The Mobile Marketing Blog - TellMyCell

Apple Dodge More Legal Wrangles

A federal judge threw out a case against Apple, claiming the tech giant used its iMessage system to intercept text messages to Android phones. The case also claimed Apple prevented these messages from being sent, but the courts ruled earlier this year that it wasn’t of the class action variety. The plaintiffs—a husband, wife, and family friend—had attempted to prove the company was violating federal wiretap laws. 

These plaintiffs were Apple users who switched to Android between 2012 and 2014. The case started when an iCloud issue prevented iMessage texts from reaching their destinations. The plaintiffs said the glitch resulted in illegal surveillance. They noted that Apple keeping the “contents” of iMessages sent from iPhones to Android phones and sometimes failing to deliver the messages was a violation of the Stored Communications Act and Federal Wiretap Act.

 

Apple’s Response 

The company argued that because the plaintiffs sued after they switched to Android, they really didn’t have a case. Apple said in its court motion that this made it impossible to know whether texts sent to their “iMessage-associated numbers went to their Apple or Android devices.” 

Apple eventually fixed the problem, but won’t have to fork over monetary compensation. The company created a website that de-registers phone numbers from their iMessage service, though users can also disable iMessage on their iPhones before placing their SIM cards in Android devices. 

“Apple takes customer satisfaction extremely seriously, but the law does not provide a remedy when, as here, technology simply does not function as [the] plaintiff subjectively believes it should,” a spokesperson for the company said in a statement. 

Several carriers are now offering features similar to iMessage, including the ability to see what the other person is typing. T-Mobile, for example, announced last summer that the Samsung Galaxy S5 and S6 phones would feature advanced messaging services through a software update. Features include “rich” one-on-one group messaging, such as near-real-time chat and the ability to share high-res photos and videos up to 10 MB. This is in addition to seeing what the person you’re chatting with is typing. 

T-Mobile says their advanced messaging service “is built to work across all devices, makers and operating systems--and wireless operators."

Ironically, some note that the Apple case is reminiscent of something Steve Jobs said in 2010. Jobs announced that Apple was going to make FaceTime an open standard, but it never happened. And while the concept of having FaceTime video chat functionality available in more devices and applications is an attractive one, it’s still unlikely to occur anytime soon. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as some industry experts argue Facetime is simply a way for Apple to keep its customers. 

Will more cases like Apple’s crop up in reaction to advanced text messaging services, or did the company nip the problem in the bud? The plaintiffs weren’t able to prove Apple broke any laws, but the issue sure did annoy a lot of users who made the switch to Android. Hopefully, other companies will ensure such problems won’t occur before they roll out advanced messaging services. 

 

The Best Smartphones in 2015

It’s that time of year again—no, not Christmas—a breakdown of the best smartphones of 2015! That’s right, it’s not too late to get great deals on the best phones of the year, and you’ll want to know who made this year’s cut and why before you make your purchase. 

 

#5 HTC One M9

This brand has come a long way this year, and for people who enjoy the minimalistic design of Apple, but prefer the Android operating system, this is a perfect mobile arrangement. 

Great features on this phone include solid build and utility, BoomSound audio and Sense overlay. While the camera isn’t the best the industry has to offer, for strict utility users, this is an affordable and thoughtful choice. The HTC One A9 is also pretty good, and it looks a lot like the iPhone. 

 

#4 Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+

For users on the fence about getting a phablet, this Samsung device is your 2015 champion. The sleek and enormous screen size helps busy users see and do more with advanced camera and video features, which make getting social both a breeze and more enjoyable. 

If you like everything about this phone but don’t think this device will fit in your pocket, the Samsung Galaxy S6 has all the same great guts in a more traditional sized smartphone. 

 

#3 Sony Xperia Z5

This is a great phone for people who take their smartphone with them everywhere—we’re talking the mountains, scuba diving, you name it! This device is waterproof, dustproof and by all accounts indestructible. It also features the latest Snapdragon processor with 3GB of RAM.

