Part of social media is the technology we use to access it. Mobile technology in particular has been pivotal to the social media revolution, and I think it's pretty clear that this trend will continue. One of the new features of the iPhone 4 is FaceTime, which gives users the capability to video-conference with friends over the phone, since the camera is on the same side as the video feed. In a recent blogpost, MS&L (shameless plug for my new employer) points out the implications that this will have for marketers.
Plenty of social media sites already have changed the way we shop, from online stores to Yelp to Amazon.com. But when was the last time you had two items of clothing you couldn't decide between, and you called a friend for advice? With your smartphone, have you ever snapped a photo and sent it to someone for their opinion?
With the new iPhone, there's no more describing details or taking awkward photos of the mirror in the dressing room. Via video conference, you can show the items you're considering while you chat about the pros and cons of purchase on the phone. Your best friend or favorite shopping companion doesn't actually have to be there to offer his or her opinion.
Marketers and retailers need to be ready for this as the remote third party gains more and more influence over individual shopping decisions. I doubt it will be long before mobile applications will pop up to take advantage of this capability.
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1 comment:
Haha, this is great Kat! I heard about the FaceTime app and definitely agree it's amazing since I frequently resort to Gchat's video function to have a "proper" catch up with hometown friends or to shown them around the newest apartment I've moved into.
What would be great is to organize a FaceTime game or competition similar to using the Augmented Reality tags that Caroline presented yesterday. See something, FaceTime it, win something.
I know the plan is a little rough, but I wouldn't mind being on the team coming up with that concept!
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