The Mobile Marketing Blog - TellMyCell

5 Things Healthcare Professionals Want From Mobile Tech

Electronic health records (EHRs) are digital tech cornerstones for many in the healthcare industry. However, physicians cite several complaints regarding these records. These include patient management, communication, and scheduling issues, among others. Physicians are subsequently calling for numerous mobile tech reforms to make their jobs easier, with the top five including: 

 

1. Privacy and Security

Privacy and security are among the top physician concerns in terms of EHRs. Physicians often use smartphones to access patient records, communicate with members of their staff, and handle personal communications. Keeping patient information secure and confidential is an essential component of the healthcare industry, and mobile tech must ensure the information remains private. Samsung’s KNOX Workspace is among the containerization solutions utilized so physicians may separate professional communications from private ones while still using the same device. 

 

2. Patient Management Medical Apps

Physicians increasingly use apps that make it simple for patients to share data about their medical conditions, such as diabetes and COPD, and learn more about them. These apps must be able to connect with EHRs for physicians and patients to use them effectively. 

 

3. Patient Scheduling Tools

Device-based appointment scheduling tools are something both physicians and patients applaud as highly convenient, as they seriously decrease no-shows and therefore assorted costs. ZocDoc is one example, with the app allowing patients to schedule appointments and enjoy connections with medical facilities. It also allows physicians to further advertise their services and ensure patients remember the days and times of their appointments. If a patient must cancel, the medical facility can easily schedule another patient in the time slot. 

 

4. Reference Tools and Journals

Physicians often use mobile tools for reference reasons. The ability to access medical journals, reference data, textbooks, and other continuing education materials through mobile means is an invaluable asset to physicians, as it increases efficiency as well as convenience. 

 

5. Remote Patient Monitoring

Physicians also want remote patient monitoring, which is now available on their smartphones in addition to their patients’ devices. Longer-term data trends regarding blood pressure, weight, glucose management, and heart rate offer assistance and guidance in between doctors’ visits, resulting in improved care and patient safety. A great example is a patient being able to view his or her insulin pump data on a smartphone, and wirelessly transmit the data from implantable pacemakers and defibrillators.

The ability to communicate with patients, access important resources, schedule and re-schedule appointments, and more equals the ability to transform the healthcare industry and arguably make the jobs of physicians around the country much more streamlined. The healthcare industry is considered “late to the game” in regards to mobile tech use, however both physicians and their patients are eager to see changes implemented. Making certain mobile options for physicians and patients are completely secure is probably the most important issue of the moment, with many more convenient possibilities likely to follow once the security issue is resolved. Physicians are quite tech-happy, after all. 

Two Samsung Devices Launched in India This Month

Samsung has launched two more flagship devices, the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, which will make their way to the Indian market in the second week of March. The mobile device juggernaut is hoping to improve sales and breathe new life into the slowing smartphone industry. 

 

An Important Market

India is recognized as an important market with regard to virtual reality handsets, and the country is seeing an increase in sales despite the current global sale decrease. Research firm IDC notes that the global smartphone market saw shipments increasing from 1.30 million units in 2014 10.1 percent to 1.43 billion units in 2015. India is currently one of the world’s fastest-growing global markets thanks to shipments increasing by 28.8 percent in 2015 to 103.6 million units over the previous year.

Samsung is a leader in both the Indian and global markets, as it had over 21.4 percent of the global market share by the end of the December 2015 quarter. The company has a 26.8 percent share in India. 

 

More “Convenient and Fun” 

Samsung Electronics President of Mobile Communications Business, DJ Koh, notes that the tech giant believes in a world that’s “brighter, sharper, more convenient, and more fun.” Samsung continually aims to deliver on this vision via the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 by combining functionality with elegant design. The intended result is a “seamless mobile experience.” 

Both phones feature the first dual pixel camera on a smartphone, which is designed to produce brighter and sharper images whatever the light situation due to their apertures opening wider and letting in more light. These phones’ shutters don’t require staying open as long, which significantly reduces the chances of blurry images. The Galaxy S7 is 5.1 inches, while the Galaxy S7 Edge is 5.5 inches. Each features 3D glass and metal construction, and is dust and water-resistant. 

There’s also a hybrid SIM card tray that allows you to insert a microSD card for up to 200GB of additional storage. In some countries, the tray may be used in conjunction with a dual SIM card. Both phones work with the $100 Gear virtual reality headset Samsung unveiled last fall. Additionally, the tech company is working on a 360-degree camera that makes it possible for anyone to capture and share virtual reality images. The Gear 360 camera will be available within a few months.