This phone is certainly not the cheapest phone on the list this year, but depending on your daily activities, this phone could be well worth the small investment. 

 

#2 iPhone 6S Plus

We just couldn’t have a list without an Apple product in the mix, now could we? And the iPhone 6S Plus surely don’t disappoint. Yes, the 6S Plus is more expensive than its sibling the 6S, but it’s well worth the money if you’re thinking about upgrading your iPhone to a 2015 model. 

The iPhone 6S Plus is beautifully designed, features an awesome 3D Touch screen, fuss-free camera, and brilliant display. 

The other major advantage to the 6S Plus is the extra battery life it affords, which is a problem for most smartphone users. 

 

#1 Samsung Galaxy S6

Price drops on this incredibly good smartphone make it not only the most affordable smartphone this year, and dollar-for-dollar the most powerful handset on the market. 

The 5.1-inch screen is more than big enough to play, chat and snap just about anything you want, while still being small enough to be both lightweight and portable. Both the picture and video quality is an Instagram lover’s dream, which includes QHD display and a nifty TouchWiz overlay for ease of use. 

If you’re in the market for an end of the year upgrade make sure to grab one of these models to ensure you get one of the very best smartphones of 2015. 

 

10 Mobile Marketing Predictions for the New Year

The time to ring in the New Year is fast approaching, resulting in plenty of mobile marketing predictions for 2016. The world is increasingly a mobile-centric place, so what’s likely to happen to this essential industry in the coming months? 

 

1) Apps in the Mainstream

Apps are increasingly the choice advertising avenue for many brands, and have replaced more “traditional” marketing means. Marketers are set to provide more utility and value within their apps, which will become the go-to in regards to customer loyalty and rewards, engagement, and the purchase of goods and services. Management of billing and payments via apps is becoming more commonplace as well. Brands pander to the independent shopper, the jet setter, and the otherwise-very-busy consumer interested in getting what he wants and needs quickly.

 

2) Ad Unit Evolution

Popular ad units are predicted to evolve seriously in 2016. The user experience is in the forefront of advertiser and publisher minds, causing them to push for more native ad placements. Such ads are less annoying and disruptive to consumers. The days of the one-banner-to-rule-them-all approach are coming to a close, as advertisers will instead focus on options that better match the medium. Users are subsequently engaged rather than distracted. 

 

3) More Fun With Beacons

Beacons and other location-based advertising strategies will continue to grow and thrive in 2016. A Google Eddystone study noted that 85 percent of the top 100 retailers are set to adopt beacon technology by the end of the New Year, with beacons also set to influence some $4 billion of U.S. retail sales. 

 

4) Personalized Messages

Marketers now have the chance to craft the highly personalized messages they want, thanks to data and real-time technologies. Next-generation platforms make it easy for marketers to learn from disparate data sources, pair them with real-time mobile signals—including those for movement and location—and create incredibly personalized “mobile moments” consumers are sure to enjoy. 

 

5) Meaningful Mobile Commerce

The New Year is expected to be the year mobile commerce gets its shot. According to eMarketer , m-commerce sales will increase by 32 percent in 2016, which is much faster than e-commerce. 

 

6) Mobile Budget Increase

The influence mobile is having on this year’s holiday shopping season is paving the way for a huge shift in focus. Forrester Research predicts mobile as the fastest-growing of the digital channels, and suggests brands will use mobile to create “big, hairy, audacious goals.” Evidence of this transition began all the way back in 2014, when Hilton announced a $500 million investment in mobile technologies. 

 

7) Cross Device Tracking and Targeting

The cross device tracking market needs a leader. This means advertisers should use their first-party data in conjunction with third-party data sources to create a comprehensive approach for cross-device tracking and targeting. Working with ad platforms that offer DMP capabilities expedites the process. 

