Apple's new video iPod with cell phone along with iTunes video/audio downloading service could become a watershed for mobile advertising. When launched in April '07, the iPhone with its exceptional quality of video & audio, is expected to become the new style icon. Meanwhile, Apple's iTunes service continues to add content providers with Paramount Pictures being the latest to join the iTunes movie download platform.

Ringing in the era of video ads on cellphones, finally?


Game for Ads !
Microsoft seems to be accelerating its in-game advertising plans. Last year it acquired Massive Inc. - the in-game ad network which plans to serve ads to gamers even as they play. (Much like television, but think product placement instead of TV spots.)

Not surprising, given the significant amount of time people spend today in activities like social networking, watching video clips, chatting and of course playing games! Like product placement, placing ads within games is the least disruptive and avoids the category of "stealth marketing"!


The Melding Continues
Internet-to-TV service provider Akimbo has announced a TV set-top box which will make Yahoo Video available to subscribers. Even as CBS collaborates with Google-YouTube to monetize its TV content online.


Social Marketing, Sorry Social Networking!
Yahoo acquires social networking site MyBlogLog, which networks blog readers with each other. Meanhwile,Disney.com comences redesigning of its Web site to include social networking. And U.S. based magazine group Hearst buys teen social network sites eCrush.com & eSpin.com. While U.S. satellite TV platform DirecTV to offer online video from Google YouTube & MySpace.

Re-affirming the future of social networks & consumer generated media?