Google integrates QR code technology for 100,000 business owners
December 11, 2009 by Michael Marlatt · Leave a Comment
Thanks to Google, QR technology is finally getting the long-over-due mobile marketing spotlight it deserves.
Earlier this year, I talked about the creative way in which Editoras Online integrated QR technology and Twitter to create a stunning viral-marketing campaign. Now, Google fans across the country may soon have an opportunity to interact with QR technology through Google’s latest endeavor called Favorite Places.
What is “Favorite Places”? Well, according to Google:
Over 100,000 businesses were identified as Favorite Places. The list was determined based on the popularity of a business’ Local Business Center listing, as determined by how many times Google users looked for more information about a business, requested driving directions to get there, and more. Google users “decided” based on their actions, and we sent the decals.
What exactly does this mean for the average consumer?
The good…
It means that the most popular (i.e., searched) businesses across the U.S. may soon be equipped with a window decal containing a unique bar code, known as a QR code. So, what’s the big deal? Well, a major benefit of integrating QR codes into print ads is convenience. QR technology is all about pointing and scanning, which eliminates the need to type in lengthy URLs. Bottom line, it’s simply a faster way to deliver relevant content to a mobile device (e.g., reviews, ratings, special promotions, or store coupons if a particular business is offering one).
The bad…
Unlike the ubiquitous nature (and advantage) of using SMS, QR codes reach a limited audience. For now, users with smart phones that have good quality cameras, and have previously located, downloaded and installed the QR software will get the desired results. There are many free and paid QR readers available on the market. Some of the newer mobile devices have QR readers installed or bundled as part of another application.
Want to add a QR reader to your mobile device? Here are some common QR readers to consider:
Google’s move towards integrating QR codes is yet another example of how mobile technology can be used in everyday real-life scenarios. Although QR technology may not appear as “hip” as image recogition, it’s still a valuable technology that we should not overlook.
Check out the video below for a demo of “Favorite Places on Google”…
AutoSearch = Recruiting on the mobile made simple.
November 23, 2009 by Michael Marlatt · 1 Comment
Lori Fenstermaker, have you heard of her?
If not, you should take a closer look at Lori’s profile because she’s helping to drive some cool innovation in the mobile recruiting space. In case you were unaware, Lori is the creative mind behind AutoSearch, a desktop and mobile app that was specifically designed to enable recruiting professionals to easily source for new talent online.
Lori’s Story…
I had the opportunity to speak with Lori directly. I was particularly interested in asking what inspired her to create the AutoSearch mobile application. Like many of us, Lori took a class on internet recruiting to become better acquainted with how to create and leverage Boolean searches for prospecting new talent online. What Lori very quickly realized was that she was spending more time and energy constructing search strings than actually connecting with candidates. She was convinced that there was a better way. She wanted to make the process of searching for prospect candidates less complicated. The result: AutoSearch for the iPhone.
Key features of the AutoSearch iPhone app:
» Click here to expand image view.
AutoSearch offers users a very simple platform for conducting recruiting (sourcing) searches via the mobile device. Here’s how it works:
» Step 1: AutoSearch landing page.
» Step 2: Users are prompted to enter their primary key search terms and location preference. (Note: At the moment, there is no save search feature. I believe creating one would certainly help with addressing a valid OFCCP concern of searching for candidates while using a mobile device. While the save feature is not available on the AutoSearch app today, my understanding is that they are planning on incorporating this function into a future release.) Refer to screen-shot in step 2.
» Step 3: AutoSearch is pre-configured to run your search query against multiple sites including Yahoo’s search engine, Linkedin, Twitter, Zoominfo, and Jobster. (Note: AutoSearch uses Yahoo exclusively and does not currently run any searches across Bing or Google.) Refer to screen-shot in step 3.
» Step 4: The search results are rendered in a consolidated format, making it easier for the user to scan the results. Refer to screen-shot in step 4.
I have used the iPhone AutoSearch app on several occasions and have found it to be very intuitive and easy to use. AutoSearch delivers what it promises and makes mobile recruiting simple. You don’t need to be a “Boolean Expert” to obtain your desired search results. However, to get the best results, it is helpful to include all your critical keywords when entering the details in the search field. This will help reduce the amount of search “noise” you get back in the final results. Keep in mind, the app is still in its early phase so expect that it will continue to evolve and get better as more people use it.
