The iPad as a tie-in. A lot cooler.

The iPad – What Can It Offer in Terms of OOH Capabilities?

With its recent release, the iPad brings the expected bells and whistles contained within the sleek exterior of all Apple products that we as consumers have come to know and expect. But, beyond these expected features, the iPad also brings an array of options and uses for new marketing and advertising initiatives. As the iPad is released throughout North America, companies are trying to think of new and innovative ways they can use the new technology to their advantage. Unlike the iPod Touch and iPhone, the tablet style computer allows for much more creativity in terms of marketing and advertising initiatives. A main use that is being discussed in the iPad, and the potential it has to play an integral role in OOH marketing.

• The touch surface offers countless options for creating an interactive experience for consumers.
• Whether it be in retail locations, out on the street, or anywhere else you can think of, the simplicity of the iPad’s tablet style, creates an easy to navigate experience for the consumer.
• The iPad also offers a unique opportunity to collect information/build a database on consumers; information can be gathered about each individual who interacts with the iPad. 

 This newly gathered information can then be used to build a database. These types of uses for the iPad can contribute greatly to creating a strong CRM within a company.

It seems relevant to not just look at the iPad in terms of person use, but to look at it in terms of marketing and advertising. You’d be surprised what it can do for you and your company! 

@ Bash! we're already integrating the iPad into other emerging platforms and customizing its functionalities with both d/i-OOH + events as well as other interactive marketing mediums and turnkey solutions.

iAd: The New Mobile Ad Interactivity Playground

Well, Steve Jobs has dazzled us once again with the introduction of iAd: the mobile advertising platform that allows users to stay in an app when they click on an advertisement, rather than kicking them out and leading to an external link.

Upon its announcement, Jobs showcased two wicked features of the iAd: 1) a fully interactive advertisement that looks identical to an app, and 2) the ability of the advertisements to have access to APIs, just like a native app (e.g. using location services, etc.). It's not too daring to say that the iAd will revolutionize the way it's iPhone users view marketing and advertising; rather than being annoyingly intrusive and redirecting, the iAd will let advertisements appear just like iPhone apps - interactive, fun, and a cool thing to be part of. 

Interactivity and engagement with the consumer is clearly the distinctive feature between iAd and other advertising server systems. iAd doesn't intrude and disrupts; it's easy exploration and make ads fun. 

Some quick facts about iAd that is sure to charm and wow you:

• Over $60 million has been committed to iAd in 2010 by major brands (AT&T, Best Buy, Chanel, Nissan, Sears, State Farm, Target, Turner Broadcasting System, Unilever and The Walt Disney Studios). That's not too shabby for a product that's been selling for only 8 weeks.
• This  represents almost 50% of the total forecasted US mobile ad spending for the second half of 2010.
• 60% of revenue goes to the advertiser, while Apple keeps 40%, the "industry standard"

The iAd is really just another example of the emerging trend of interactivity in mobile media. Jumping on the interactive mobile media bandwagon may not seem like a bad idea after all. Hey, Steve Jobs is doing it!