November 03, 2008
Cell phone: The new election campaign weapon
By Carolyn Mathas

No matter whom or what you're voting for, the cell phone has earned a place as an effective campaign weapon in 2008. It's probably little known that Hillary and John Edwards put their cell phone campaigns into effect before Obama did. Obama, in a smart move, launched a text message initiative to supporters and potential volunteers, asking them to text GO to 62262 (Obama)--the power of branding.

To date, the McCain campaign has not embraced mobile marketing. The tech savvy Obama campaign targeted the 60% of Americans that use text messaging. He delivered 2.9 million text messages to announce Joe Biden as his running mate, offered free ringtones from speeches, as well as information covering donations and volunteering for his campaign. Finally, the Obama campaign database is regionalized--making it very easy to rally attendees for local appearances.

So is the concept that effective? You bet. According to a study by the University of Michigan and Princeton University, using text messages to remind voters to vote yielded a 6% increase among young voters--a group that has been said may be lighter than expected in this race. In this election, U.S. government surveys indicate that as many as 17% of adults are 'cell phone only' households.

Hidden from the polls is potentially the real impact of text messaging. In a September survey conducted on cell phones only, Obama led McCain by 55% to 36%. In two simultaneous landline surveys--the means used by the majority of polls--candidates were tied at 45%. Another combined poll, cell phones and landline, showed little difference in the two candidates, just a few percentage points.

Outside of the presidential race, some recipient registered voters are frustrated with a barrage of robocalls hitting their cell phones causing not just the unwanted interruption, but charges as well. Candidates and those intending to sway voters to certain issues need to heed the frustration. It seems that texting is one thing--the level of direct calls and unwanted expense is rapidly turning people off.
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October 13, 2008
Are mobile navigation services finally taking off?
By Carolyn Mathas

A new report by Berg Insight AB, and offered by Research and Markets says they are, based on the introduction of

The report, "Mobile Navigation Services" claims that services are now taking off in North America and Europe and that the existing subscriber base of 16 million users in 2008 will grow to 70 million in 2014. The report targets vendors, telecom operators, investors, consultants, application developers, and government agencies.

The report answers:

• Can the success for portable navigation devices be repeated with mobile devices?
• What are the business models and revenue opportunities for mobile navigation?
• What are the main differences and similarities of the European and North American markets?
• Who are the leading suppliers of on-board and off-board mobile navigation solutions?
• What navigation offerings are available from the mobile operators in the EU and the US?
How are industry leaders such as Nokia, TomTom and Garmin positioning themselves on the emerging market?
• Will it be on-board or off-board turn-by-turn navigation solutions that prevail in the mobile space?

For additional information see: Mobile Navigation Services

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September 29, 2008
Forget the lipstick, break into the piggy
By Carolyn Mathas

I get that the stock market would naturally bounce around based on bank failures, and bailouts. Today, however, Apple is down 15% after several firms cut back recommendations on the stock.

I have no idea (really) if Apple is a good deal or not. I do know when companies are basically sound, innovative, and prolific in the product department, and yet their stock backs off substantially, well, it sure seems like time to break into the piggy bank.

The biggest problem it would seem is whether or not there are sufficient funds in the hands of the investor to be able to ride out this crisis without dipping into the same piggy bank. If so, doesn't it seem like it's time to go shopping when firms that didn't know enough to see all this coming, now say a company isn't going to do well? Yeah, like I'd trust that judgment. Just a thought.
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September 22, 2008
Oh oh, a shocking Apple iPhone adapter recall
By Carolyn Mathas

This just might affect you. If you bout a

It seems that some of the power adapters are faulty and the metal prongs can break and zap you. So, check with Apple, who will replace the adapters for free. Fixed versions are expected to be available on October 10.

In the meantime--stop using the adapter.
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