SMS Radio

Those aren’t call letters, it’s yet another take on moving radio from broadcast to a modern media.  And with more than a billion java-enabled handsets sold last year, I’d say it’s a pretty smart move.

PM1 SMS, a service aimed at radio stations, turns handsets into marketing ma-chines.

Actually, I like it. It’s total modern media.  It gives listeners new kinds of access to their music and moves advertising just a touch closer to where more of it should be - on-demand.  But, more importantly, the revenue and purchasing models signal the move toward true mobile commerce and that advertising models are thinking modern while gaining mainstream traction.

Listeners text a five-digit code to the radio station which triggers a plethora of expected choices - everything from artist information, wallpaper and alerts to downloading the ringtone, buying music on iTunes or grabbing concert tickets on the go.  Of course there are the necessary polls, contest entry and feedback.  But, listeners can also request certain radio content on-demand and use “text tags” to get advertiser information and special promotions (that would be Frame of Mind marketing) – and of course buy non-music products, all with their everywhere-I-go handset.

A key and unique feature is listeners set up an M-Wallet account with the radio station and purchases are charged against the credit card on file.  Currently, almost all purchasing done via mobile phone (for U.S. audiences at least) is through mobile service provider. Let true m-commerce begin!

PM1 SMS differs from Nokia’s Visual Radio in that Visual Radio is primarily a “push” model which then allows some limited user response opportunities.  PM1 SMS is listener-initiated, two-way, get-it-when—where-I-want-it radio. 

Virgin Radio launch an SMS response service last year – so we’re not too surprised that Virgin Mobile is just one major customer signing on with PM1 SMS.

Good call!

Technofashion

Fashion is always a reflection of what is happening in society, and “technofashion” is very modern media. Fashion is keeping our modern media tools at hand, helping us incorporate it into our personal expression and self-extension. Yesterday it was our car or house – today it is our modern media.

The iShirt integrates the iPod Shuffle right into the shirt via a magnetic clasp. This quintessential Podcast accessory keeps your ipod firmly attached even during vigorous activity. PodBrix, the maker, also offers limited edition iPod-related merchandise.

Although we’ve featured phones and cases that are jewel-studded to fur trimmed, this waterproof iPod case by Otterbox takes iPod where it couldn’t go before - swimming, kayaking, or jet skiing. They’re serious about enabling “what I want, when I want it” media.

And, Motorola is at it again, this time with Oakley, creating Bluetooth sunglasses, riding a fashion trend in “connected” clothing. The joint venture provides communications “anywhere and everywhere consumers want to be.” Watch for more fashion that is reflecting, incorporating and enabling modern media. More importantly, how can your product keep customers connected

iPod-Friendly Autos

Another nod to “my media,” General Motors puts an “iPod” jack into the consoles of their 2006 vehicles. Drivers can control the iPod through steering wheel controls and the track information is displayed on the vehicle’s sound system. BMW and Lexus have adapters in the glove compartment, but GM was the first to announce integration into the console. Considering the wildly popular iPod mini debuted in January 2004, this is a modern media miracle of swift adoption and integration.

Coming soon, mobile Wi-Fi so we can also download on the go!

Personal Media to Go

And you thought iPods were just for music. MP3 players have moved to multi-media. Photo and video files are just as mobile as music.

SMS Radio

Those aren’t call letters, it’s yet another take on moving radio from broadcast to a modern media.  And with more than a billion java-enabled handsets sold last year, I’d say it’s a pretty smart move.

PM1 SMS, a service aimed at radio stations, turns handsets into marketing ma-chines.

Actually, I like it. It’s total modern media.  It gives listeners new kinds of access to their music and moves advertising just a touch closer to where more of it should be - on-demand.  But, more importantly, the revenue and purchasing models signal the move toward true mobile commerce and that advertising models are thinking modern while gaining mainstream traction.

Listeners text a five-digit code to the radio station which triggers a plethora of expected choices - everything from artist information, wallpaper and alerts to downloading the ringtone, buying music on iTunes or grabbing concert tickets on the go.  Of course there are the necessary polls, contest entry and feedback.  But, listeners can also request certain radio content on-demand and use “text tags” to get advertiser information and special promotions (that would be Frame of Mind marketing) – and of course buy non-music products, all with their everywhere-I-go handset.

A key and unique feature is listeners set up an M-Wallet account with the radio station and purchases are charged against the credit card on file.  Currently, almost all purchasing done via mobile phone (for U.S. audiences at least) is through mobile service provider. Let true m-commerce begin!

PM1 SMS differs from Nokia’s Visual Radio in that Visual Radio is primarily a “push” model which then allows some limited user response opportunities.  PM1 SMS is listener-initiated, two-way, get-it-when—where-I-want-it radio. 

Virgin Radio launch an SMS response service last year – so we’re not too surprised that Virgin Mobile is just one major customer signing on with PM1 SMS.

Good call!

Technofashion

Fashion is always a reflection of what is happening in society, and “technofashion” is very modern media. Fashion is keeping our modern media tools at hand, helping us incorporate it into our personal expression and self-extension. Yesterday it was our car or house – today it is our modern media.

The iShirt integrates the iPod Shuffle right into the shirt via a magnetic clasp. This quintessential Podcast accessory keeps your ipod firmly attached even during vigorous activity. PodBrix, the maker, also offers limited edition iPod-related merchandise.

Although we’ve featured phones and cases that are jewel-studded to fur trimmed, this waterproof iPod case by Otterbox takes iPod where it couldn’t go before - swimming, kayaking, or jet skiing. They’re serious about enabling “what I want, when I want it” media.

And, Motorola is at it again, this time with Oakley, creating Bluetooth sunglasses, riding a fashion trend in “connected” clothing. The joint venture provides communications “anywhere and everywhere consumers want to be.” Watch for more fashion that is reflecting, incorporating and enabling modern media. More importantly, how can your product keep customers connected

iPod-Friendly Autos

Another nod to “my media,” General Motors puts an “iPod” jack into the consoles of their 2006 vehicles. Drivers can control the iPod through steering wheel controls and the track information is displayed on the vehicle’s sound system. BMW and Lexus have adapters in the glove compartment, but GM was the first to announce integration into the console. Considering the wildly popular iPod mini debuted in January 2004, this is a modern media miracle of swift adoption and integration.

Coming soon, mobile Wi-Fi so we can also download on the go!

Personal Media to Go

And you thought iPods were just for music. MP3 players have moved to multi-media. Photo and video files are just as mobile as music.