 

8) Mobile-Informed Predictive Decisions

The aforementioned burgeoning importance of location and movement data in “predicting the next best offer” means brands will likely leverage their mobile signals to  “sharpen targeting and create look-alike models to reach similar consumers in other digital channels with hyper-relevant offers.” Machine learning allows for further optimization of big data over time.

 

9) Less Ad Blocking Concern

Advertisers won’t be as intimidated by ad blocking as they used to be. Why? The mobile web doesn’t affect in-app campaigns. 

 

10) Transparency in Programmatic Advertising

Advertisers and publishers alike are calling for greater programmatic advertising transparency. Publishers require improved access to data to determine what ads and companies are the most successful, while advertisers want to know what they’re paying for and obtain that coveted return on investment. 

Festive Apps for the Holidays

Shopping for holiday apps in the app store may not be your idea of embracing the Christmas spirit, but with more holiday apps to choose from, getting in touch with your inner Cringle has never been easier. From Christmas countdowns to unique gift ideas, here’s a list of festive holiday apps sure to warm your winter season:

 

Dreamdays 

For the minimalist, Dreamdays is a stylish countdown app available for both iOS and Android. In addition to counting down the days till Christmas, this app can be used after the holidays to count down other annual or personal events. 

 

Christmas Countdown 2015

If you’re looking for a more aggressive countdown, Christmas Countdown is an assertive app that packs a holiday-themed punch with daily quotes, gaudy Christmas interface, and announcements. This app is only available for iOS, but will pair nicely with parents and overly enthusiastic holiday elves.  

 

Etsy 

Along with knowing how many days are left before Christmas, ensuring you get gifts for everyone on your list is equally important. For gift-givers looking for unique and vintage pieces, Etsy serves up homemade items that will please the creatives on your list. This app is available for iOS and Android, and customers should be sure to order early as some items are shipped from overseas.  

 

Geek

This app comes from established developer ContextLogic and covers a wide array of products from wearable tech to home décor. In addition to its simple category-based interface, Geek also curates a shopping list based on behavior and extends special offers up to 80% off. Geek is available for iOS and Android and is sure to keep on giving well after the holidays are through. 

 

25 Days of Christmas 

If you’re a mobile game player, then Advent’s 25 Days of Christmas is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Enjoy a new game each day, leading up to Christmas in this festive holiday-themed countdown app. There’s less than 25 days left till Christmas, so be sure to download this fun app for both Android and iOS. 

 

Pinterest

Sure, it’s not really a holiday app, but pinning creative décor ideas, gifts and recipes can be a fun, as well as an easy way to prepare for the upcoming holiday season. Get organized, be inspired, and enjoy the new feature that allows shoppers to purchase products via clickable pins. 

Don’t be a Grinch this holiday season. Instead cozy up to one or more of these festive holiday apps and let the spirit take hold. 

 

The Lab App Bringing Experimentation to Budding Scientists' Phones

Today’s kids get much of their information about the world from digital media, which is why companies like interactive media publisher FatRedCouch turn to phone and tablet apps when they want to appeal to children. FatRedCouch has partnered with Genius Brands International, a brand management company that focuses on marketing to kids from toddler to tween age, to create the Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab app. This app is the first mobile app built for Genius Brand International's animated children’s series, Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab. It’s an app that kids can use to explore science in their own way, on their own time.

To fully appreciate the new Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab app, and the potential it has to inspire and enlighten children, let’s take a look the activities that the app offers and how it supports the learning that happens on the Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab cartoon series.

 

The Lab App

The Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab app will be a self-contained play environment for kids that allows them to perform experiments at home. Children will be able to play games that revolve around scientific theory and they’ll have the chance to read about famous inventors. The Lab App will feature a screening room that presents clips from the Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab animated series, and it will feature activities based on these clips. The Lab App will be an easy-to-use application for iPhone and Android that engages kids and “involves them in the series as members of the Secret Lab Kids’ Club,” according to GBI’s Present of Global Consumer Products, Stone Newman.

