Sunday, October 23, 2011

The Mobile Phone & You - Part III - The Future



Sep 22, 2011
The Mobile Phone & You - Part 3 - The Future

It wasn’t as easy writing about the future of mobile as it was the past and present. I wonder if Charles Dickens had the same problem when he wrote ‘A Christmas Carol’?

So where is mobile going? It’s anyone’s guess really but developments in the space are taking human interaction and access to information and knowledge to new places. We can only apply a degree of what is now science fiction to postulate what the future science will deliver in our world of the future. If my 12-Year-Old’s 6000 text messages in one month is any indication how it’s changing communication, we’re in for a very different human experience.

A recent article on Mashable, 8 Current Technologies That Will Shape Our Future, the first five of the eight technologies mentioned are directly related to wireless technology. From the smart phones we know and love today, to seamlessly integrated augmented reality, amplified processing power, applications for everything life has to offer, lightning-quick data speeds and extensions of wireless data access beyond devices themselves and into the fabric of the world around us is going to impact human communication and culture in ways we don’t even yet realize. Mobile wallets, geolocation, retinal scanners, implants, nanotechnology – what does the wireless world look like in the future? Use your imagination.

Will the wireless future play a part in improving the very fabric of human capability or will it cripple us with an overreliance on the tech around us where any answer, any direction, and choice is spoon fed to us through a massive net of cloud-powered data, logic and algorithmic deductions?

Will we all live to see the future point in human evolution known as the singularity where the lines between humans and machines disappear and how will wireless technology play into that evolution? At the end of the day we’re all hurtling through space on this beautiful, blue marble and it’s anyone’s guess.

Guy Borgford
Director Mobile Advertising Solution, Hipcricket

Thursday, September 29, 2011

The Mobile Phone and You – Part Two – The Present


In our last installment on mobile handsets, we looked at the past and how we rapidly went from toaster-sized handsets that required a wheelbarrow to tote around, to the world of 2G, miniature communication devices, and the lightning-fast adoption of SMS and other interactions we now think of as second nature.

In today’s world our handsets have in many cases, become our lifeline – with smart phones providing us with our daily calendar, our social network news, traffic, weather, news, music, video, entertainment, games, directions, flashlights, stop watches, cameras, video cameras, home entertainment controllers, contacts, reminders and communication via voice, text, IM and video chat - thee list goes on as illustrated by the hundreds of thousands of apps out there.

Let’s face it, these devices are in fact computers, with processing power and storage capabilities that rival desktop machines from just a decade ago – all in the palm of your hand. Recent survey data from comScore is in, noting that smartphone penetration increased significantly, now at 35.1% of overall mobile audience with 82.2 million users. The weekly new user rate was about 863k/wk during July or about 586k/wk average over the last three months. This space is on fire.


The rate of technological change is exponential – and nowhere is this more evident to the average consumer than in the world of mobile. But are there costs? What are the tradeoffs? What does the future look like? What does it mean for human culture and communication?

In our next installment, we’ll explore and postulate where it might be going – and what it might mean to you. Til then…there’s a call for you on line one.

Guy Borgford

Vice President Strategy FGI Seattle

FGI Seattle - interactive strategy, web redesign, digital marketing, interactive advertising, startup strategy, website design, Seattle interactive design, mobile optimized websites

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

11 The Mobile Phone and You – Part One – The Past




You know you’re old when you tell people you remember in your not-too-distant past when cell phones weren’t a part of our lives. I tell my kids this and they just give me this look like, ‘you’re a relic, dude’.

Then I go into a diatribe about my world as a kid – no videos, no video games, no personal computers, no voice mail, not even a touch tone phone. Yes, maybe I am a relic, but I’m holding it together through a regular diet of healthy eating, exercise and progressive house music – but I digress.

The truth is, cell phone technology as only been available to consumers since the mid-1980s. To some that might seem like another era, but to those of us who can recollect days of mullets, bad fashion and hair metal, it doesn’t seem like that long ago. I remember an acquaintance who was the first person I knew personally who owned a cell phone. The thing was a brick on a stick, and we never really knew what this guy did for a living but something tells me it wasn’t legal.

Cell phones were for the top executives, the superstars, and for the suppliers to those target audiences vices – they were for a few whose livelihood depended on an always-on channel through which they could communicate. For the rest of us there were phone booths and the cutting-edge tech known as answering machines.

Little did we know back then, how much things would change and how fast.

