kyle hammond

What is it?
Mobile content is defined as interaction on mobile outside of peer to peer activities, mainly voice and SMS. Content includes pictures, audio, video and applications all of which require storage or installation on the mobile handset.

The growth in mobile content has developed from the ring tone and picture background markets of the early millennium, through to a more complex range of content including video, games and applications.

A combination of better handsets, improved data speeds and data pricing means that the level of content downloads are predicted to increase significantly.

With a many recent scandals connected to Premium Rate Messaging, there is a significant public distrust with this billing method for content. This presents and opportunity to brands who are able to fund content and delivery it to the mobile user for free.

Conversely, whilst direct marketing to mobile through is increasing, many users and some brands see this as intrusive. Ad-funded content offers brands a different relationship with the mobile user by giving the benefit of free entertainment or information.

A report by the Mobile Entertainment Forum (MEF) believed that ad-funded mobile entertainment in games and video to generate revenue of £145m in the UK by 2012

How does it work?
As brands are looking for new ways to promote to their markets, mobile content advertising offers them a new channel with which to do this. Within video or gaming content, this is typically through a pre-roll or splash screen advertising. However there is a move towards brands to move beyond a simple sponsorship model by developing their own content. This is done by working with mobile content developers and creators.

The distribution mechanism is usually via MMS or SMS and WAP push, where a text message is sent with a download link. This is usually triggered by a request to a shortcode (five or six digit number) from the mobile user.

The means of promotion of this content are varied, but are usually through tie-in’s to media campaigns such as television, press or billboard advertising. On the mobile side, the operator portals are currently regarded as the main point for distribution, however as more direct to consumer channels develop they will offer viable means of distributing advertising-led content. With this development there are an increasing number of ad-funded content providers connecting brands to both content and consumers.

From an advertisers point of view the ability of mobile targeted, location and time-sensitive content could make it an attractive proposition.

So far, content funded advertising has been slow to take off and meet the predicted levels, however a number of recent campaigns have shown the possibilities.

One mobile advertising portal surveyed it’s user base of 16-25 year olds which showed that nearly 50% would accept ads in return for content.

A few examples
Orange have trialled ad funded content with brands such as Coke and Saab advertising in downloadable games (see J2ME applications).

MySpace in the US have been testing similar advertising funded content.

The 2007 Big Brother switched its mobile video from premium rate payment to advertising funded reported a four-fold increase in the downloads.

The mobile network, 3, launched an ad funded video service in summer 2007 gaining over 1 million subscribers in the first 6 months.

For more info please see http://www.immedia24.com

Laptops are a definite need than a luxury, in todays’ fast paced world. Having a portable PC that helps to take work along with, to all the places that one goes, has actually become a necessity. They not only are useful in carrying data but also help us keep connected to the office even when we are away from office.

There are many characteristics to be considered while purchasing a laptop. The processors or the CPU are one of the main components of a computer. The CPU contains the ALU that is the Arithmetic and Logic Unit and the Control Unit. Many companies have come out with processors that are different to each other in terms of their speed and capacity. The standard is usually 1.4 to 1.6 GHz, though 3.0GHz has been launched as well. The processor power and the battery consumption are interrelated and so it is important to have an eye on the battery consumption, when choosing the processor.

The hard drive is the next component, which is of importance. This is used to store the data files and programs in the computer. The capacity of a hard drive could be from as low as 20GB to 40GB, 60GB and even up to 120GB. The size that it needs depends upon the amount of data that is to be stored inside.

RAM is the component where the running applications and data is stored. It stands for Random Access Memory. The basic types contain 256MB of RAM space, while even 512MB or 1024MB is also available. If music downloads, video downloads etc are to be done in the laptop, then the RAM capacity should be more.

The laptop sizes are also to be considered. The screen used is LCD screens and this could be from 12″ to 14″ or even 15″. The resolution is also to be considered. This could be 1024 x 768 for a standard screen, and can also increase, depending upon the type of screen used. TFT LCDs are also available nowadays, which are expensive than normal LCDs but give better displaying options. Also screens are on wide screen type that makes it easily viewable from any angle.

Graphic card are inserted into them to give laptops better display capacities. If lots of presentations and slide shows etc have to be stored, then it is better to go for a video graphic card with 32MB or even 64MB. They should also contain USB ports, which help to transfer data from another USB device or vice versa. Firewire connections are also available nowadays, that help to transfer data from MP3 players, camcorders etc.

Optical drives for CD/DVD playing is also necessary. The battery capacity is also to be checked. Mostly Lithium Ion batteries are used. They have a back up time from 2 hours to 5 years. The recharging time also differs in different makes, with 75 minutes being the most common. Touch sensitive mouse pads are available to replace mouse. This has to be checked before purchasing, to see if it is comfortable to be used or not.

