Lawrence Gee | Marketing, Internet, Creativity, Strategy

The Golden “Touch”?

It seems like Apple has another hit on their hands.  Like Pixar, the other company Steve Jobs founded, it seems Apple can do no wrong.  Today, Steve Jobs unveiled Apple’s newest iPod.  It is largely based on their popular iPhone mobile device with similar navigation and design. 

Dubbed the iPod Touch, Apple’s new media player is more than just music and videos.  It is only 8mm thick and incorporates a Safari web browser and the ability to access a Wi-Fi iTunes stores.  This means that individuals will have the ability to shop, preview, and purchase music on the fly.  As we all saw with the iPhone frenzy, the new Touch should have a similar fan reaction.  At $299 for the 8GB and $399 for the 16GB model, it is pricy for the amount of storage.  But as Apple has shown before, people are more than willing to pay a premium for their unique designs and fashionability. 

I wonder if I’ll see the day when Apple isn’t seen as being cool.  So far they seem to be one step ahead of everyone else…

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Dude, Where’s My iCar?

As I mentioned in a previous post, it’s really important for brands to know who they are.  I came across an article today about VW and Apple discussing a possible “iCar”.  This sounds like a win-win for both companies. 

Apple wins because the demographics that VW targets (or should be targeting) is similar to Apple consumers.  They are youthful, technologically savvy, and like to be unique.  Integrating the iPod and iTunes into cars would be a great test case to show the automobile industry that it should be a standard fully integrated feature in all cars. 

VW wins because this is something they could promote that would resonate with its consumers.  Like its previous promotions, it could offer a free new limited edition iPod with each new car purchase.  A great selling point (or interest point) could be limited edition colors for both the iPod and “iCars”.

All in all this looks like a money maker for both companies and something we should look forward to in the future.

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100 Miles Down and I Want to Share

So today, I broke the 100 mile mark for the year.  This means that I have run at least 100 miles in each of the past 4 years (yes I have been keeping track) .  I used to track my mileage by manually entering into a training log on NikeRunning.com.  This past January, I began using the Nike+ Ipod System to automatically track my distances and log my results.  I have been impressed not only with the quality of the product but also the design of it.  It is quite user friendly and bottom line it works. 

The product design is only one part of why I am such a strong advocate.  The website and motivational tools that are provided also add to the experience.  After uploading my runs I can visit NikePlus.com to see interactive graphs, accumulated mileage, and personal records.  I also have the ability to challenge other people (e.g., most miles run within 30 days) and I have the ability to join running groups with people around the country. 

In terms of social marketing, they do an excellent job of creating buzz and provide opportunities to share your enthusiasm for the product.  Aside from challenging other friends to run more or interacting with others around the country,  I also have the ability to share my accomplishments.  When I passed the 100 mile marker, I was “awarded” a printable certificate, the ability to have a shareable link to an online certificate, and a medal for my personal records.  Little things that keep you motivated to keep running more.

I can also share my runs with other people on websites, blogs, or social networking sites.  Below you will find my longest run of the year (notice how I died towards the end).  Pretty cool, eh?

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