In the 1990s, the 'second generation' or 2G mobile phone systems emerged, primarily using the GSM standard. These were different from the previous generation in that they used digital instead of analog transmission. The rise in mobile phone use with 2G was explosive. With the introduction of 2G systems was a trend away from the larger "brick" phones toward tiny hand-held devices. This change was possible not only through technological improvements such as more advanced batteries and more energy-efficient electronics, but also because of the higher density of cell sites to accommodate more usage. The latter meant that the average distance transmission from phone to base station shortened, leading to increased battery life while mobile.

2G phones also enabled SMS or text messaging, which eventually spread across all digital networks. The first machine-generated SMS message was sent in the UK on 3 December 1992 followed in 1993 by the first person-to-person SMS sent in Finland. With prepaid services being introduced in the late 1990s SMS soon became the communication method of choice with younger demographics, a trend which quickly spread across most age groups.

Well, that takes us into the 90s. Next week we’ll talk about the advent of 3G, 4G and Smart phones and where we are today…then we’ll discuss where we could go tomorrow.

Guy Borgford

VP Strategy, FGI Seattle

http://www.fgi.com

Monday, July 18, 2011

Video Everywhere....What's Your Take?




I’m not afraid to date myself. And I’m not talking about taking myself out to dinner and movie, but I am talking about putting the incredible rate of technological change into context. So, let’s talk video.

Seriously, I remember our family’s first color TV. Granted I was barely in grade school, but the set was the size of most compact cars today, its depth equal to its diameter and the video quality…I don’t think the word quality factored into the product description.

These were the days of consoles…anyone remember those? These sprawling home entertainment systems contained a TV, turntable, radio and a pair of muffled sounding speakers as part of their complete home entertainment checklist – most consoles were large enough to span two zip codes.

FAST FORWARD: From the incredible adoption of video-enabled handsets, to tablets, streaming services, Hulu, YouTube, 4G networks, Wi-Fi, and a huge array of boxes, gaming platforms and DVRs that make video accessible and on-demand just about anywhere. A recent study by Sandvine Inc. shows that Netflix movies and TV shows account for nearly 30 per cent of bandwidth/ traffic into homes during peak evening hours, compared with less than 17 per cent for Web browsing. And The Nielsen Company released data showing the number of mobile subscribers over the age of 13 watching online video on their mobile device in Q2 2010 reached 21.9 million (up 43%) – that doesn’t count those under 13, who, if my 11-year old is any indication, represent a huge number of additional streams.

And add to this, social media’s ubiquity and the viral nature of ‘sharing’, and video has the ability to take on a life of its own, where crazy, creative kids can become mini movie moguls practically overnight. And now Facebook’s video chat announcement today makes video even more embedded into our virtual social experiences. Aside from the distribution channels, think about the barriers to entry – how many user generated content programs are there out there now anyway? TrueTV has based its entire programming schedule on the genre. Big Brother is watching you and he’s out to sell your antics to Hollywood. [Don’t get me started on reality, TV, please – I’m just waiting for a series to come out about plumbers – I can just see the Hollywood pitch now…WATCH PLUMBERS…addictive like crack.]

As each day passes, video moves farther beyond the field of entertainment. More companies use video as tools to engage, educate, assist, and convert. According to eMarketer the use of online video among the 100 leading retailers increased by 18 percentage points between Q4 2009 and Q4 2010, alone – with the recent surge in tablet and smart phone use, that number is bound to explode over this year and into the next.

Video usage online continues to grow at astronomical rates: comScore reports in is Digital Year in Review report that 179 million Americans watched online video each month during 2010 and that more than 88.6 million people watch online video on an average day in December 2010 (up 32%).

New technologies, like anything in the world of business and change are hit and miss - as of October 2010, HTML5 video penetration had reached 54% of web users…and this is expected to rise dramatically as many major web utilities such as Google’s Gmail service plan to force browser upgrades to HTML5-compatible browsers in order to use their services. While the new format challenges Flash, consumer interest and sales of 3D TVs are estimated to decline in 2011 while sales for connected televisions rise, according to SNL Kagan, a media and communication analysis business. Hit and miss…but most are stories of incredible growth.

So, what does all this mean for you? What does it mean for your business? What does it mean for human culture? Those are all loaded questions. Like anything, video’s salience in any one situation depends on context. What is certain is that we can no longer think about video as a self-contained product, viewed in a world behind darkened shades in the comfort and privacy of our home. Video is everywhere. Video is social. Video is powerful. And video will continue to capture the imagination and emotions of people everywhere as the arguably highest art form, behind only life itself.

