Celebrities Score With Apps

If you think all celebrities do is take home their winnings, you’re wrong — they have taken the plunge into the tech world to do more than sing and play—they are letting you do the playing…

A celebrity’s popularity is directly related to the app’s popularity. That is the newest strategy that mobile application developers in USA have lately adopted to market their apps.

By working with celebrities during the development process, developers create celebrity-centered apps. ‘Bolt!’ stars the fastest runner in the world. Two-time Olympics gold medalist Usain Bolt aka Lightning Bolt helped develop and launch the game app. It was intentionally set to coincide with his triumphant win at the London 2012 event. The game now ranks as the 25^th most popular app.

Other celebrities have also previously left their imprint on the app stores. These include famed boxer’s ‘Mike Tyson: Main Event,’ Wide receiver Chad Ochocinco’s ‘Mad Chad’ and Portuguese soccer player’s ‘Heads Up with Cristiano Ronaldo.’ Companies too have invested in mobile platforms for sports and entertainment. Mobile content developer Babelgum offers free ad-based video content on iTunes through which they have recently launched a game app featuring musical band Coldplay on the iOS. The app also contains newsfeed, catalogue and contests for fans where winners get free tickets to Coldplay’s concerts.  ESPN runs their own ‘Developer Center’ to connect with other platforms. In house as well as third party developers can use their APIs to build sports apps. This open up new avenues for sports fans and celebrities to come together, just as their motto relays “Where geeks and jocks stand united.”

Another initiative involved singer/actor Jon Bon Jovi pitched in on the government’s cause to provide care to homeless veterans. The joint project Reach (Real-time Electronic Access for Caregivers and the Homeless) invited software developers to an open challenge to create “an online and web application that would provide real-time info to connect service providers who aid the homeless” from which five finalists were selected.

Why celebrities? Applications are also an excellent tool for fan engagement and celebrities consider mobile platform a way through which they can gain a wider international audience. Users prefer real-life personalities more than they do imaginary ones whom they can relate to, or pretend to be! For developers, besides successful marketing, it has opened a window of job opportunities. As one website rightly confirmed “This could be the start of a big trend on iPhone, and a big new source of income for developers.”

Salman Ghaznavi Originally Found this Post on SocilJitney

Salman Ghaznavi is the founder of SocialJitney Inc. a company focused on Mobile Application Marketing and tool Design & Development. SocialJitney is one of the premium Mobile Apps Consultants, and My role is to actively pursue a global strategy, create and help roll-out  SocialJitney social tool, the SJ Pathways. 

8 Great Reasons For Considering iOS6 for your iPhone

For the typical user, updates may seem just a routine thing to do in technology. They barely give thought beyond the UI to the expansive work that goes on by manufacturers and mobile application developers.Its only when there’s a major overhaul in user experience or software innovation will they pay attention. The rest of the time, the excitement is mainly shared by those that make the difference. Every little tap and click on the device sets forth an operation that resembles factory mechanisms, except that they are intangible such as mobile apps.

Apple recently announced beta 4 release for iOS 6 version available for developers to test iPhone applications. The main points have been extracted from their press release.

1. iOS6 can be tested through the iOS Simulator
2. To check for content accessibility an app can check it through the authorization status API
3. Warning to not follow proper instructions on installation could render the mobile as unusable.
4. Once upgraded the device cannot return to its former version.

Now for some more interesting changes to look forward to:

1. Siri, iPhone’s digital assistant can install apps.
2. Facebook is integrated as a built in application to fulfill all the social needs.
3. FaceTime now has a cellular connection where the call receiving option is also available on the iPad and Mac.
4. ‘App Banner’ is a feature that advertises native apps which users can easily view, click and download.
5. iCloud allows easy sharing of photos
6. Additional apps are an attractive bonus. Such as Passbook for loyalty cards management.
7. Apple is introducing its own mapping app, Maps which features various services
8. Bluetooth sharing is another exciting feature for users who prefer to share data with those in close proximity.

In short, reviews have been extremely positive and worth the upgrade. The iOS6 is expected to be released this fall.

Salman Ghaznavi Originally Found this Post on SocilJitney

Salman Ghaznavi is the founder of SocialJitney Inc. a company focused on Mobile Application Marketing and tool Design & Development. SocialJitney is one of the premium Mobile Apps Consultants, and My role is to actively pursue a global strategy, create and help roll-out  SocialJitney social tool, the SJ Pathways. 

Alternative Tech Makes Waves

If we want to simply submerge ourselves in the depths of tech creativity and creative technology, here’s yet another example of thinking out of the box: mobile apps integrated with sound-triggered technology…

Sonic Notify is the latest in unconventional tech solutions for personal or professional that provides media content via sound. Although the auditory sensory platform is currently popular with entertainment media, it is highly recommended for companies as well. Marketing and sales’ departments can run promotion campaigns from the SDK sound code-enabled ad to a mobile app.

