Google preps music-streaming service
Ronan ShieldsGoogle is close to launching a music-streaming service similar to Spotify, according to reports, although it remains unclear as to the potential business model behind the service.
Nokia confirms launch of flagship Lumia 925 device
Ronan ShieldsNokia unveiled its latest Windows Phone device with the launch of the Nokia Lumia 925 at a press event this morning (14 May), with UK operators O2 and Vodafone the first to back the manufacturer’s flagship device from June 13.
Ladbrokes’ marketing chief to exit following digital unit launch
Ronan ShieldsLadbrokes is moving ahead with its “mobile first” strategy with its sitting customer experience director Stephen Vowles scheduled to leave the outfit, having completed a re-structure of its marketing functions.
Lego’s Ninjago brand continues due to ‘super fan’ engagement
Ronan ShieldsLego is to continue its Ninjago range reversing an earlier decision to cease producing the brand in 2013 based partly on insights gleaned from listening to its online communities as it continues to scale up its engagement with “super fans”.
High street retailers are riding the digital wave but I can’t see much innovation
Ronan ShieldsMany of the UK’s top high street brands have been calling in their first quarter results with many CEOs trumpeting their digital merits but I can’t help but think more is needed for them to call themselves truly innovative.
Waitrose named as England cricket sponsor
Ronan ShieldsECB (England & Wales Cricket Board) has named upmarket retailer Waitrose as the official sponsor of the England cricket team, taking over from Brit Insurance as of next year, as it seeks to bolster its commercial partnerships.
Beyoncé helps O2 record smartphone customer boost
Ronan ShieldsO2’s Beyoncé-fronted marketing activity helped swell its smartphone-owning customer base by 251,000 during the first quarter, as it continues its focus on high value customers.
Virgin Media names new CEO
Ronan ShieldsEx-News Corporation veteran Tom Mockridge has been named as the new CEO of Virgin Media, in the first major appointment to the company post its takeover by US cable giant Liberty Global.
Digital players bid to remove jargon from digital
Ronan ShieldsGoogle and the IAB are mounting separate charges to increase brand and publisher awareness of the complexities of the real-time advertising sector, particularly on mobile, with an emphasis on simplifying the landscape and reducing jargon.
Microsoft CMO hits out at Windows 8 critics
Ronan ShieldsMicrosoft’s top marketer Tami Reller has responded to criticism of its flagship Windows 8 brand, confirming an update will come later this year.
Mobile continues to bolster Facebook revenue
Ronan ShieldsFacebook’s revenues rose 38 per cent year-on-year in the last quarter to hit $1.46bn (£938bn) based largely on its ability to monetise its mobile audience.
Digital marketers must do more than just drop the jargon to become mainstream
Ronan ShieldsYesterday I was fortunate enough to hear Harper Reed, CTO of Barack Obama’s 2012 election campaign, address marketers on how they can use technology better, where he said: “We need to drop the ‘e’ from ‘e-marketing.’”
Lynx cleared of objectifying women
Ronan ShieldsUnilever has escaped censure after advertising regulator the ASA cleared a recent Lynx shower gel campaign, asking men to choose their ‘type of girl’, of objectifying women.
Unilever boosts international collaboration with social roll out
Ronan ShieldsUnilever aims to increase collaboration between its international marketing teams with the implementation of a new social platform allowing marketers to share insights and best practice.
Brand audit: Argos
Ronan ShieldsArgos managing director John Walden has led the company towards its first sales rise in five years and its digitally focused strategy is starting to positively impact on perceptions of the brand.