To explore your organization’s video strategy, book your organization’s complimentary Whiteboard Wednesday with FGI today – info@fgi.com .

Guy Borgford

VP Strategy, FGI.com

Monday, February 28, 2011

Innovation - It Starts From Within



We hear the word thrown around in business all the time. “We’re innovators; Innovation is key to our growth; innovation is what our business is all about.” The list goes on. I wonder how many companies out there have innovation as part of their mission statement, positioning statement or core corporate mantra? My guess is it’s a LOT!

In today’s rapidly changing world, innovation is key to being competitive. Without innovation, companies and their products quickly become relics of the past – the world keeps turning folks and with it a world of change with every spin.
Despite the never-ending need to innovate on the product side and a robust investment in product innovation and research and development, many companies neglect the innovation on the talent side and with it, leaders are hesitant to innovate from the inside out.

Fear of change results in a state of paralysis and again…if you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward. Technology, culture, capital, people, and the way they all work together are constantly changing, so if your team isn’t innovating on both a personal and cultural level, you can be assured others are, and in the process, leaving your place in the market, in the dust.

Innovation begins at the personal level - call it your spirit, your heart, your soul or whatever else works for you – but change needs to happen from within before it can be rolled out to a department, an organization, or an industry. And sometimes the most dramatic innovations that positively affect companies aren’t on the product or service side at all, but are aspects addressing the more intangible, such as talent, marketing, process, or culture.


As human beings we must adapt to change – it’s an inherent force of nature – as our environment changes, so must we in order to best thrive in our surroundings. Change isn’t always pleasant, nor is it always a fearless process of flawless execution. Quite often it’s scary, dubious, unsettling and packed full of ‘what-ifs’. But then isn’t that core to all challenges in life? Imagine a life without challenge and without personal growth and innovation…pretty boring stuff.

What all this comes down to is defining innovation and how it fits into your personal world and your company’s culture. Think about innovation differently. Innovate on the very definition of the word and through this process you’ll find personal and professional windows of opportunity for innovation that set you and your company apart from the pack.

Change – it’s a good thing. Well Martha said that until she found herself in a jail cell.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

11 Predictions 11 Months in 2011





Since I already missed the first month of 2011, I thought I'd take an 11.11.11 approach to my predictions this year...

Here goes...

11.11.11


11 Predictions Over 11 Months in 2011.

In no particular order and based entirely on my channeling of that creepy ghost in Scrooge – I have seen the future and it looks like this…


1. Google Gets Into the Music Business

This comes first as I know people in the music business who got drafted by the Search Goliath. Rock on.

2. Facebook Places Kills Foursquare

I’m sorry but why would any advertiser invest in a still-niche platform like Foursquare when you have 500M peeps on Facebook who can’t resist to tell the world they’re having a freaking latte at Starbucks. Foursquare=DeepSix

3. MySpace Implosion Continues

Their focus on music and entertainment was a brilliant move…that they should have done 7 years ago. Too late, Mr. Murdoch, yo space just ain’t cool no mo.

4. Microsoft Shutters Zune

I would consider it a mercy killing. Does ANYONE other than Microsoft peeps subscribe to this brick and bits outfit?

5. Privacy Issues Cripple Behavioral Targeting Companies

If the FCC and privacy advocates have their way they’re going to squash the Big Brother precision delivery of ad targeting to our every keystroke and mouse click and with it, billions of dollars in ad spends and thousands of jobs.

6. Apps Spaces Get a Housecleaning

Average usage of apps are just 3 times once they’re downloaded and Apple says there are over 100,000 iPhone apps of which about 100 are useful. Recent studies show 27% of apps are only used once after being downloaded. Time for a housecleaning. Expect app standards to have higher bars.

7. Google Gets Into the Digital Magazine Business

If they don’t they like totally need to wear helmets on the bus.

8. Apple Flattens

Despite Verizon picking up the iPhone and the 3G dropping to $49 on AT&T - not to mention the tres-sexy iPad, a barrage of tablets and competing handsets are going to chip away at market share…add to that Mr. Jobs health issues and the crisp, juicy promise of Apple earnings calls will sour by Q4.

9. Tablets dominate

PCs will be the new desktop. Remember those?

