Check this out… for all of you techy golf fanatics (not sure if there is that many people falling into the demographic actually). This new app, created by Blast Radius is the Nike+ for golfers everywhere.
The app allows users to track, tune and share their game on the go… and when you think about it, it’s basically a training or performance tool designed to help the user enhance their game. It will allow you track distances, score how you’re playing and even give you training videos to improve your strength. So all round and great piece of kit for those who use it to it’s full potential.
Now if you know me, you’ll know that I think Nike can do no wrong… but I can’t help think that they have missed a trick with this one. The audience is small without a doubt. How many old farts can you see using this on a day to day basis while hitting the links? Oh and one more thing… I don’t think they’ve thought about mobile phone bans on the course either.
J
This is a nice little idea from VW which uses their Youtube channel.
We all know how original songs get copied and reposted and sometimes the new versions are a little more entertaining than the original… any one remember this for example? It’s right to assume that these copies sometimes get more clicks than the originals so in the VW video, the ads that get displayed give the message that VW only uses 100% genuine parts. If you then click on that banner, it will take you to the original song.
Not groundbreaking or anything like that, just a nice use of Youtube.
J
So you may have heard of this already, but yet another social media platform has been launched quite recently and it goes by the name of Path.
So what’s it all about? In a nutshell, Path is a new personal networking app for the iPhone letting you share what is going on in your life with friends and family. I know what you’re thinking, “Nothing new about that”, but wait… there’s more. I suppose you could say that it’s like Twitter or Instagram, but it’s kind of not as well. Let me explain.
Unlike the other social media platforms out there, Path caps you at 50 friends, so you’re not getting any of those people who have 25 billion buddies… you know the ones! The idea behind it is that it’s based on privacy and (to quote them) “when you know you’re just sharing with people you really trust, you’ll be far more inclined to share without any inhibition.”
Also, photos are the crux. Snap a photo and then tag it with any number of people, places or things and then shoot it off to your chums. What happens then is that it will present itself on their own Paths, allowing your friends to ‘see’ what you have posted.
For me personally, its just something that has been done before with a new twist… like a peanut KitKat or a caffeine free Coke. I’m not sure how long this will last and even though it was named App of the Week by Apple, I really can’t see how it will stay above water. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare have stayed at the top of their games for one reason and it’s because they are in a league of their own. They were new and like nothing else before. Newly launched platforms need to up their game if they want to survive.
Have a look here for yourself and see what you think, but for me, the novelty will wear off soon, if it even exists.
J
MY TIME IS NOW
The unveiling of Nike’s latest advertising effort “My Time is Now” has (it goes without saying) caused a bit of a stir since airing during the ad break of Saturday’s Champion’s League final.
The spot, created by Wieden+Kennedy and AKQA London, marks the launch of a new integrated effort which will also cover digital, outdoor and print while neatly tying back into their recent and broader #MAKEITCOUNT campaign. Predictably epic, the ad features a whole host of recognisable footy players but what’s interesting is the focus on the young up and coming ‘talent’ who flood the pitch throughout the ad turning the what should be normal game between Holland and France into a giant free-for-all.
Now you might just be thinking “So what. Its just another huge ad by Nike, showcasing silky skills etc etc like they usually do”. Well, in a word, yes that is one of the main attractions to this, but the interesting thing is that the spot also debuted in a more interactive guise on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube (where it has already racked up over 9 million views) and nikefootball.com, where visitors were invited to explore nine additional ‘tunnels’ of content by clicking on specific tabs in the video. These ranged from a pep talk from the ex-Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, to a full workout regime supposedly used by Christiano Ronaldo himself. Most significant, however, is the tunnel which introduces viewers to The Chance - Nike Football’s global talent scouting competition (via AKQA London) - and in doing so, explains the campaign’s focus on young, unsigned players.
For me, the great thing about this is the fact that all of the content is hidden in the one video rather than the usual Youtube channel showcasing various content. I like the rabbit hole style of it all. For me personally, I took it upon myself to find everything, spending up to half a hour searching for the content, and I don’t think I’ll be the only one doing it.
Once again, we have another stroke of genius here from Nike and the only question that remains is what are they going to do next? I for one look forward to finding out.
J (@jjcranney)
Ok, here it is… the shameless beg for money from you all!
This month, I am participating in the global phenomenon that is Movember! It’s a great cause raising money for Prostate and Testicular Cancer the world over. I’m sure you know all about it, so I’ll not bore you with the details. What I am going to do, is ask you for money though.
Think of it this way, I am growing a ridiculous piece of face furniture on my top lip. I looks horrendous, it’s itchy and if I get called Hitler or Basil Fawlty one more time I may actually loose it and become physically violent!
So in return for the torment that I am putting myself through this month I ask that each of you make a small donation to this great cause… every £ counts.
All you have to do is go to this link: http://uk.movember.com/donate/ search for either John Cranney or Valesquez (our team name) and follow the links to donate.
Mo on… you Mo you want to! ;-)
J
