PST
Come to find out, I’m not as app-centric as I thought I might be. Rather, I make use of widgets far more than I ever open applications on my phone. Sure, I like the fact that I can listen to music, watch videos, play games and the rest, but generally speaking I’m happy that my applications simply exist when I need them but are otherwise out of sight. When Windows Phone 7 hit the market, a number of us in the technology-watching sector were pleasantly surprised. Though the phone has had its share of skeptics and issues already, Microsoft is onto something with its new OS. Mind you, it’s not the phone itself. Much like Android, the phone isn’t really the story. Herein lies the problem, though. With the iPhone, the phone actually is the story. There’s no denying that the retina display is amazing. There’s also no denying that the hardware is second-to-none (save for that slight antenna issue). But if you put that aside, focusing only on the OS, I think it’s safe to say that even Apple might have something to learn from what Microsoft is doing.
It’s as if the Android developers looked at iOS and say “hey, that’s great, but what if you didn’t have to open an app to see the weather and Twitter updates?” With that thought, widgets were born. Not to replace apps, mind you, but rather to be time-saving supplements to them. Today, some of my favorite apps are the ones that simply have great widgets. That’s been my sole complaint about TweetDeck on Android — the app is great, but the widget sucks. Seesmic still wins that widget race, hands down. But then Ballmer and crew step in. They look at the next glaring reality and decide that it’s time to do something about the problem. That reality? There’s all of this screen space, all of these home screens…and there’s not a lot filling them. So what if we just narrowed down to a single, primary screen where all of your most important information was shared? What if you could fully customize that screen to show what you really wanted and thus eliminated the majority of need to open any applications? Would it speed up the overall process of using your phone? The Windows Phone 7 commercials would have us believe just that. And so I posit to you, dear readers, that perhaps Apple needs to rework its way of thinking about iOS. Sure, iPhone users love their apps, but wouldn’t they also like widgets? Is this evolution, seemingly at the next iteration via Microsoft, the direction that Apple should have gone in the first place? Would the iPhone vs Android battle be even more bloody if both operating systems functioned in the same way? Or is Apple just doing what it’s famous for doing?
As it stands, iOS is still the hands-down winner for quality applications, But in a user market that appears to be shifting toward faster operation, can Apple choose to ignore that move without suffering for it? Or maybe I’m completely off and widgets are simply useless GUI pieces. Whatever your opinion, I’d love to hear it in the comments. [Notice: this is the RSS feed for ALL stories from across The Next Web - that means a lot of stories every day - for just our top stories, subscribe to our Top Stories RSS feed here.] |
| Ultimate geek stocking stuffer: The Emoticon Stamp [TNW Shareables] Posted: 23 Dec 2010 02:31 PM PST Last minute Christmas list addition! This Emoticon stamp, designed by Gingami for Gung and made of natural wood, steel and rubber, offers over 2,000 variations of analogue expression “for the digital soul.”
A video of the toy in action: Cost: 2,700 yen or about US $30. Buy here, but make sure to throw Google Translate on first unless you know how to read Japanese. via @Flavorpill via @Blankcanvas [Notice: this is the RSS feed for ALL stories from across The Next Web - that means a lot of stories every day - for just our top stories, subscribe to our Top Stories RSS feed here.] |
| Angry Birds update features 15 new levels, new themes and more! [TNW Apps] Posted: 23 Dec 2010 02:08 PM PST
In version 1.5.0 one will get the following early holiday presents:
These updates are nothing short of grand. I’ve downloaded the update and know the remainder of my day is shot. If you don’t have Angry Birds, get it here for you iOS device, or here for Android, and enjoy! [Notice: this is the RSS feed for ALL stories from across The Next Web - that means a lot of stories every day - for just our top stories, subscribe to our Top Stories RSS feed here.] |
| His excitement got the better of him when his uncle did arrive… [TNW Shareables] Posted: 23 Dec 2010 02:07 PM PST [Notice: this is the RSS feed for ALL stories from across The Next Web - that means a lot of stories every day - for just our top stories, subscribe to our Top Stories RSS feed here.] |
| Video: A stunning time lapse of this week’s lunar eclipse [TNW Shareables] Posted: 23 Dec 2010 01:51 PM PST This week on December 21st, we were treated to an awe inspiring lunar eclipse. Not just any lunar eclipse, but the Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse, the kind that happens about once every 400 years. If you were like me and either forgot or were too sleepy to stay awake on Tuesday, watch this beautiful time lapsed video that was recorded in Gainesville, Florida at 1:10am EST to 5:03am EST by William L. Castleman.
Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse from William Castleman on Vimeo. Music is Claude Debussy Nocturnes: Sirènes. via @Joe’s Daily [Notice: this is the RSS feed for ALL stories from across The Next Web - that means a lot of stories every day - for just our top stories, subscribe to our Top Stories RSS feed here.] |
| Printable Presents: Best Online Deals for Last Minute Christmas Gifts [TNW Apps] Posted: 23 Dec 2010 10:16 AM PST
Gift CertificatesThese are an easy out for last-minute shoppers. We recommend the following: Spotify Premium Account
Netflix Account
Basis Foods
Tribair
Watch this video on Tribair in 90 seconds: 23 and Me Genetics Test
Other ideas that aren’t exactly The Next Webby? Massage gift certificates! Gym memberships! And airplane tickets are made of paper! @FrommersTravel: 10 Last-Minute Winter Holiday Deals: Amsterdam & Paris, Tahiti & more. [Notice: this is the RSS feed for ALL stories from across The Next Web - that means a lot of stories every day - for just our top stories, subscribe to our Top Stories RSS feed here.] |
| The Dell Venue Pro will finally land in the UK this January 6th [TNW Microsoft] Posted: 23 Dec 2010 10:11 AM PST
Happily, for any of my brethren of the ‘special relationship’ your wait is in fact nearly over: the phone will go on sale this January 6th. Rejoice and harken to my voice, it seems that Dell does at last have its manufacturing house in order, and has solved the technical problems that have hampered the phone. We here in the US ran guinea-pig for your benefit. All that aside, with now a comfortable 1.5 million Windows Phone 7 handsets sold, and platform momentum continuing to be strong, Microsoft intends to strike while the iron is hot. Right now the phone line is new, and thus intriguing, and that combined with the holiday sales cycle is providing Microsoft a shot to get a first rush of handsets sold to attract the all-important third-party developers. It is fascinating that the iPhone launched with no app store and no mass-market third-party development, isn’t it?Top Image Credit, TheUnwired [Notice: this is the RSS feed for ALL stories from across The Next Web - that means a lot of stories every day - for just our top stories, subscribe to our Top Stories RSS feed here.] |
| How to track Santa online this Christmas Eve [TNW Google] Posted: 23 Dec 2010 08:40 AM PST
As Father Christmas hops on his sleigh tomorrow night, you’re spoiled for choice if you want to follow his progress. Google has announced five ways of tracking the big man as he races around the globe.
This is the sixth year running that Google has worked with NORAD on Santa Tracker, a tradition which started as an employee “20% time” project and became an official Google endeavour from 2007.Image source [Notice: this is the RSS feed for ALL stories from across The Next Web - that means a lot of stories every day - for just our top stories, subscribe to our Top Stories RSS feed here.] |
| W+K’s 156 person holiday dinner party hosted via Skype [TNW Shareables] Posted: 23 Dec 2010 08:03 AM PST “'Tis the season for too much food and drunken face-to-face time,” says Wieden + Kennedy, an International advertising agency based in Portland, Oregon has offices around the world, including Amsterdam, London, New York, Tokyo, Shanghai and Delhi. Thinking that it would be a real shame if distance came between food and drunken face-to-face time, W+K hosted a holiday dinner in Amsterdam last week with friends and family via Skype. 156 people joined in from 6 continents to have dinner together last Wednesday and Thursday. The W+K Amsterdam team even created a facial tracking app that allows diners to control their doll by simply moving their face side to side. Check out the video here:
Virtual Holiday Dinner from virtual holidaydinner on Vimeo. (Good thing it wasn’t this Wednesday and Thursday considering Skype was down!) via @amalucky + DigitalBuzz Blog [Notice: this is the RSS feed for ALL stories from across The Next Web - that means a lot of stories every day - for just our top stories, subscribe to our Top Stories RSS feed here.] |
| Camera+ 2: $614,000 in total sales. [Updated] [TNW Apple] Posted: 23 Dec 2010 07:52 AM PST
What’s the explanation? It’s a testament to what word of mouth can do. While the first time around the Camera+ team credited the media, this time it’s likely that credit is due to itself. When you create a great application, then you manage to simply make it better, sales will happen. We’re constantly amazed here at TNW when we see applications come out that trump the previous versions. Just when you think that things can’t get better, a new application will come along to completely disrupt the competition. It’s this strive for perfection that keeps apps exciting and places Apple in the forefront of application hosts. By the way, we too questioned the sales figures. That being the case, we wanted to make perfectly sure, so we asked:
Update: As sometimes happens, text doesn’t translate well in communication. That said, we received a follow-up email from the tap tap tap team:
On the recovery from a launch of that caliber, it’s no wonder that the team and I didn’t exactly see things as they happened. That said, our apologies for the mistake. All we can go on is the information that we’re provided. [Notice: this is the RSS feed for ALL stories from across The Next Web - that means a lot of stories every day - for just our top stories, subscribe to our Top Stories RSS feed here.] |