10. Traditional Agencies Suffer Major Contraction

Oh, the overhead. Many of these agencies remind me of high-end resort casinos…opulent surroundings and full of pretty people…someone’s gotta be paying for it and it’s brand America and Mr. & Ms. Consumer. Watch more brands attach themselves to smaller, nimbler and smarter shops who take more of a consultancy role with their partners and collaborate on greatness.

11. Digital Dominates

Print shrivels, Cable TV stagnates and digital in its many forms continues to prove it is the medium – there will be no other.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

We're Hiring...

Senior Web Developer / Technical Director

FGI is looking for a Senior Web Developer / Director of Technical Services to lead our technical team and play an integral role in the growth and development of our technical skills and our clients’ success. If you thrive in a fast-paced, professional and super-fun environment then please read on…


You want an opportunity to work in a small, growing web agency that has huge potential. You’re all about diverse and interesting projects, researching industry and technology trends, delivering the best work possible and pushing the envelope on what’s possible.


This position has limitless potential and is a key component to the technology side of the agency. We’re one of the top web agencies in the area and work with great clients of all sizes. We’re fun, social and often unconventional - and we win.
Responsibilities & Skills

* You are accustomed to and/or understand an agency setting
* Motivated to work quickly and cleanly, delivering the best final product for our clients, always on time and under budget
* Not afraid to put in extra hours if a project needs it, on the same token, ping pong and beers on the days the work gets done early
* Social grace - we need a team leader that knows the value of communication and collaboration - these aren't just buzzwords, this is a major requirement for this position
* An eye for detail - you know the difference between 10 pixels and 20, and how the difference can affect a layout. You're ready to make sure your team knows this too.
* Manage Developers. Not only manage, but lead junior developers and encourage growth.
* Works with Account Managers and Project Managers on daily basis.
* Technical Documentation (Requirements, specifications, technical solutions for proposals, project handoffs, etc)
* Requirements gathering
* Solution Architect
* Client Meetings / Participate in sales pitches
* Research
* 5+ years of .Net experience
* 2+ years of PHP experience
* 5+ years of CSS, Javascript, JQuery, XHTML and other client side technologies
* Integrating with APIs
* Mobile Development
* Database Architect
* Estimating
* Experience working with a variety of CMS solutions
* eCommerce Experience
* Sitecore Certified Developer
* Testing Plan Creation and Execution
* Version Control Experience
* Hosting and Deployment Expertise
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Highly organized
* Team player
* Flexible
* Reliable to be on time to meetings and other important events
* Presentable at client meetings
* Travel: under 10% of the time

Benefits:

* Competitive Salary
* Flexible schedules
* 2 weeks Vacation
* Casual working environment
* Dog friendly
* Small company environment
* Free soda, coffee, snacks
* Free parking
* Medical, Dental, 401k
* Fun group events.
* End early on Fridays for drinks and fun

Salary: DOE
To apply, send a resume, work examples, 3 references and salary requirements to careers@fgi.com. Not including one of these items will disqualify you from the position. This is an in-house Contract-to-Hire position. Please provide both your desired hourly rate and full time salary requirements.
FGI is an equal opportunity employer
No staffing agencies, outsourcing or overseas companies.






Digital Project Manager



Description
FGI is looking for a Digital Project Manager to cultivate excellent client relationships by providing the highest quality client service, project management and end deliverable possible. Digital Project Managers are responsible for the successful execution of projects on time and on budget. They lead the development of project goals and scope, and work closely with internal teams to develop a plan for projects. Digital Project Managers facilitate the creation of comprehensive project specifications as well as create and maintain project estimates and schedules. They are responsible for managing the day-to-day details of numerous projects that differ in size, scope and resource needs.

Successful Digital Project Managers are hard-working with a fierce attention to detail, are eager to learn new things, and are passionate about interactive marketing. This position will report to the Account Director.

Responsibilities





* Inspire and lead team members throughout the entire project
* Manage workflow for assigned online/interactive projects
* Accountable for managing all aspects of project life cycle – design, strategy and execution
* Converts project specifications into detailed instructions for the project team
* Reports status and provides visibility into potential issues to management
* Performs QA / testing of all projects
* Lead a team of IA/UX Architects, Designers, Copywriters, Technical Analysts, Developers, and QA Engineers to ensure a high quality product and smooth delivery
* Develop and adhere to timeline, budget and scope
* Create and maintain schedules for all associated deliverables
* Uphold high standards of project management excellence
* Participate in client and internal meetings with authority and professionalism
* Develop project plans, resource forecasts, contracts and project specifications
* Traffic coordination – Manage tasks and workload of technical and creative teams
* Monitor time tracking to ensure goals are met, budgets are maintained and accountability is monitored.
* Up to 10% travel for client meetings