The wireless LAN facilities, Ethernet etc should also be available. The final and very important thing is the warranty that should be checked while buying the laptop; the more the warranty period, the better the quality.

Laptops are a boon from the technology world to us. Using it wisely and more importantly purchasing it wisely is what is required, to own a long lasting and efficient laptop that gives the best performance that one expects from it.

Visit laptop-pc.org.uk for exclusive reviews on latest laptops, such as Acer Laptop PCs, Dell and Toshiba Laptops.

Optus ‘Yes’ Business Smart Plan

Understanding all the different mobile telephone plans on the market can be a difficult task. Choosing the correct plan is an even greater challenge when you are committing to a 12 or even 24 month contract. It is unlikely that any mobile phone company will allow you to downgrade your plan within the contract period, increasing to a higher plan is never a problem!

Today we have decided to look at the ‘Yes’ Business Smart Plan from Optus. I will explain all the different benefits you will receive, look at the rates for calls, SMS, MMS, Voicemail Etc, and also examine any pitfalls.

On this plan whatever your monthly commitment is you will receive ALL of the following:

1) SMART RATE: You pay 10c per 30 seconds to your choice of mobiles or fixed lines, 24hours a day 7 days a week when you opt for a $59 a month plan (Minimum Commitment). If you choose a plan under $59 a month you will receive the same benefit only at 11c per 30 seconds not 10c.

2) SMART FLEET: Free calls, SMS (Text Messages), and MMS (Picture Messages) to ALL other mobiles on the same business account. (This is a huge advantage for business owners, if you had 10 mobiles on the same account mainly calling each other the bills are going to be very low indeed.)

3) BUSINESS TIME: Free 5 Minute calls to 3 numbers 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Choose either standard fixed line or any Optus mobile numbers. (Great when combined with smart fleet as the call back to the office or even home can be free.)

4) SMART SHARE: Share the minimum monthly commitments across your business account. (What this means is if you have 10 phones and you commit to $59 a month per phone you are saying that you will pay $590 per month (10 x $59). If 5 mobiles spend $0 and the other 5 spend £118 you will still pay $590 instead of paying 5 x $118 ($590) + 5 X $59($295) (Minimum monthly commitment.

Now you can choose the contract length, obviously the longer the contract the more is available to you.

24 Month contract = New $0 upfront mobile.

12 or 24 Month contract = Bring your own mobile and get a credit on your first bill.

Month - Month = Bring your own mobile or make monthly handset repayments over 12 or 24 months.

Your plan or minimum monthly commitment

This works on a simple sliding scale, they more you commit to the better the rates:

Your Plan 29, 39, 49, 59, 79, 99, 149, 249

Min Monthly $29, $39, $49, $59, $79, $99, $149, $249

Standard Call Rate (Per 30 Secs) 31c, 28c, 27c, 25c, 22c, 20c, 19c, 18c

Flagfall (Call connection) 22c, 22c, 20c, 20c, 20c, 20c, 20c, 20c

National SMS (per message) 25c, 25c, 25c, 25c, 25c, 25c, 25c, 25c

BOLT ONS

Bolt ons are $5 per month each and you can choose as many as you need:

VOICEMAIL: Unlimited voicemail deposits and retrievals 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

SUREPAGE: 20 SurePage messages included, then 50c per message. (SurePage is a service where people who want to leave you a voice message get to speak to a real life operator the operator then forwards it to you as a SMS text message.)

SMS/MMS: $5 worth of SMS/MMS value included then a reduced rate of 10c per SMS/MMS 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

‘YES’ TIME: Free 20 minute calls to Optus Mobiles, 8pm to midnight 7 days a week.

Please note you will receive one free bolt on if you choose a plan $59 or over.

In conclusion this looks like an attractive offer when you combine the Smart Rate, Smart Fleet, Business Time, Smart Share along with good call rates and a free bolt on (Over $59 Plans). However please ensure that you do not over commit to receive the free bolt on and better call rates, this could be costly if opting for a 24 month contract.

As I said at the beginning you will be able to increase your monthly commitment at anytime during the contract but won’t be able to reduce it so ensure that you will use your monthly commitment.

Scott MacLean: A published author, Telecommunications Professional, Sale Trainer, and Public Speaker.

Scott MacLean’s background is with Telewest Broadband (UK) and as a company owner, after moving to Melbourne with his family in 2007 Scott was approached by a company representing, the second largest telecommunication company in Australia and offered a position to provide expert advice to business customers, implement sales training programs and to represent the company at association events.

If you require information regarding wireless broadband internet, mobile telephones, or fixed line systems and infrastructure please email Scott at scottm@obdirect.com

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