 

The Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab Show

Kids can certainly play The Lab App without having watched the Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab show, but the app is specifically designed to be a learning tool that expands on the knowledge kids already receive by enjoying the cartoon series. The Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab show is a comedy series from GBI that stars one of the greatest inventors in history and his madcap band of supporting characters, all who teach children how much fun learning about science can be. The series takes place in Thomas Edison’s secret lab, which he built to include a virtual version of himself and his partly completed robot, Von Bolt. Hidden for years, his secret lab was finally discovered by Angie, a 12-year-old science prodigy, who cracked a code to get inside.

As children watch the adventures of Annie and her friends on the animated series, they laugh, have fun, and learn things about the world through science. Now, with the creation of The Lab App, kids can become involved in the scientific experiments, investigations, and journeys of Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab in a way that has promises to teach them even more that can be learned through a cartoon. Through participation in The Lap App projects and activities, scientific facts, questions, and revelations become more understandable. With The Lab App, kids can begin to realize that they too have what it takes to be a real scientist and to make a difference in their world through their inquisitive natures. The Lab App is another example of how access to digital media is opening more doors for young and old to help change the future for the better.

Samsung Stays Top Dog in India's Mobile Marketplace

Selling smartphones is no small feat. How many times did you buy a smartphone this year? Once? What’s more likely is you didn’t buy a smartphone at all. That’s because U.S. consumers have become increasingly satisfied with their mobile devices, especially as prices increase and special features become more standardized. In other words, the U.S. has reached saturation, so companies like Apple and Samsung are looking for new frontiers to conquer. One such highly prized marketplace is India. 

In a recent report by a global marketing intelligence firm, the Q2 vendor share in India was analyzed to provide important insight about purchasing trends inside the densely populated country. According to the report, 26.5 million smartphones were shipped to India during Q2 this year, an increase of 44 perfect from the same period last year. 

Samsung, with just over 23 percent market share in smartphone sales, is the leader among smartphone vendors in India. However, core devices like the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge did not significantly contribute to the company’s stronghold in India. That’s due in part to unique characteristics of this specific marketplace.

 

Smart Versus Budget Phones

First, consumers in India have a strict preference for budget phones. About 50 percent of all smartphones bought in Q2 this year were low or mid-tier devices, like Samsung’s Galaxy J1, and older models like the Galaxy Core.

Samsung was able to edge out big U.S. competitors like Apple for two simple reasons: Apple doesn’t offer a budget phone, and Apple has yet to open a flagship store on Indian soil. 

Lastly, smartphone vendors in India will have to wait patiently while the market makes the slow transition from mobile phone to smart device. India’s population has yet to reach this critical mass, however, the report predicts that by 2017, India will overtake the U.S. as the second largest smartphone market globally. 

Korea’s Samsung is still top dog in India, but other companies like domestic brands Micromax and Intex, as well as China’s Lenovo, have managed to grab a slice of the pie. Micromax maintained the second position in the smartphone market with a 17.7 percent shares. In third place, Intex increased to 12 percent, and Lenovo (including Motorola) edged out fourth place thanks to its new budget device the K3 Note, which they sold 2 million units of in India for the first time ever in Q3. 

For now, smartphone vendors in India will have to wait for consumers to reach a higher saturation point before they can upgrade smartphones at the rate they have been in the U.S. and China. However, if the smartphone lifecycle continues as it has here in the U.S., vendors will inevitably see a slowing from Indian consumers in the years to come.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeremy Pollack has a B.A. in English from USC and has been writing professionally since 2001. He is the founder and editorial manager of Compelling Content Solutions, A copy writing and content marketing services company.

 

Mobile Shopping & the Mom Majority

Marketers know that, in many households, moms control the purse strings, making daily judgements on what to buy for their families. It’s safe to assume that a significant portion of those purchases are made using mobile devices. But a recent study suggests an increase in mobile shopping far beyond what anyone could have predicted.

