There have been many notable Apple milestones in the history of the company. Tomorrow is apparently going to be no exception with the (most probable) launch of the ‘iPad’, ‘iSlate’ or whatever Apple have decided to call their new tablet. Whilst the iPhone’s launch was both a milestone and a disappointment in many ways there is much riding on tomorrow’s launch. Sure it’s a new Apple product but I’m more interested in how this device could pave the way for something much more important than the superficial hardware functions of a tablet device. Apple’s iPod and iTunes software shook up the music industry. Apple’s iPad might just shake up the entire web. We’ve been spoilt by the ‘free’ internet – content is out there so it’s free.
Not for long. As news companies decide to charge for content the iPad could see the introduction of a real monetisation of online content. Similarly this model might then extend itself to the suffering music industry as well as encouraging people to buy more films to view on a tablet device. I’d like to see the removal of the ‘free’ connotation associated with everything online. As a small business it is often frustrating explaining to naive clients that just because you can grab a ‘free’ wordpress template you can have a website. The value is in the content, the design, the expertise and so on. Similarly why shouldn’t you pay for online news content in the same way you might a newspaper?
I look forward to tomorrow, it’s an Apple launch! But also it could be the start of a welcome change in online attitudes, content and how we value our media.
Thought I’d give some kudos to friend Russell Tate who does some great illustration work. I first met Russell when we commissioned him to design a huge map for Perplex City. We caught up recently and I love his custom decals here for a bespoke bike for Billy Joel.
As the snow settles in London at the moment I thought I’d take some time out to reflect a bit on 2009 and what’s in store for 2010 as well as wishing everyone a very Happy New Year.
Whilst the media painted a gloomy picture of 2009 for many smaller agencies and individuals it was a great time to be in business. Bigger agencies suddenly weren’t attractive to many firms – why spend all that extra cash on account management when all you want is the job done?
2010 will show a similar trend as smaller outfits prove their mettle with bigger players and get results. I’m looking to concentrate our efforts on pushing email marketing in the next few quarters as well as enhancing our creative work providing a broader range of styles and inspired design projects.
For a long while now rumours have been ramping up about Apple’s impending ‘tablet’. Most recently a flurry of activity has centred around how Apple will shake up the news industry as they did the music biz. Hmmm. Interesting. This comes at a time where news online is no longer the freebie it once was and whilst I’ve yet to be prompted for a PayPal login or credit card nudge to read my favourite news sites this could become reality…and soon.
In the latest episode of Diggnation Alex Albrecht hints at the price point as being extremely low.
This got me thinking – would this tablet be subsidised based on a subscription model driving revenue to news providers or groups? Like everyone else I’m intrigued as to what Apple have up their sleeve here. I remember also like many being totally cynical of the iPod when it first came out. At the time I was immersed in my music production and live act career and music was (and still is) something in my blood and close to my heart. I didn’t believe that people would settle for the inferior sound of compressed mp3 files but years later and Apple have truly revolutionised not only the music business but also made an enormous impression in the mobile phone world. Can they do the same for print media and news?
Thought I’d share my thoughts about the superb idents for FIVE USA created by Dixon/Baxi. I love the way each ident is so visually beautiful, sharp and rich but better still is the way this natural and bold approach serves to capture perfectly the essence of the FIVE USA brand. Bold, dynamic and electric content matched by fitting visuals. Kudos! You can view the video bits and piece here.
When Virgin Media’s ‘World of Entertainment’ advertising campaign launched I was excited. RKCR/Y&R had provided something visually mesmerising which captured our imagination and promised or at least hinted at something special, a return perhaps to a visual feast of television served up via fast cable links including rocket fast internet and on and on. However whilst the ads still run the complaints pile up and Virgin’s digibox UI is poor compared to Sky’s new HD offering. Very much style over substance.
We would also like to continue to contribute to this amazing country we have, and so our aim is to sponsor One Teacher and One Child in 2010!
R18 000 per teacher to be trained – (www.tree-ecd.co.za)
R14 000 per child per year – (www.leisuregroup.co.za/education.html)
“For every school door that opens, a prison door closes!”
We work with IPS Invest to deliver a host of marketing solutions. Using targeted email marketing campaigns and associated video we’re delivering their key messages to drive investors into their new London Property Fund.
We’re updating Mr Ali Mearza’s website with video testimonials and other press materials. With something like laser eye surgery there is nothing quite like video testimonials from real people to help with trust and confidence in surgery.
Interiors company Wonder Wall showcase what is one of the best user experience sites in Flash we have seen this year. Marrying an odd but enjoyable navigation structure to razor sharp subpages and images the entire experience might suck a little bandwidth but shows how to produce engaging but functional content.
The user is then bounced from the main navigation right into simple but bold text which is read whilst the deeper level content loads.
