Followed are some new and emerging technologies that have recently made it into the spotlight. Some of these technologies may not be so ‘new’ - they have been around for years - but have only been utilised by a small proportion of the business population until now.

Blogs

The word Blog is short for weblog. Blogs contain a series of posts or entries, usually in reverse chronological order, written by one or multiple author(s). Think of any possible topic and be assured, there will be a blog about it somewhere. Blogs are different to a conventional website in that the blogger usually posts a feeling or opinion about a topic, not just an account and it gives the public an opportunity to interact.
It is interesting to note that the underlying technology adding a whole new level to blogs is the fact that most of them provide some form of RSS (explain RSS) feed. This technology allows blogs to dispense up to the minute information to readers. Many blogs are for personal use, however some companies utilise them very effectively as a tool to communicate directly with their customers.

General Motors                  Google                Cadbury Schweppes                     Microsoft

Podcasts

Podcasts are definitely on the rise in terms of commercial use and viability. Podcasts are a way of allowing users to download a speech, radio shows, sermons etc onto their portable mp3 players. One of the first companies to use podcasting in Australia was the ABC’s youth radio station Triple J. Using their current affairs program Hack as a trial for podcasting, Triple J had an amazing take up rate and are now podcasting over 13 different shows.

The uses of podcasting are varied. Priests can now podcasts sermons. Even the NYPD use podcasting. Some marketers go so far as saying podcasting will reshape the way we listen to radio.

Many companies are now sponsoring podcasts that relate to their industry. Why? The people who download podcasts are looking for very specific information so it can be a fantastic tool for reaching your target audience.

Segways

You may have seen these two wheeled chariot-like vehicles if you watch Big Brother, the Australian Open or have made a visit to your local shopping centre and seen them as rolling advertisements.
A Segway is a two wheeled vehicle that stands upright and uses its patented dynamic stabilisation technology to keep you from falling off. Whilst touted as a vehicle to change the face of transport as we know it, Segways have been used extensively as a marketing tool. They are new, funky and exciting and make for an interesting slant on the current mobile billboard selection of cars, buses, mopeds, trailers and planes, to name but a few.

www.segway.com

Digital printing

Digital printing is quickly growing in popularity. Some marketers like Malcolm Auld think that this new technology will revolutionise the direct mail industry. Digital printing allows users to have smaller print runs at a competitive price and also allows for very effective personalisation features. This new way of printing coupled alongside more flexible mailing options by AustPost allows business imagination to run wild.

Digital Ink

The idea of digital ink has been around since the 70s but still to this day most people prefer to read from paper as opposed to a screen. E-Ink has been working on a solution to this for many years and has started to make some significant progress.
Sony has recently released an e-book called the Sony Librie that uses digital ink to display text on its screen. It can hold up to 500 books and its clarity is comparable to newspaper. Constructed in conjunction with Phillips, Toppan and E-Ink, this small hand-held device could change the way we read information. Digital Ink can be attached to almost any surface and is aimed at the mobile device market. Recently announcing the creation of a colour version, this product could revolutionise the way we read information.

Tire Tagz

When I first saw a video of Tire Tagz in action I was amazed. Tire Tagz is an LED (define) system that attaches to the wheels of your car and displays images, patterns, words and even animations. Used in the USA Indy, this imaginative signage solution demands attention when you first see it. This puts a very interesting slant on conventional advertising used on vehicles.

www.tiretagz.com