The research, conducted by BabyCenter.com, highlights a rapidly growing trend among mothers to use smartphones as a smarter, more convenient shopping portal. It shows a 33% increase in completed purchases over the last year - bigger than the average figures across all demographics. Interestingly, much of this mobile activity begins as so-called ‘showrooming’ - 70% of respondents report using a mobile device for shopping and price-checking while inside a brick and mortar location. 

This is not all that surprising. Moms who make regular purchases of a wide variety of goods and services are in touch with up-to-the-minute market values, and know how to save money by comparing prices across competing brands. According to the survey, 56% of moms do this in-store, using their mobile devices. Mobile commerce for moms, then, is principally a money-saving endeavor, and any mobile marketing tactics used to target them should bear this in mind.

Of course, saving money with mobile goes beyond comparing costs. One of the most effective mobile marketing tactics - for all demographics - is the mobile coupon. Of the 1100 moms surveyed, 61% said they used mobile coupons. More than half reported using retailer apps, directly engaging with a specific brand from their devices.

Scanning, too, has experienced a surge in popularity among moms. Apps such as RedLaser and similar proprietary offerings from name brands allow users to scan for coupons, price comparison, or product information. Moms surveyed were 55% more likely than others to make a purchase after scanning an item.

The lessons for retailers? Offer a streamlined mobile experience that considers the needs of moms working to tight budgets and tighter schedules; provide scanning capabilities and in-store apps; give mobile coupons to loyal customers and to potential new customers as an enticements.

Moms (and, let’s not forget, stay-at-home dads responsible for running the household) are using mobile devices as part of their daily shopping habits, but that doesn’t mean they’re sitting ducks. They are some of the savviest shoppers out there, and will use the power of mobile to wring every last saving they can on behalf of their families. Connect with them in the right way and you’ll foster a sense of brand loyalty that will last after the youngest kid has been packed off to college.

New York Taxis Have Gone Mobile

If you’ve ever felt that the fare payment technologies in New York taxis were a little behind the times, you’re not alone. Clunky, confusing and with a digital display that looks like it hasn’t been updated since 1985, few will mourn the demise of the old fare meters (even though they are kinda cool looking). The entire system is loaded in favor of potentially unscrupulous cab drivers, with very little recourse for passengers who suspect they’re being scammed.

Happily, that demise is now under way. The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission is rolling out a pilot program that will bring the iconic cabs into the Uber Age by installing GPS-based fare meters in 1,000 vehicles.  

For residents and tourists alike, the introduction of the pilot is a welcome move. Currently, the 13,500 taxi cabs roaming the streets of the Big Apple rely on an unwieldy combination of devices that track the number of times a wheel turns, and how long the cars stay in idle. Ultimately, it is hoped that all NYC cabs will be fitted with GPS and mobile payment systems contained on a single smartphone or tablet, replacing the assortment of outmoded technologies currently installed.

The move is long overdue, as New York cabs - and indeed, city taxis around the world - come to terms with the exploding popularity of Lyft, Uber, and other app-based ride-hailing services, which typically allow users to dictate their own routes (thereby eliminating the nefarious practice of longhauling) and, crucially, rate drivers based on the quality of the experience. These services have given the taxi industry a shake up - and it’s finally beginning to wake up. 

Bidding farewell to the taximeters and credit card readers will be easy for most New Yorkers, but even more pleasing to some is the removal of the much-loathed Taxi TV. The 12-hour ad loops first appeared in 2007; in 2011, it was second only to extortionate fares when passengers were asked to rate the worst elements of using a cab. 

 

Fighting Teen Smoking Rates with SMS

 

Almost all of us have had trouble kicking a bad habit. There are all kinds of remedies available to support the necessary changes in behavior, and one of the newest is text messaging. 

Mobile-based text messaging, or SMS, is currently taking on one of the most dangerous habits on the planet: cigarette smoking. QuitText, paid for by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, is focusing its effort on young smokers, particularly teens and individuals in their early twenties. 