Qualifications

o A minimum of 3 - 5 years of successful web producing experience
o Superior planning and organization skills
o SCRUM / Agile experience
o Working knowledge of Internet technologies including: CSS/HTML, ASP.NET, PHP, JavaScript and CMS platforms
o Experience working with information architecture and content design teams
o Excellent communication and leadership skillsAbility to adapt to a constantly changing environment
o Ability to excel in a demanding, fast-paced workplace
o Self-motivated, detail-oriented with ability and experience to manage many projects simultaneously and maintain highly organized work while working within pressured deadlines.
o Expertise in MS Excel, Visio, Word and Project
o Understanding of industry best practices
o Bachelors Degree required
o Agency experience is preferred

Salary: DOE
To apply, send a resume, work examples, 3 references and salary requirements to careers@fgi.com. Not including one of these items will disqualify you from the position. This is an in-house Contract-to-Hire position. Please provide both your desired hourly rate and full time salary requirements.
FGI is an equal opportunity employer
No staffing agencies, outsourcing or overseas companies.

We're Hiring...

Senior Web Developer / Technical Director

FGI is looking for a Senior Web Developer / Director of Technical Services to lead our technical team and play an integral role in the growth and development of our technical skills and our clients’ success. If you thrive in a fast-paced, professional and super-fun environment then please read on…


You want an opportunity to work in a small, growing web agency that has huge potential. You’re all about diverse and interesting projects, researching industry and technology trends, delivering the best work possible and pushing the envelope on what’s possible.


This position has limitless potential and is a key component to the technology side of the agency. We’re one of the top web agencies in the area and work with great clients of all sizes. We’re fun, social and often unconventional - and we win.
Responsibilities & Skills

* You are accustomed to and/or understand an agency setting
* Motivated to work quickly and cleanly, delivering the best final product for our clients, always on time and under budget
* Not afraid to put in extra hours if a project needs it, on the same token, ping pong and beers on the days the work gets done early
* Social grace - we need a team leader that knows the value of communication and collaboration - these aren't just buzzwords, this is a major requirement for this position
* An eye for detail - you know the difference between 10 pixels and 20, and how the difference can affect a layout. You're ready to make sure your team knows this too.
* Manage Developers. Not only manage, but lead junior developers and encourage growth.
* Works with Account Managers and Project Managers on daily basis.
* Technical Documentation (Requirements, specifications, technical solutions for proposals, project handoffs, etc)
* Requirements gathering
* Solution Architect
* Client Meetings / Participate in sales pitches
* Research
* 5+ years of .Net experience
* 2+ years of PHP experience
* 5+ years of CSS, Javascript, JQuery, XHTML and other client side technologies
* Integrating with APIs
* Mobile Development
* Database Architect
* Estimating
* Experience working with a variety of CMS solutions
* eCommerce Experience
* Sitecore Certified Developer
* Testing Plan Creation and Execution
* Version Control Experience
* Hosting and Deployment Expertise
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Highly organized
* Team player
* Flexible
* Reliable to be on time to meetings and other important events
* Presentable at client meetings
* Travel: under 10% of the time

Benefits:

* Competitive Salary
* Flexible schedules
* 2 weeks Vacation
* Casual working environment
* Dog friendly
* Small company environment
* Free soda, coffee, snacks
* Free parking
* Medical, Dental, 401k
* Fun group events.
* End early on Fridays for drinks and fun

Salary: DOE
To apply, send a resume, work examples, 3 references and salary requirements to careers@fgi.com. Not including one of these items will disqualify you from the position. This is an in-house Contract-to-Hire position. Please provide both your desired hourly rate and full time salary requirements.
FGI is an equal opportunity employer
No staffing agencies, outsourcing or overseas companies.






Digital Project Manager



Description
FGI is looking for a Digital Project Manager to cultivate excellent client relationships by providing the highest quality client service, project management and end deliverable possible. Digital Project Managers are responsible for the successful execution of projects on time and on budget. They lead the development of project goals and scope, and work closely with internal teams to develop a plan for projects. Digital Project Managers facilitate the creation of comprehensive project specifications as well as create and maintain project estimates and schedules. They are responsible for managing the day-to-day details of numerous projects that differ in size, scope and resource needs.

Successful Digital Project Managers are hard-working with a fierce attention to detail, are eager to learn new things, and are passionate about interactive marketing. This position will report to the Account Director.

