Posts Tagged ‘Apple’

The New Local: Location Based, Social Centric & Behaviorally Targeted

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

In my “Locals Only” column this month, I discuss the impact of recent announcements by major tech, online, and mobile companies regarding their plans for local search:

  • According to a recent patent submission, Yahoo is in the process of developing a mobile local search application that will take into account a user’s location, the time of day, information in the user’s calendar, past behaviors, weather, social networking data, information about the proximity of a social contact, and other data when providing results.
  • AT&T told Forbes about its plans to launch buzz.com, a new local social search site that will reportedly let users poll their friends and ask experts for advice about different nearby businesses.
  • And Apple announced its new iPad tablet, which incorporates iPhone apps, Google Maps, a built-in compass, WiFi, and wireless data capabilities – allowing users to access location-based information from wherever they are.

With so much change, I think it’s important to reflect on how these new technologies and services will affect our industry— and what our small business clients will need to do to keep up.

There’s no doubt that as media continues to fragment, and marketing tools become more complicated and sophisticated, many opportunities and challenges lies ahead for the small business owner.

For my thoughts, check out my Search Engine Land column here.

February 9, 2010 | Leave a Comment
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What Will Yellow Pages Create for the Tablet?

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Yesterday in San Francisco, Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced his company’s latest, highly-anticipated innovation – the Apple iPad Tablet.

If you’ve followed the news recently, you already know that tablets are not only expected to make waves as a new consumer gadget, but also as a means for old media publishers such as newspapers and magazines to reach new customers. In addition to Apple, HP has released a tablet device, and others including Dell, Lenovo, and possibly Microsoft are planning to release tablet devices later this year.

In his presentation, Jobs noted that the iPad will support the iTunes store, most applications already available in its App Store, as well as a new iBookstore with books from major and independent publishers. The iPad will also feature Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Internet connectivity and include an option for unlimited wireless data through AT&T.

With all the excitement surrounding the tablet, I’m eager to see what Yellow Pages companies develop to take advantage of this new technology. YP companies are already changing the ways we search for information online and via mobile. I can only imagine the possibilities that tablets will bring by providing YP clients with a greater ability to share dynamic content with their target consumers, wherever they are.

January 28, 2010 | Leave a Comment
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Kindle DX and Other Large-Screen Portables Offer New Opportunities for Yellow Pages

Friday, May 8, 2009

I think it’s fair to say that the newspaper industry held its breath for a few moments this week as Amazon unveiled the Kindle DX, an oversized version of its portable electronic book reader.

Many are going so far as to say that the Kindle DX will be the savior of newspapers, just as the smaller Kindle is breathing new life into book publishing.

Right now, there are many limitations on Kindle devices that prevent it from being a versatile local search tool. But change is on the way.

Rumors are swirling about a new netbook from Apple, something possibly like an oversized iPod Touch in collaboration with Verizon. Meanwhile, Microsoft will be releasing the ZuneBook, a portable Windows 7 mobile device.

These new entries from Apple and Microsoft will add even more flexibility, with color displays and a host of features and applications.

Consumers are already using local search tools right from their mobile devices. But the new level of sophistication these portable devices will offer is sure to change the local search industry – again.

I can certainly imagine, for example, full versions of our print directories appearing on the Kindle DX, or ZuneBook, or the unannounced Apple device. I’m not sure yet what this looks like, or how it works, but the possibilities seem endless to me.

Electronic full-page layouts, instant updates, full-color display ads, convenient cross referencing options, and flexible search features … all of these could be part of a Yellow Pages portable device offering.

Let’s get creative. What do you think the Yellow Pages industry could do with this next generation of devices? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

May 8, 2009 | 1 Comment
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