AutoSearch is currently selling for $4.99. You can download a copy by visiting the iTunes store. If you want to learn more, or want to stay current with what’s new, you can follow AutoSearch on Twitter or become an AutoSearch fan on Facebook.
Finally, here’s a video that demonstrates what AutoSearch has to offer…
(*Disclaimer: The views expressed on this post are solely mine. I was not paid to endorse this product.)
Mobile to become leading access point for connecting to the internet by 2020
November 22, 2009 by Michael Marlatt · 3 Comments
Keys, money, and mobile device - these are the three most common things people never leave home without. While we may occasionally run out of the house without our wallet or keys, we almost never leave the house without our mobile device. Why is that? Well, if you really stop and think about it, our mobile device is more than just a phone; it’s our lifeline to the world. Let’s face it, mobile is our second shadow, always-on, and rarely does it ever leave our side. It fills a void. It provides us the ultimate sense of security, comfort, and most importantly it keeps us connected to the people who matter most.
According to a survey on The Future of the Internet III by Pew Research, the following were predictions about technology and its roles in the year 2020:
- The mobile device will be the primary connection tool to the internet for most people in the world in 2020.
- The transparency of people and organizations will increase, but that will not necessarily yield more personal integrity, social tolerance, or forgiveness.
- Voice recognition and touch user-interfaces with the internet will be more prevalent and accepted by 2020.
- Those working to enforce intellectual property law and copyright protection will remain in a continuing arms race, with the crackers who will find ways to copy and share content without payment.
- The divisions between personal time and work time and between physical and virtual reality will be further erased for everyone who is connected, and the results will be mixed in their impact on basic social relations.
- Next-generation engineering of the network to improve the current internet architecture is more likely than an effort to rebuild the architecture from scratch.
Today, we see a lot discussion around topics such as mobile marketing, mobile advertising, mobile search, SMS services, barcode technology, mobile video, augmented reality, touch screen technology, location based services (LBS), and the list goes on. However, I believe we are still only scratching the surface of what mobile has to offer. Who knows what the next 10+ years of mobile innovation will bring us. I am not sure about you but I’m certainly excited.
Isn’t it time to rethink our perspective on mobile? Still need inspiration? Watch this video…
GPS + Jobs + Mobile = Future of Contract Staffing?
September 11, 2009 by Michael Marlatt · 2 Comments
Mobile technology is changing the way we live and work.
In Japan, a new generation of job-seekers are using a company called Otetsudai Networks to secure part-time work. While contract staffing is nothing new in the U.S., Otetsudai has come up with an interesting solution to hiring temporary resources. Otetsudai Networks is a GPS (location-based) job finding mobile service that matches part-time employees with potential employers.
How does the GPS service help Job-seekers?
Job-seekers subscribe to the service by completing a mini-C.V. detailing their core skills and expertise. The job-seeker have the option of getting job updates by taking a “GPS reading” on their phone. The candidate’s information is added to the pool of available candidates shown to prospective employers. Once a new opportunity becomes available, the job-seeker is immediately notified on their mobile device of potential employment opportunities within their proximity.
How does Otetsudai’s service help employers?
The service particularly caters to businesses seeking to hire immediate resources with specific skills. Once an employer signs up for the service, they can send requests for immediate help to the Otetsudai Network. Whether the employer is seeking someone for an hour, or all day, Otetsudai sends a list of available prospect candidates within the employer’s immediate proximity. The list shows each candidate’s qualifications, how other employers have rated their work and exactly how far away they are. Employers seeking immediate help will typically receive a list of half a dozen or more people within a few minutes.
As location-based services (LBS) increase in popularity, it’s not hard to envision a day when U.S. companies begin leveraging this technology as a method for staffing its temporary workforce. Although still in its infancy, Layar offers an augmented reality app that provides job-seekers a way to identify new opportunities by scanning what’s around you. It’s simply a matter of time before we see U.S. companies adopting the Otetsudai model of leveraging GPS to help mobilize a ready-made talent pool.
Does this still sound too good to be true? Watch the video below…
Augmented Reality brings business cards to life
July 23, 2009 by Michael Marlatt · Leave a Comment
If I ever decide to create new business cards this is definitely the way I want to do it…
Want more? Check out James Alliban’s talking business card.
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