Discount shopping and entertainment services are received from within an iOS or Android app – simply through the high-pitch sound inaudible to the human ear. Make sense? If not, then here’s what you can do: Download an app compatible with Sonic Notify. Bring the device close to, say a television broadcast. Previously unavailable content appears as timely notification. This could include photos, website links, maps and other relevant details. Users can choose to make their Sonic Notify app or apps content-specific by selecting the time and type of information they want delivered. Sound triggered updates appear even when the app is not open. Sound triggered updates appear even when the app is not open.

Access and installation is relatively easy. The platform is available in the iTunes store as a ‘Sonic Experiences’ app. Mobile app developers can install the SonicNotify SDK and create apps. The feature services depend on how developers program the app. All the extraction and interaction is done via the app. Such as earning rewards and votes. Sony Music’s ‘Miranda Lambert Official App’ gives an insight of how to make optimal use of the platform.

The technology is unique because it does not require any additional hardware install, but it’s certainly not new. Similar software was previously made available, some of which require NFC, QR codes and Bluetooth. Zoosh and ShopKicker proved to be massively popular in the use of sound waves to provide services.

But some concerns have been expressed in reviews. Apparently Sonic Notify does not invade privacy, but would lead to invasive advertising. Also the company assures the sound is of safe decibel (dB) levels that would not affect hearing ability in any way nor can it detect human voices. Unless they were as high-pitched as Lady Gaga’s who made headlines by using her voice to connect with a Sonic Notify app to promote her concert tours!

Salman Ghaznavi Originally Found this Post on SocilJitney

Salman Ghaznavi is the founder of SocialJitney Inc. a company focused on Mobile Application Marketing and tool Design & Development. SocialJitney is one of the premium Mobile Apps Consultants, and My role is to actively pursue a global strategy, create and help roll-out  SocialJitney social tool, the SJ Pathways. 

Tech Integrations: When Will Enough Be Enough?

In the world of technology, it is never enough. There is a pressing demand for more, and when there is more, then the need for an entirely new creation. Today, Apple is experiencing this sort of pressure. Despite launching several new product and feature launches at the Worldwide Developers Conference 2012, where even critics admitted they exceeded those launched during the previous conferences, there was plenty of dissatisfaction expressed from within the industry.

It has been exactly one year since Apple integrated Twitter into their iOS5 platform. The question that arose at the time was why they chose Twitter over Facebook. Now it’s déjà vu, except this time it is why Facebook and not Google plus. The former was understandable: Twitter, even with its 200 million users at the time, was no match for Facebook’s 700 million users. Various explanations, some of them outlandish were given by analysts for this decision as:

• Facebook in comparison was far more complex because of its and myriad features and services
• Apple had a fallout during negotiations with Facebook
• Windows Phone 7 had been the first smartphone to integrate Facebook and Apple did not want to play second fiddle
• Apple needed more time to prepare for the world’s largest social network

The last assumption sounded most plausible and proved to be correct, as Apple announced Facebook integration featured in their up and coming iOS6 platform during this year’s WWDC. Their rejection of Google services has been pretty much outright, not only of their social services but also of their applications, ousting the popular Google Maps and bringing in their own version of mapping technology.

While bitter rivalry turns to friendship and vice versa in the business world, at least Apple is keeping their priorities intact by providing the largest ground for mobile application developers to delve into. But it’s the second party apps, that is, the end users that are primarily running the show successfully. And if Apple keeps in tune with their demands for iPhone applications, then they will continue to provide as many options as possible. Where iOS5 users felt confined to Twitter, they now have Facebook, but they also want LinkedIn and Google+ and some lesser known social media as well to be available. For now, the line is pretty much drawn. In their own right, it makes sense for the company to withhold their own. But not for long, experts believe, when Google will find their way in tomorrow, as Facebook has done today and Twitter did yesterday, provided of course, Google remains in the league. Then integration may be the only way out for Apple yet again.

Salman Ghaznavi Found this Post on SocialJitney.Com

Salman Ghaznavi is the founder of SocialJitney Inc. a company focused on Mobile Application Marketing and tool Design & Development. SocialJitney is one of the premium Mobile Apps Consultants, and My role is to actively pursue a global strategy, create and help roll-out  SocialJitney social tool, the SJ Pathways. 

Let the Games Begin—On Social Media

It’s not about the innings and scores and goals anymore– it’s about tweets and Facebook apps being used most glamorously. They are all into it: the players, the fans, the audience, the last growing by leaps and bounds by the minute because of social media exposure. From the youngest to the oldest, the amateurs, the pros, everyone is all on the same page. The interest elicited in sports today is not simply gluing one’s ear to the radio and listening to the (often) monotone commentary. It is beyond the game. the interactivity between players and fans serves to boost the confidence of players seem to have replaced traditional cheerleading. Tech reviews are talking about how English footballer Wayne Rooney had listen to music on Spotify to gear himself to reappear after a ban.  The English Premier League has seen 3 million new Facebook ‘likes’ in one month.

This season is time for media opportunists to spring forth and make the most of some major sports events of the year: the UEFA Euro 2012 which is underway, ending July 1 followed by Olympics beginning July 27. Football Social Media that provides social coverage of everything related to football claims to have increased “more site traffic, new revenues for merchandise and above all – a better relationship between club and customer.” Similar businesses who are investing in sports believe that fan engagement, like user engagement must be priority, ROI follows naturally.

