Mobile Connections Booming

Connection and engagement. This is the current shift that the world is facing. With the Earth's population tipping to over 7 billion people this month, there is an increased need for communication and involvement amongst people. Everyone wants to be heard; the challenge is finding a way to make people listen.

There are three main players within the smartphone market that are aiding this issue: Apple, Google, and Research In Motion. Everyone is aware of how huge Apple is; it seems that Apple is growing at an unimaginable rate. However, it may be surprising to see that Google is not that far behind. The Android market has been experiencing a relatively constant growth rate of over 800% throughout 2011. The increased level of consumer demand and competition, forces all players within the market to be highly innovate and creative. 

The increased level of creativity and technology has created an explosion in popularity of mobile devices. It is because of advancements in technology that the manner in which people communicate has changed. For example, Canada's wireless carriers now offer coverage to more than 99 percent of Canadians; nearly every corner of this country is connected. 

The boom of mobile usage is not limited within Canada, it is apparent around the entire world. For example, so far throughout 2011 is it estimated that over 7 TRILLION text messages have been sent and received! Many industry professionals say that this is only the beginning of the smart phone era. I believe that smart phones will continue to dominate the market. With new advancements in technology on a near daily basis and greater consumer demands, it is exciting to see what the future will hold.

I want to end this blog on some ‘jaw dropping’ statistics; below I listed six mobile statistics that I found to be very surprising.

•  There are over 5 BILLION cell phones in use throughout the world for 7 BILLION people!
•   By 2014 mobile internet usage is expected to surpass desktop usage
•    91% of mobile users access social media sites through their phones
•    The average person spends nearly 3 hours a day on their cell phone, twice the time spent eating!
•   Over 200 MILLION YouTube videos are viewed on mobile devices each day!

And what about those apps? Location sharing, music, communication, banking, gaming, news, photography, utilities, productivity, lifestyle, reference, travel … and the list goes ON and ON.... I guess the point that I’m trying to convey is that:

“There’s an app for that. Over 500,000, actually.”

Have you downloaded the OCMC app yet? It's available at  http://www.widgetbox.com/mobile/app/ocmc.

See you at the competition!

-Tim

Will Google ever stop?

When analyzing cases it is important to provide relevant and up-to-date information along with sound examples to strengthen your stance. I have spoken with past OCMC participants and they suggested that in the days leading up to the competition students should monitor the media to identify up-to-date examples that are relative to their topic in which they could possibly integrate into their presentation.

Not only does this have the potential to strengthen what you are proposing to the judges, but it also shows that you have an interest in what you are talking about.  Although you may not find anything that applies to your topic, at the very least it is worth taking a look at.

Okay, now on to Google. Before I started writing this article, I typed in “Google competes with”, and before I could even finish my sentence this is what the search engine (yes- it was also Google) produced for me:

Earlier this week Google announced an expansion to their long anticipated music download and cloud service. According to Google, the site and mobile applications will be up and running within the next two weeks. Although the services will still be in beta mode, it is anticipated that Google will not disappoint. I am going to highlight some of the key reasons as to why Google is trying to take a bite out of the market and steal some bragging rights from the competition.

What does this mean for Google?

It means that they are one step close to taking over the world. No, not quite- but it does mean that they are challenging the efforts of Apple and Amazon. Although this is a risky move, I am pretty sure that Google can afford it. After all they just reported a 33% increase in revenues over the last quarter- amounting to nearly $10 billion.

What are the plans?

Google is smart. They just wont release any old mp3 playing music software. The key word to Google’s plan is ‘cloud’. For $24.99 per year, users are able upload their existing music libraries into the ‘cloud’ allowing them instant access to their music regardless location. Users will also be able to download songs at a maximum price of .99 cents, which undercuts Itunes ‘popular’ song list by $.25.

So what? Amazon does the same thing!

Yes, that’s correct. Amazon has been offering a very similar service since March of this year. So what separates Google and Amazon apart? Not all that much. In fact many people are arguing that Amazon is the better deal due to the $4 cheaper price tag. Although this may be true, Google isn’t concerned; mainly due to the fact that users will be able to link their existing gmail (and all other Google based accounts) to the service. It is also speculated that Google is going to leverage their social media platform Google+ in order to promote and entice consumers to this new music service.

Google keeps getting BIGGER and BIGGER and BIGGER!

Will they ever stop!? Not likely. Google has gained massive ground within the last five years. They have acquired over 70 businesses bringing their total acquisitions to 104; their most expensive purchase being Motorola Mobility for over $12 billion. Google has also ventured into the sectors of green transportation, biotechnology, music education and online legal services.

I think that it is really exciting to watch Google grow. As a student with high aspirations of entering into the world of business I look at a company such as Google and think “What can I do that they’re not?” Although competing with Google may seem like a difficult feat it is not impossible.

Just remember: “You can accomplish anything if you set your mind to it”

-       -Tim

Google Helps Find Families With “Person Finder”

As a student with a passion for marketing, from time to time I will be blogging about newsworthy marketing topics - this week with Japan top of mind, I look to this topic and the marketing giant Google's involvement in the relief effort.

In an age where the world is run by technology- we still remain vulnerable to the conflicts and tragedies that damage our society.  This is why as marketers we must remember we are people and in times of hardship we must remain responsible for the well-being of our international society.  In these times of misfortune our true industry leaders have the opportunity to demonstrate their social responsibility and talent in innovation.  Google a leader in both technology and innovation is at the forefront of these movements launching support resources like “Google Person Finder” in times of crisis.  This is a prime example of how a successful organization can use its competencies to make a difference through its non-profit sector.  From time-to-time we will take the opportunity to profile various organizations and their use of new and interesting marketing approaches!  If you haven’t seen it yet- check it out @ http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html#personfinder.

On the day of March 11, 2011- A part of my history changed when Japan fell victim to a colossal tsunami, the result of a record-breaking 9.0-magnitude earthquake off the North-East coast.  The devastation has been catastrophic as just over a week later the anxiety continues as thousands are missing and the death toll rises.  Fortunately any “known” family of mine living in the Tokyo region have survived and are doing well- but there are still many who remain curious and are concerned for their families. 

Google Person Finder originated after the earthquake crisis in Haiti and was launched just 2 hours after the disaster in Japan.  The user-friendly application gives both individuals and NGO’s (non-governmental organizations) the option to search for someone or provide information on them.  The application is using advancements in digital communications to create an effective tool that is available in multiple languages.  The Person Finder software was developed after the Haiti crisis 2010 and took roughly 12 hours to create- the same technology has since been used for tragedies in Christchurch, Chile and now Japan.  As Google is a leader in the search engine market- they have placed a convenient link on the Google site under “Resources” that directs you to the page. 

The online person finder works with shelters on the ground across the nation to help spread the information on its site.  Google receives photographs of written letters via email from shelters showing thousands of people that are being housed as space is filling up.  Those who are interested can see detailed lists @ https://picasaweb.google.com/tohoku.anpi and see the many families that are homeless, hungry and need help.  I encourage everyone to do their part to make a difference- please stay up to date with our Facebook Page and see how you can get involved!