Purefold Brands in Transmedia and what it means to be Human.

Ridley Scott and Tony Scott are involved in a new online project which  will feature futuristic short webisodes that tie in with Ridley Scott's cult classic movie Blade Runner.  Based on the popular chatter from the social media platform friendfeeder , the Digital agency AG8 is partnering with the Scott brothers to create the Purefold platform which will allow brands to then insert themselves into the these conversations and become part of the plot for the series. Not only will people be able to influence the narrative through social media but the project will be licensed under a creative commons agreement that means that anyone can use the footage. It's interesting to think about what happens to the embedded brands in this process.

Nokia seeing new ways to wear your phone

Their are some interesting white papers on the Nokia Research Center website and I find their work on what they have coined "mixed reality" quite interesting. Augmented reality is cool but if it's really going to take off in a big way then the design of the device displaying it is probably not going to look like an iPhone in the future. This idea from Nokia shows a pair of gaze tracking glasses that have augmented reality locational data blended with your suite of social media and other gadgets.

Multi channel advertising goes prehistoric

Social Marketing is a great way to get people to see your brand and some companies have realised this. It's not just social networks though, I think social marketing incorporates the different devices we use to access media. Lynx have an integrated campaign that is in tune with today's user trends and reaches out to it's audience wherever they are. The Lynx Instinct campaign media placements included video, TV, social networking sites, viral games, print and mobile.

You Tube campaign uses interactive video to raise website profile.

The Metropolitan Police in the United Kingdom are trying to curb the rise of weapons and gangs on the streets through an educational website called droptheweapons.co.uk. They have made an interactive video called Choose A Different Ending and although it is a little simplistic in that it is node based, I think that it is an interesting way to get people talking about their website and in turn perhaps get their message to some of the intended audience.

Yelp Monacle sneaks first Augmented Reality application on iPhone

I keep talking Augmented Reality and I know there is a risk that this may turn into just a fad, however the technology seems to potentially provide users with a new level of engagement with localized services. The claim is that Yelp have placed a hidden application within their iPhone service. Yelp is an American service that provides localised user generated reviews of shops and services where you are. I am interested to see what action Apple take as AR is not meant to be available in the iPhone apps store until OS version 3.1 and I am sure AR development houses are not impressed.

Google predicting a new Wave in social media trends on mobile

The much anticipated Google Wave shows some real promise with it's real-time mashups it seems that it is going to give twitter some real competition. I did watch the very long demo video on You Tube as well as being lucky enough to get a demo at Google Creative Sanbox in Sydney, and from what I have seen the potential for Social Media Marketing is ginormous. Much like the consumer engagement brands are creating on twitter but supercharged with Wave's inherent ability to segway from one topic to another and drag and drop media into the conversation as well. And it's going to be available on iPhone later this year.

Try this on for size AR postal boxes.

Although Augmented Reality has still to prove it's usefulness as an everyday application, the Priority Mail Virtual Box Simulator is a great instance of technology being used to make life easier for users. You can go online and place a virtual postage container around your object and know your postage price straight away. I think this is a great example of making a new technology accessible and easy to use. eBay shops must love it in America.