What’s unique about this demographic is its sensitivity to mobile technology. According to Amelie Ramirez of the Texas Health Science Center, “…people in their early twenties spend a lot of time text messaging anyway, so this is a good way to reach them where they are.”

The program has a fairly simple design and function. Users just text IQUIT to a five-digit number and are then prompted to receive a set number of text messages per day encouraging them to stop smoking. The free service has users regularly update their smoking status and report relapses. Additionally, it offers emergency help for those that qualify. 

"This way if you are a teen who is smoking, your personal coach is there with you all the time," Ramirez said. 

So far, the default setting (four to eight daily messages) has been the most accepted with median use reaching 27 days of activity. While about half of the users did fail to report at least one update, relapse reports were considerably lower. 

In a recent study published by the Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research, the most important feature of the program was its variability—the fact that young smokers were able to stick (more or less) to the program. 

According to the report, “Some users complied fully with the requirement to report status changes, while even among those who did not, many found QuitTxt to be very helpful, suggesting that perfect congruence between message content and quit status is not essential.”

In other words, whether or not users followed the program perfectly, they still felt good about the service—and sometimes that’s all you need to kick a bad habit.  

Nicotine remains one of the most addictive drugs and the most challenging for people to quit, despite overwhelming evidence of its risks to personal health and the health of others. 

If texting can somehow manage to break through to a few smokers and get them to quit, perhaps it’s a safe model that could be implemented to help aid others in ceasing addictive habits.

 

Mobile Marketing for Seniors

 

A common misconception among the elderly is that they have no idea how to work anything tech-related. Many brands skip catering to seniors because they wrongly believe there’s no point. However, those that do this are robbing themselves of a very worthwhile demographic. Seniors—or those 65 and older—are living longer and increasingly getting involved in the online/mobile world. In 2014, 74 percent of people 65 and older owned a mobile device, and over 39 million seniors had social media profiles. Indeed, older peeps are the fastest-growing group of social media users, and they rely on Facebook, Twitter, and other platforms for the same reasons as their younger counterparts.  

Want to appeal to the gray and white-haired members of your target audience? Check out the following tips to help you out: 

 

Keep It Simple 

‘Simple and straightforward’ goes a long way with regard to mobile marketing for seniors, both in text and visual formats. Forget trendy slang words and opt for relatable language that’s specific to your products or services. The point is to make it clear why your older audience needs and wants your products/services, so avoid any wording that feels vague.

 

Easy ‘User Onboarding Process’ 

If you’ve been successful in encouraging the seniors in your audience to download your app, the next step is to ensure the user onboarding process is easy to understand. It shouldn’t include a long list of steps or inundate your audience with too many personal questions. If your process is too complex, you can kiss the vast majority of your elderly audience buh-bye. For best results, aim to enlarge small buttons, provide thorough explanations each time you ask for personal information, and otherwise make certain people understand the benefits you’re offering. 

 

Don’t Forget the Visual 

Seniors, like most people, are very much about the visual. If your mobile marketing campaign isn’t eye-catching, you aren’t going to grab the attention of the seniors in your audience. Pair straightforward language with stunning visuals, and see if the number of seniors in your target audience doesn’t double or triple. 

 

Include a Sweet Deal

Many of today’s seniors grew up during periods of economic strife, and are all about scoring a great deal. If you really want to market to seniors, engage them with awesome deals they can’t resist. Whether you choose to send coupons through text or email or announce deals on your social media platforms, know that seniors always love a great discount. Make your loyalty rewards program irresistible to them and reap the benefits of a boomer-focused mobile marketing strategy.

 

Be Respectful

Seniors don’t like to be talked down to (Well, who does, really?), so remember to always be respectful. Pandering to them in ways that make them feel decrepit isn’t going to help you, so make sure your mobile marketing efforts are respectful in nature. If you have a brick-and-mortar business location, make certain employees treat all older patrons with the respect they deserve. Seniors will love it, and you’ll love the increase in revenue.