 

Teaming With Facebook

Samsung is currently working with Facebook to stress the virtual reality aspect of mobile phones and social media platforms. Mark Zuckerberg joined Samsung at the Mobile World Congress show in Barcelona, Spain, to announce the partnership, where he noted that while virtual reality has mainly been used for gaming purposes, its role is changing. This is why Facebook is making the investment: to “deliver these social experiences.” 

The new phones begin shipping on March 1, and Samsung is offering advanced order options. Free Gear VR headsets will be available in some markets to those who place advanced orders, including the U.S. 

 

Getting Fit? There are Multiple Apps for That

There are about a billion excuses to choose from if you’re trying to avoid the gym. 

Lucky for you, there’s an app out there to help make your personal fitness struggle more manageable and more fun. Whether you’re an overeater, late night drinker, or just need help staying motivated, there’s no better time to get in shape, thanks to these useful fitness apps. 

 

For the Overeater 

Who has time to keep a food journal or attend weekly meetings with a support group? The Rise app, available for iOS, is the easiest way to manage eating behavior and gain professional guidance from a registered dietician from your smart device. For about $20 a month, you can snap pictures of all your meals and send them to your personal dietician. He or she will review your meals and make healthy suggestions that align with your discussed fitness goals.

Also for the overeater, Amount is a nifty app that lets you convert serving sizes on all your favorite recipes so you’re able to stick to portions that will keep you on track. The app is 99 cents and available for iOS. 

 

For the Unmotivated 

A lot of people complain that working out isn’t fun. More fun means better workouts, and what’s more fun than running from zombies? Zombies, Run! 3 is a popular app that mixes fun gamification features with an easy-to-use interface. Every step and every mile awards you points, supplies, and tools to defend against the Zombie attack. With more than one million runners already playing, this is a way to join a community committed to fun and fitness. Get Zombies, Run! 3 on Android and iOS for $3.99. 

Feeling a bit philanthropic? Motivate your workout routine with Charity Miles, an app that donates money to nonprofits with every mile you run, walk, or bike. Pick your charity and get moving—these small contributions add up to big change for participating charities. Get Charity Miles for free on iOS and Android. 

 

For the Busy-Body 

Between working a 9-to-5 job and spending time with family and friends, just finding the time to go to the gym can be extremely difficult. Busybodies need help organizing their schedule and staying on track. Sunrise is an app that connects all your calendars from social media and email into one convenient app. Manage your gym time around your schedule and never miss picking up the kids from soccer practice again. 

Vida is another great option for people on the go. Pick a personal trainer that fits your lifestyle. Then, discuss your fitness goals—from managing serious weight loss to improving chronic conditions like diabetes. You can chat or Face Time with your trainer when it’s convenient for you and keep track of your progress using Apple’s Heath Kit. For $15 a week, Vida is a great bargain for busy men and women. 

Everyone’s got an excuse. This year, you can overcome yours with these useful fitness apps. 

 

 

Last Call for Motorola

The Motorola brand will soon be no more. Smartphone manufacturer Lenovo is giving the U.S. mobile phone trailblazer’s name the ol’ heave-ho due to an acquisition over two years old. 

Motorola invented the cell phone, with famous creations including the flip phone, the Razr, and the iconic Brick. David Beckham is one of many well-known faces who enjoyed the Razr. 

Lenovo is a smartphone and laptop manufacturer based in China that purchased Motorola from Google in January of 2014. It launched the Moto G at the start of 2014 with success, and took Motorola from a near-0 percent market share to a 6 percent share of sales in the UK. Motorola moved over 10 million smartphones in 2014’s third quarter, thanks to the popularity of the Moto G. 

 

The Future of Moto

Despite this success, Lenovo has decided to get rid of the Motorola name, though it will keep ‘Moto.’ All subsequent Motorola phones will fall under the Lenovo brand name. Moto will join Lenovo’s Vibe line, however what will become of the Moto E and G is still unknown. The manufacturer’s Motorola Mobility division will subsequently oversee their entire range of smartphones. 

A spokesperson for Lenovo commented that Motorola Mobility continues to exist as part of the company and serves as the engineering and design foundation for all of their mobile products. 

Reception to this news has been mixed. Many believe the end of Motorola is the end of an era regarding smartphone innovation, but that doesn’t mean the brand wasn’t flailing considerably over the past several years. Kantar WorldPanel analyst Carolina Milanesi noted that, while Lenovo is a decent brand, Motorola is an icon of the mobile phone world, and getting away from that might not be the best idea.