Responsibilities





* Inspire and lead team members throughout the entire project
* Manage workflow for assigned online/interactive projects
* Accountable for managing all aspects of project life cycle – design, strategy and execution
* Converts project specifications into detailed instructions for the project team
* Reports status and provides visibility into potential issues to management
* Performs QA / testing of all projects
* Lead a team of IA/UX Architects, Designers, Copywriters, Technical Analysts, Developers, and QA Engineers to ensure a high quality product and smooth delivery
* Develop and adhere to timeline, budget and scope
* Create and maintain schedules for all associated deliverables
* Uphold high standards of project management excellence
* Participate in client and internal meetings with authority and professionalism
* Develop project plans, resource forecasts, contracts and project specifications
* Traffic coordination – Manage tasks and workload of technical and creative teams
* Monitor time tracking to ensure goals are met, budgets are maintained and accountability is monitored.
* Up to 10% travel for client meetings

Qualifications

o A minimum of 3 - 5 years of successful web producing experience
o Superior planning and organization skills
o SCRUM / Agile experience
o Working knowledge of Internet technologies including: CSS/HTML, ASP.NET, PHP, JavaScript and CMS platforms
o Experience working with information architecture and content design teams
o Excellent communication and leadership skillsAbility to adapt to a constantly changing environment
o Ability to excel in a demanding, fast-paced workplace
o Self-motivated, detail-oriented with ability and experience to manage many projects simultaneously and maintain highly organized work while working within pressured deadlines.
o Expertise in MS Excel, Visio, Word and Project
o Understanding of industry best practices
o Bachelors Degree required
o Agency experience is preferred

Salary: DOE
To apply, send a resume, work examples, 3 references and salary requirements to careers@fgi.com. Not including one of these items will disqualify you from the position. This is an in-house Contract-to-Hire position. Please provide both your desired hourly rate and full time salary requirements.
FGI is an equal opportunity employer
No staffing agencies, outsourcing or overseas companies.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Why Google vs. Facebook Isn't The Biggest Battle About To Unfold




It seems like everyone is looking at two recent numbers out there in the land of tech jaw-droppers – Facebook surpassing Google in traffic and the social network’s recent $50B+ valuation. Big news. But what’s funny is these numbers are also driving the focus on the ensuing battle between the two tech giants, yet no one seems to be looking at the jockeying Google is quietly doing on the sidelines, like they’re using Mark Zuckerberg’s monolithic leap into the limelight as a decoy to take the pole position in the exploding world of mobile and tablet devices and the ensuing intersection of geolocation and entertainment.


Don’t get me wrong, it’s fair to say that both Google and Facebook want it all. And it’s possible they could get it. After all, Facebook Places holds a ton of promise, but don’t expect a Facebook phone or OS to hit the streets anytime soon.


And to make things all the juicier, there’s another little company who lusts after consumer domination and has rode the hype train since the advent of the music download, and it starting to lose its edge – yes, Apple.


Recent events lead me to believe that Google is laying formidable groundwork for control of what will undoubtedly be the biggest, most effective, most accountable, most powerful ad platform humans will experience for the next two decades – and for our sake let’s just call it wireless. It’s the land of paper thin tablets, smart phones, wearables, auto systems, home appliances and whatever else they build on top of the Android OS.


Google’s gracious ‘gift’ of millions of free books on top of a device-agnostic platform, Android handset sales flying past iPhones, and some recent insider information I personally know about where very seasoned, very smart, senior people from the music industry have recently joined the big G, tells me there’s music subscriptions, monster digital eReader libraries and video anywhere coming, all neatly baked into the Android OS and residing on the Google cloud.


My guess is Google could care less about the traffic numbers. They are still killing search, with Microsoft’s Bing barely making a dent in their domination and they’re sitting on mountains of cash. And with these little media and entertainment hobbies – books, music and don’t forget they own a little web site called YouTube, folks and a flexible, wireless OS that’s on a major roll and hardware to boot, I don’t think Google has to worry about Facebook’s sub-$1 cpm ad revenue – they’re going to be frying much bigger fish…er…Apples.


Call me crazy but I think Apple’s days are numbered, but then again Mr. Jobs has been known have some pretty amazing tricks up his sleeve. All I can say is, Mr. Jobs, it’s twenty-freaking-eleven, and I know it’s not Apple’s business, but where are our flying freakin’ iCars?

Guy Borgford
VP Strategy, FGI.com