If you can’t fight ‘em, join ‘em!

Deloitte, business advisers for the London’s Olympics Committee (LOC) directed businesses within the surrounding area of the games to prepare in advance so they are not affected due to road closures. To wage a suit, which is what SMEs companies are doing against Tfl (Transport for London) is certainly a waste of time and money because the event is happening. It would be wiser to accept and find an alternative as one company that has created a Facebook app combined with Google maps to show a reroute to customers for their service and goods delivery.

Don’t bend the rules

While sale of game tickets has risen three times the rate because of social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, business advertisements have been cleverly controlled by the LOC. No one is permitted to publicise content on social media without permission. This applies to players as well. While social journalists and audience members view it as restriction, it certainly makes sense to marketers who obviously want to monetize during the event. Anyone thinking of finding other means should be warned about the recent ban imposed by Twitter on aforementioned Wayne Rooney and his Arsenal adversary. BBC reported how they both used hash tags to advertise a famous brand within their tweets.  Such incidents affect a firm’s reputation in an uncontrollable speed on social media. Business firms too are encouraged to show a good spirit while competing, whether it’s to win or lose.

Originally Posted By Avenuesocial.Com

Superb Smartphones Need Superb Apps

They are all into it–Rolex, Prada, Cartier, Chanel, Armani, Louis Vuitton — not with their latest summer wear, but showstopper designer mobile phones. To look at them, you would think these designers have become tech savvy. But while their exteriors are par excellence, yet most don’t have classy tech specs to match. Spending an exorbitant amount only to have a regular user experience and outdated OS is certainly not value for money. They would do far better if they invest as much in ‘rich’ mobile applications, because isn’t that what brands are about–quality– inside and out? Anyway, looks matter and so they are selling like hot cakes.

Chairman by Ulysse Nardin

For those who think Google’s Android is charitably priced for the masses, then they are unaware that they have also donned the title of Guinness World Records as the ‘most expensive mobile phone.’ The diamond-encrusted hybrid device bears the label of the renowned Swiss watch manufacturers, Ulysse Nardin. The brilliant handcraft blends superbly with high tech. It comprises the OS Gingerbread and sophisticatedAndroid applications that fit right in the midst of such luxury. Price starts from USD 14,000 up to 130,000. All you have to do is sell everything you own and more. But you may be too late because its limited edition will sell out even before it hits the shelves of some 20 select countries.

TAG HEUER  Racer

This Android smartphone has been inspired by and is built of the same materials as its sponsor, the race car Formula 1. It has 3D UI and 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich for its OS. The product will be available in the market this month on for the curious, including app developers who will race to see how fast applications will run on this super smartphone.

Lamborghini TL700

Another recently launched device modeled after the luxury car, it sports Android OS Gingerbread. They have received more than too many disappointing reviews with regards to their specs.

Originally Posted By SocialJitney.Com

BlackBerry PlayBook — Another Day, Another Update

It’s true — the heart of the tablet is in the OS. And the heart of OS is in the apps. BlackBerry’s attempts at improving their PlayBook 2.0 and subsequent upgrade to 2.1.0, is a reminder of both.

Edits without credits

Tech updates are much like editing an article: both are intended to improve the quality. But this thankless job is not given due credit even when it involves having to rewrite the entire article in the name of editing. Just like that, sometimes it’s better to simply create new apps than to recompile and transfer to another OS especially when the apps fail to gel on multiple Oss.




At the start of this year, BlackBerry Tablet 2.0 OS provided the opportunity for app developers to transfer Android apps to BlackBerry App World. Brilliant idea that did not entice enough Android apps into the BlackBerry fold. Of those that did make the attempt reported crashes and bugs.

Apps without ads

This was perhaps the most disincentive term set by RIM.  Android developers mainly rely on Android app monetization through ads and in-app purchases. To provide the same for free on PlayBook or charge directly was enough to discourage porting their apps.

But the scenario isn’t all dismal. Android Community reported more than 800 apps successfully installed on PlayBook and social app integration was among the best of them.

Success without conditions

Needless to say, one of the requisites for OS compatibility was whether the same app will work on the mobile device as well as the tablet. Some apps do not mention that, making app discovery turn into an unpleasant experience.

While some terms and requisites were downright easy to implement, others resulted in a web of confusion. The developers were required to remove the name Android when transferring applications to PlayBook. But other developments were sending off red signals which brought app usage and development to a standstill on the device. One was RIM’s announcement three months ago that side-loading apps will no longer be permitted for Android apps on PlayBook. The reason for this was to control “app piracy”. Foresight on this might have controlled the situation but they must be credited for following best practices even during their dire need for apps.

Despite all this, things are looking up and efforts are still ongoing. Rooting or jailbreaking the device has proven more successful, although not for all Android apps. Recent news of transferring iOS apps on PlayBook has also provided hope. Then there’s the gaming sector without which no app store is complete and PlayStation Games can now be played on the tablet.

Originally Posted By SocialJitney