Ironically, Lenovo CEO Yang Yuanqing remarked that Motorola was the manufacturer’s “treasure” following the acquisition, and that they planned to protect the Motorola brand and make it stronger than ever.

Regardless, the Moto option is popular among Android fans, and the decision to kill the Motorola brand is likely a way to emphasize Moto. It’s also a chance for consumers to familiarize themselves with the Lenovo brand, which despite being the largest PC manufacturer in the world is still virtually unknown in terms of cell phones and other mobile devices. 

Lenovo will introduce the Moto as a high-end product, and simultaneously push its Vibe phone brand in the Moto market. Relationships and sales channels within Motorola territories will be used to market Vibe phones costing less than $100. Motorola Chief Operating Officer Rick Osterloh said he intends to bring Vibe options to the U.S. market, though it probably won’t happen in 2016. Osterloh compared Lenovo’s strategy to the coexistence of Banana Republic and Old Navy, which are both owned by Gap. 

He remarked that failing to cover the market from top to bottom didn’t make a whole lot of sense.

If you owned a Motorola Razr, StarTac, or even Rokr, the Motorola iTunes phone, you’re probably feeling a bit nostalgic at the moment. 

 

 

 

Roadtesting Handsfree Texting: Apple vs. Android

If you’re like me, and most other busy professionals, multitasking needs to be as innate as breathing. Whether I’m scanning morning emails while making breakfast, driving to an appointment while taking a conference call, or simply doing three things at once because I want to, the fact of the matter is sometimes, I need a little help. 

When Apple introduced Siri in 2011, I thought my life would never be the same. You remember the TV advertisements, don’t you? It was going to be like having an unpaid personal assistant at my side every day, forever and ever. 

And then I met Siri, and we hardly ever spoke. 

Since 2011, each update of Siri has been a little better. And now that Google has provided Android users with the same hands free convenience, I figured it was time to test out my old acquaintance and try her new competitor Google Now. 

Here are the results from my hands free road test:

 

Miss-communication 

One of the obvious problems I observed in 2011 was Siri’s lack of contextual awareness. Siri repeatedly misunderstood my requests, did not provide relevant answers, and ultimately didn’t make my life easier (or anyone’s, for that matter.) Today I find this has improved, but not as much as I would like.

Siri’s only redeeming quality: snarky comments and bedtime stories. 

On the other hand, Google Now has a better success rate on basic inquires, although some miscommunication still occurs. What Google Now lacks in personality, it makes up for in actuary and readiness—a huge win for Android. 

Apple fans do not despair. Siri’s next iteration will include Proactive, which is tailored to help Siri understand more complicated requests. In the future, this could push Apple into the lead. Until then, for easy hands-free texting, my vote goes to Android.

 

Command Central 

Aside from ensuring the inquiries are received correctly, what about the actual command process? Which one is easier to use? 

If you use an iPhone and want Siri to read your most recent text message, first you must ensure the “Hey Siri” feature is turned on in the settings menu. Then all you have to do is say “Hey Siri” and ask her to “read my text messages.” 

From there she will recite your message, and follow by asking if you’d like to send a response message, which you can dictate and send. 

No big deal. 

Similarly, Google Now incorporates almost the same exact commands. Just say, “Ok Google, show me my last messages” and you’re off to the races. Your phone will tell you whom the text message is from and read it aloud to you. It then asks if you would like to respond, listen again, or delete the message. 

There’s no distinct winner here in my book. The commands and utility of this hands-free feature are more or less the same, less the activation required to speak directly to Siri. But that’s not such a bad thing. It’s good to know you can turn off these features if and when I need to. 

This one’s a draw. 

 

Nosey Neighbors  

Call me old fashioned but I don’t like Google knowing every detail of my personal or professional life. Google Now has brought up considerable concern regarding privacy issues, which may (or may not) take place all the time while you’re using Google and their associated platforms and services. 

Google Now is no different. It’s scanning your calendar to make appointments, looking through text conversation and images to arrange context for the most sophisticated responses. 

While there are currently no outstanding lawsuits about the matter, it’s clear that for some users this may be an issue. 

Siri may be slow, but she’s no nark—one point for Apple. 

Things are all tied up it would seem. The good news is that my hands are freer than ever before to multitask, thanks to the latest hands free texting apps via Apple and Android. But don’t take my word for it—try them both out yourself. 

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.