| Digitimes: Android 3.0 To Get March 2011 Release [TNW Google] Posted: 23 Dec 2010 07:36 AM PST
The chinese trade publication published a report on the preparations of Elitegroup Computer System (ECS), Asustek Computer and Micro-Star International (MSI) as they ready Windows, Linux and Android tablets for public consumption at CES come January 6. Digitimes casually mentions the Android 3.0 release date in the following passage:
File this one as a rumour, we have no confirmation that March is when Android 3.0 will drop. We may get a clearer picture come January if manufacturers start demonstrating their Android 3.0 devices, revealing release dates in the process.Image Credit [Notice: this is the RSS feed for ALL stories from across The Next Web - that means a lot of stories every day - for just our top stories, subscribe to our Top Stories RSS feed here.] |
| Best Of 2010: Mobile Commerce [TNW Social Media] Posted: 23 Dec 2010 07:34 AM PST
Mobile has not yet played an important role as a selling point as much as a shopping companion, even while making in-store purchases, for checking reviews, getting product info and comparing prices. A 2010 survey uncovered that viewing in-store specials before entering a store, getting driving directions, finding out if an item is in stock, locating items in-store and using their phone as a loyalty card are considered much more important as features than having the ability to complete a mobile purchase . 2010 was a turning point for mobile shopping with 44% of smartphone users downloading shopping apps and mobile commerce (m-commerce) sales increasing to $3.4 billion from $1.4 billion in 2009. This is just a stepping stone for what it is to come in 2011 when the rapid growth of mobile payments and innovation in m-commerce solutions are expected to transform the way we shop on and off line. Who rocked m-commerce in 2010?Transforming in-store shopping events: Brands, especially fashion and cosmetics, have tried using mobile devices in-store to spice up the customer's experience. So far we've witnessed this trend manifest itself mostly in using iPads as a display for new product presentations, but there have also been some fresh examples, like Burberry's “Retail Theatre“ application that allowed attendees of the special events streaming the London Fashion Week runway show for spring/summer 2011 at global Burberry boutiques to order items right off the runway with a few weeks arrival time. Mobile devices can be valuable tools for the sellers, to assist customers make more informative purchasing decisions and to speed-up customer service in-store. Utility apps: Shoppers expect more from a retailer's app than pretty images and an address book. It's up to brands to create utility apps that focus on the customer's convenience to keep them engaged at the time that most people erase apps at the same speed that they download them. A great example of this is the drugstore chain Walgreen Co.s’ Android app that allows consumers to scan the bar code on a prescription bottle and instantly order a refill. Customers can opt to receive a text message alert when their order is ready for pickup. 1-800Flowers has also a great mobile presence, both with apps and a mobile site that make it easy to order the right gift for any occasion. Pizza Hut provides the option to place an order through mobile web or an iPhone app, but only for U.S. residents at the time. A first for UK supermarkets was the Tesco app that enabled its customers to add specific items to their online shopping basket at anytime with a simple barcode scan. Mobile payment: In 2010 numerous mobile payment applications have launched as consumers get used to using their smartphones as wallets. iTunes, Google Checkout and Amazon keep the user's billing and shipping information on file making the check out time super short for returning customers. Credit card companies like Visa and MasterCard have launched their own applications, while it's been reported that AT&T and Verizon plan to replace credit cards with smartphones. Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey's Square, that allows people to accept credit card payments directly from their mobile was the most talked about of a series of start ups focusing on mobile payments like Zong, Boku, Venmo, Paypal and Fortumo. Starbucks was the first big brand to roll out a mobile payments initiative in selected stores across U.S, allowing customers to just scan their phones to pay. It remains to be seen which of these different efforts will prevail in 2011. Mobile with style: Mobile apps have been the new black for fashion brands in 2010, with many of them managing to balance utility features with beautiful design. Tommy Hilfiger's iPhone app with focus on the images and full shopping functionality, while Polo Ralph Lauren with the Rugby Ralph Lauren Make Your Own app took the m-shopping experience a step further enabling the users to design, share and purchase their own rugby shirt, polo shirt, or sweater. DVF offers mobile shopping as well with DVF's exclusive promotions for its mobile shoppers, keeping the mobile experience branded yet unique. Gilt launched one of the first iPad apps with unexpected success; just one