The headlines in the digital and social media world this week:
What has Happened this Week
Twitter Breaks New Record
The 2011 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) smashed records on both Twitter and MTV, as Beyonce’s performance and pregnancy announcement set a record bump of 8,868 tweets per second. The 28th annual awards beat the Women’s World Cup, Osama Bin Laden’s death and the Japanese New Year. Trendrr stated that the VMAs showed the power of hashtags as a vehicle to drive TV conversations both online and via mobile devices.
Jobs was the Best CEO in 50 Years
Former Apple CEO, Steve Jobs, was the best CEO in the past 50 years, according to Eric Schmidt (Google Chairman) and Marc Benioff (Salesforce CEO). Jobs created Apple twice – firstly, with the launch of the first Macintosh computer in 1984, and secondly, driving the iconic brand with products including the iPad and iPhone, which changed the digital world. Schmidt continued, stating the next generation of leaders will be involved in mobile, local and social.
What we have Learned
Facebook to Debut Music Service
The social networking site is set to launch a new music service later this month. Facebook are currently in talks with music providers, including Spotify, Slacker, Rhapsody, Rdio and MOG. In May, the social network giant and Spotify announced their partnership, which enables users to stream music and share playlists with their friends. Stay tuned for more.
Death of Viral and Birth of Online Video
Between 2005 and 2008, viral was a buzzword and marketers were hyping viral marketing. In the ever-changing digital and online space, virals are now a thing of the past, exchanged for newer platforms – Facebook, Twitter and mobile Apps. Virals focused on raising awareness and harnessing the social web, which was later replaced with video content. Video allows for rich content, encompasses a vital role in marketing campaigns, creates meaning to consumers and makes the social the ordinary. Now, online users and brands demand video content, and technology now makes this possible.
Seniors and Women Welcome Tablets
Smartphone usage has not changed and continues to be a popular daily device for the 20 to 30 year old population worldwide. A report this week found that both seniors and women are now embracing new technology, in particular tablets and e-readers. Tablet ownership for the 55+ generation was up to 19%, compared to 10% last year. Women are increasingly purchasing e-readers, climbing from 47% last year to 61% in the second quarter of this year.
Increase in Internet and TV Consumption
A new consumer survey found that more people are watching television while surfing the internet. Four thousand UK nationals were polled for a report. 68% of online users occasionally browse the internet while watching TV. The poll also found that one in five 18-24 year olds firstly discover and then purchase a product or service after they have seen it on TV. Social networking sites, Twitter (2%) and Facebook (3%) have less influence on purchasing decisions.
Cool Stuff
Foodily Launches Recipe Friend Feed
Foodily, the online recipe network, debuted a Facebook App this week, allowing cooking enthusiasts to share, comment and index recipes on the social networking site. Users can connect their profiles, ‘like’ dishes and see who in their networks liked the recipes in their search results. What will you be cooking tonight?
London 2012 in 3D
The BBC is in discussion to broadcast next year’s London 2012 Olympics in 3D, according to the corporation’s Director of London 2012. Mosey claims the Games and other sporting events are on the agenda as the British broadcasting network embraces the new digital age. Earlier this year, the BBC trialed 3D sports broadcasting during the Wimbledon Championships.
Sony Introduce First Tablet
Sony has showcased its first tablet to the UK market. The Sony Tablet S features a 9.4-inch screen, Wi-Fi, runs on the Android platform and will be available in selected stores later this month. In November, Sony will be launching the Tablet P – featuring a dual 5.5-inch folding screen, making it easy to transport. Sony’s tablets will enable users to access the brand’s products, including PlayStation games, Music Unlimited, TV and movie download centre, Sony Entertainment Network. For more information, visit: http://www.sony.co.uk/hub/sony-tablet
Where to Find More
Top 10 Most Viral Apple Ads of Jobs Era
Steve Jobs was known as a visionary and played an influential role in changing Apple’s brand, product offering and marketing campaigns. Under Jobs, Apple’s advertising across their product range focused on gadget fetishism and curiosity. To celebrate Jobs’ work at Apple, here are the top 10 most viral Apple ads during his era: http://on.mash.to/nInEiA
Top 10 August Twitter Trends
Football topped the August Twitter trend, thanks to the anticipation of the season kicking off and the transfer hype. The British riots were polled third, during a week of violence, chaos and cleaning up that gripped England. American stars Justin Bieber (#3), Lil Wayne (#9) and Chris Brown (#10) also hit the chart. Check the August Twitter ranking here: http://on.mash.to/nG5jxQ
