TECHNOLOGY
- The convergence of blogging and video clip culture has created lifecasting - live video streaming self-documentation. Much of the hype around "lifecasting" is due to the success of Justin.tv, the live stream of San Francisco-based entrepreneur Justin Kan who wears a wireless camera 24/7.
- Korean based Danal Co. is gearing up to offer a new cell phone-linked payment system here in the U.S., targeted at young people who want a quick, easy way to pay for low-cost physical goods, services and digital content. Users can charge purchases at any participating online website to their mobile phone bills without ever having to sign up for an online account or even owning a credit card. Customers shop online as they normally would, and instead of inputting confidential credit card information, they input their mobile phone number, voicemail password, and a separate authentication code received instantly via text message. Customers pay for the charges when they pay their regular mobile phone bill.
GREEN LIVING
- Non-profit organization Ecoagents has coined the newest green catchphrase, "eco-to-go," in hopes of encouraging consumers to request less packaging when ordering take-out meals. When an order is requested "eco-to-go," the employees and management at fast food restaurants should know to go light on napkins and utensils. The goal of Ecoagents is to cut down on the roughly 30% of waste that comes from discarded packaging in the U.S.
- PriceGrabber.com has created a new ShopGreen section highlighting merchants who sell environmentally friendly products and are committed to being green. PriceGrabber contributes 5% of ShopGreen profits each month to the non-profit organization chosen by site visitors through an online voting feature. Inaugural organizations include the Nature Conservancy, The Trust for Public Land, Environmental Energy Study Institute and Lloyd Center for Environmental Studies. The ShopGreen site is divided into six shopping categories: Home, Office, Kids, Fun, and Apparel and Accessories for men and women.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
- Shoppers today want as much background information as possible when purchasing food products labeled as "organic." With that in mind, Dole Organic lets consumers "travel to the origin of each organic product." By typing in a fruit sticker's three-digit Farm Code on Dole Organic's website, customers can find the story behind their purchase. Each farm's section on the website includes background information, shows photos of the crops and workers and tells consumers more about the origin of Dole's organic products.
- Joining fruits such as açaí and pomegranate in the super fruit category, goji berries are the latest "it" fruit to hit shelves. Naturally packed with beta-carotene, vitamins C and B, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants, goji berries have been used since ancient times to improve vision, complexion, circulation, nourish internal organs and strengthen the body on a cellular level.
- Reactee uses the power of text messaging to create t-shirts that "text back." Customers pick a personal slogan and a unique keyword, which Reactee prints on the front of their customized t-shirt ($20-$27). Anyone interested in knowing more about the slogan or its wearer texts the chosen keyword to 41411. Immediately, they receive a response message as set by the wearer, who also receives a copy of the message including the sender's cell phone number. Reactee users include individuals who want to highlight a cause or organization they're passionate about or who simply want to connect with potential admirers. (Definitely check out the website's Gallery to see examples!)
- ICE, a new retail concept, is hoping to change the t-commerce (television-commerce) category by bringing brands and consumers together through onscreen product placement in a one-stop shopping experience. With IVC (interactive video commerce), viewers can "click" through highly organized menus, selecting product ranging from categories such as electronics and clothing to more media-based product such as in-show music, video and show branded merchandise. The search and purchasing process is similar to an online retailer, but instead of using a mouse, viewers use their remote control to click through selections and buy items. While still in the production stages, ICE is one of the first technologies to fully expand on t-commerce.
- H&M will partner with Italian designer Roberto Cavalli for its next high-profile collaboration. The "Roberto Cavalli at H&M" collection will consist of menswear, womenswear, accessories and lingerie. The collection will debut November 8th at 200 stores nationwide.
TRAVEL & TOURISM
- Maxim magazine will open Maxim Bungalows, a five star resort in the Dominican Republic, this October. The 108-unit Maxim Bungalows will open with two restaurants, cabanas and lounges, several pools and a 54-foot yacht that guests may use.
MEDIA
- People has entered into the world of "digi-mags" with "Best Summer Ever," a fully interactive 30-page online offering. Editorial spreads allow consumers to watch movie trailers, dress mannequins and play with advertising. Unlike magazines digitally reproduced on systems such as Zinio, there's no software to install, there's a different soundtrack for every page and all content is original.
- Both The Wall Street Journal and USA Today are developing glossy magazine inserts focused on lifestyle editorial. Both magazines are currently still-unnamed. The Journal's magazine will arrive in its Saturday "Weekend Edition," with a look and feel completely different from its traditional newspaper format. USA Today hasn't finalized a format for its magazine yet, but the newspaper has already slated its introduction for October.
- Vogue will publish a second edition of Vogue Living, hitting newsstands October 23rd. Last year's debut edition featured stories based in or around New York only. The new issue will have more of an international vision, focusing on the themes of innovation and trends in home and garden.