day after the device debuted, 2.4% of Gilt's sales came from the iPad, inspiring Gilt to host a series of mobile-only sales. Fashion and luxury brands were slow to get into the tech scene, but in 2010 they went in full force. It will be interesting having turned so much of their efforts and budgets on technology innovation to see how they will use it to stay relevant in 2011. Mobile coupons: U.S. mobile coupon spending is expected to climb from $90 million in 2009 to $6.53 billion in 2014, although this is still well below Internet coupon spending, which will grow from $4.2 billion to $22.6 billion over that span. Since the coupon concept is already familiar to retailers the transition from print to mobile coupons was smooth. Target, which was named 2010 Mobile Retailer of the Year, was one of the first retailers to offer scannable mobile coupons for redemption at checkout. Macy's partnered with Shopkick to boost up sales through location-based mobile rewards, while brands like Gap, JCPenney and Tasti-D Lite have chosen to deliver their offers through location-based social media platforms like Foursquare, Gowalla and Facebook Places. One issue retails will have to face in 2011 is keep the mobile couponing procedure as simple as possible as they will have to train their staff to accept mobile coupons and possibly install the necessary equipment to scan them. Also the use of so many different platforms by retailers could be confusing to the customer, who already seems to suffer from a check-in overload. Mixing the offline with the online world: Mobile barcodes that link the physical with the online world have been widely used this past year as a source of richer product information while shopping in-store. BestBuy has included 2D bar codes in store that the customer can scan with the BestBuy app to retrieve relevant product info, offers and rewards. Food and beverage companies have also used codes to provide consumers with information about their products' origins online, like Coca-Cola UK. Mobile codes have also been used to "steal" customers while in-store like the Amazon and eBay apps that support barcode scanning for price comparison. The La Redoute app went beyond the codes with the use of image recognition allowing shopping through its print catalog just by snapping a photo of the desired item with a phone’s camera. Barnes and Noble’s bookstore app also uses visual search, so the user can get product information, reviews and ratings, as well as reserve a copy in a nearby store by snapping a photo of the front cover of the book, CD or DVD. A challenge for 2011 will be the development of a code that can be read by any mobile phone as the wide variety of codes and applications to read them, may leave the customer unsatisfied and confused. Image recognition technology holds great promise, with Google already investing in visual search. Have you m-shopped in 2010? What is your biggest wish as a mobile consumer for 2011? [Notice: this is the RSS feed for ALL stories from across The Next Web - that means a lot of stories every day - for just our top stories, subscribe to our Top Stories RSS feed here.] |
A secret audit report has found out that staff working at Waverley Borough Council are visiting Facebook more than their own website during the day, a report that looks to spell out just how much businesses losing through “internet misuse”.
This one might make you chuckle.
It seems there isn’t much you can’t do with the Nokia N900, it can run just about any platform you want to throw at it. The guys over at NitDroid have managed to bring Google’s latest Android Gingerbread firmware to the device, making it one of only a small number of handsets that is currently running the software.
A 13 year old girl will be 
Sony Ericsson has done a smashing job building buzz for its new range of smartphones – handsets that will be super thin and powerful to gaming devices like its upcoming PlayStation Phone.
Angry Birds from Rovio, recently unleashed the “
It’s two days before Christmas. You could do a mad dash to the mall and fight over a parking space with every other stressed out suburbanite driving a Suburau. But did you ever think about all those lovely people who have to work today and tomorrow because you were too lazy to plan ahead? (Macy’s is open 24 hours before Christmas.) How about simply shopping online this year? Say it: Printable Presents. It just sounds dreamy. We put together a list of as many as we could for your perusing pleasure.
Ah, the coveted Spotify account. Pick up a few 
And now to make our friends in Europe jealous, how about giving someone a 
For the epicureans in your life, look into giving a gift from 
Without indulging in schadenfreude, 
Want to know whether your soon-to-be husband is Daddy material? Get him this gift for Christmas. Or perhaps you could selfishly get one for your identical twin sibling. Or for your Med school lab partner. Whomever the recipient may be, this is an off-the-beaten path pretty hip gift. I literally just spit into my 
A few months ago, 
According to 
The explosive global growth of the smartphone market has inevitably lead to the corresponding growth of the mobile Web. According to | You are subscribed to email updates from The Next Web To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
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