Friendster Is Back!!

Yes that is right America's favorite social network is relaunching tomorrow, with a new re-branded look and updated features. Check out the intro video below which reveals their world dominating plan to sit kind of in the BEBO 'slash' MySpace 'slash' Facebook arena.



Video - The NEW Friendster!


Now lets all argue about how and if this will have any effect on the social network space!!

Firefighter augmented reality iPhone game hits iTunes

Firefighter 360 is the latest augmented reality iPhone App from Presselite, creators of the Tube and London Bus apps, recently upgraded with their AR updates. The user must use their iPhone (and hose... Provided) to put out the fires which can appear in any 360 degree direction, and save the women which also appear.


Pic 1 - Fireman 360 augmented reality iPhone app

Not only is it pretty cool putting out the fires on commuter's backs while killing time on the train, but it again demonstrates that AR doesn't have to be simply for the techy folk among us. I must admit that although this is certainly not the best example we have seen (I do prefer examples such as Kia's 'Go Hamster Go'), AR based games have been near non-existent on the iPhone which seems like a massive opportunity for growth next year. So yes although it hasn't got the best graphics, but it certainly is laugh, and for 59p is worth a dabble.


Pic 2 - Fireman 360 augmented reality iPhone app


Related Posts:
Top 10 Augmented Reality Adveritising Campaigns… so far
Top 10 Augmented Reality Adveritising Campaigns… so far - PART 2

COD 5 Nazi Zombies IPhone Game

Yes that's right, as if destroying the record books wasn't enough for the Call of Duty franchise with 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2', Activision has now released an iPhone game version of the hit DLC shoot 'em up 'Call of Duty: World at War: Zombies' available on iTunes from yesterday.


Pic 1 - 'Call of Duty: World at War: Zombies'

Not only is the game getting some very positive reviews, but it is fully multiplayer over Wi-Fi, and there are also promises of future downloadable content releases. We have already seen a big shift by the gaming industry for high quality versions hitting iTunes with the likes of Rock Band and Need for Speed, and so it will be very interesting to see how this area of mobile develops in time.

Esquire’s Augmented Reality Issue Hits US Stores

Esquire Magazine has released their Augmented Reality issue which has landed on shelves this week. The special issue includes certain pages which feature the AR coding, allowing the reader to interact with the title. As usual the users just need to install the software from Esquire’s website, hold the mag up to their webcam, and their away. Robert Downey Jr. is even on board to introduce the issue. As in any great example of something this neat, there is a YouTube video explaining it in more depth, so check it out below.


Video - Esquire’s Augmented Reality Issue

I think this is a fantastic way of showing their readers that they understand what's happening in the world around them, in a very quirky and fun way. The level of interaction is very cool, and isn't just the run of the mill stuff we see all the time. A very nice example.


Pic - Esquire’s Augmented Reality Cover Robert Downey Jr.


Via - Digital Trends

Samsung Mobile Explorers Virals - Vancouver 2010 Winter Games

Here are are a couple of videos made to promote the Samsung sponsorship of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games (and there we were thinking they had abandoned their weekly viral seeding). The videos are supposed to represent two warm-up performances recorded in Vancouver last month by Sumsung’s Mobile Explore.



Video 1 - Samsung Mobile Explorers - Hardest hockey shot ever!!!!



Video 2 - Samsung Mobile Explorers - Awesome ice skating warm-up routine

More details about the campaign can be found at www.samsung.com/vancouver2010


Update:

Here are a couple more videos made to promote the Samsung sponsorship of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games created off the success of their previous videos late last year.


Video - 'Slamdunk' Samsung Mobile Explorer


Video - 'Bboy' Samsung Mobile Explorer

Thanks to Vincenzo for pointing these in my direction.

Supermodel's strip for Climate Change

Yep that's right, what says support climate change better than a collection models taking off their clothes, well nothing according to 350.org's Global Day of Climate Action. In their own words they wanted see whether they could have an effect via this method as a way of cutting through and by passing the usual channels... well it worked for Peta.


Video - 360.org: Supermodels Take It Off For Climate Change

Kasabian 'Underdog' Football Hero Viral

To promote the new track by Kasabian, Underdog, a team of freestyle footballers took part in this Football Hero challenge, kicking the balls against the relevant colours in time with the music. Slightly random, but works pretty well as you can see in the below video.


Video - Kasabian 'Underdog' Football Hero Viral

Lastminute.com 'John and Edward' X-Factor free flight promotion

'I'm John and he's Edward... and together we're John and Edward', love 'em or hate 'em, the duo (aka Jedward) really seem to be this years X-Factors Marmite act. Taking advantage of the buzz around them however Lastminute.com is now offering free one-way tickets to Ireland for any twins named John and Edward.

What Will You Fight For - Tekken 6 Trailer

Here's the latest trailer for the upcoming Tekken 6, which sees a flurry of women fighting over shoes, straightners, and more (when will they learn). The trailer, created by Imperial leisure, which is one of a couple released points viewers to Whatwillyoufightfor.com where users can find out more about the game.



Video - What Will You Fight For - Tekken 6 Trailer

Three leaping wolves and a moon - Jose Luis Rodriguez's award winning photo gets the meme treatment

Once again a photoshop adapt has made my Friday morning, with the classic 'hey there's a wolf... at night... how about if there were three of them... and a moon?'. Adapting the winning entry of the Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2009 by Jose Luis Rodriguez's, this take on the meme which swept through the internets earlier in the year is simple brilliance.



Pic - Three leaping wolves and a moon

Step Up to The Mic - Joint Venture Between Myspace and Titan Outdoor

Once again Outdoor refuses to lay down and admit defeat in the face of the fact that the online revolution is here, in another example which truly demonstrates that the two media can work as one. In a fantastic example by Titan and a three-week joint promotion with MySpace, called 'Step Up to the Mic', we see users stepping onto their soapbox and showing off their vocal power across 300 digital screens in the U.S, U.K and Ireland.



By visiting the “Step Up to the Mic” page on MySpace users can upload up to 50 characters of text and an image, and share their thoughts, messages, and best wishes to their mates or family members. As well as this using the pull of Myspace, a host of celebrities and music artists will be invited to communicate with fans, expressing all the things they are passionate about.

I actually do quite like this idea, which I really do think moves things in the right direction, reading some of the comments it does seem to be a real mixed bag, however Myspace does shine in its own individualism and non-conformity which I do think is quite endearing... if not completely my bag.

Augmented Reality DVD for Transformers Revenge of the Fallen

Okay so we've seen creative uses of Augmented Reality on phones, magazines, packaging, and now DVD's. For the DVD release of Transformers Revenge of the Fallen, we will see what is believed to be the first DVD and Blu-ray to use the technology offering the viewer something a little above and beyond the movie alone.

Video - Augmented Reality DVD for 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' release


By placing the the packaging at your webcam a 3D puzzle will be launched, which when solved unlocks a whole host of augmented reality features involving the films hero Optimus Prime (as shown above). “The Optimus Prime Experience” will be located at the following here upon the release of the DVD: “The Optimus Prime Experience”


Related Posts:
Top 10 Augmented Reality Adveritising Campaigns… so far
Top 10 Augmented Reality Adveritising Campaigns… so far - PART 2
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: Augmented Reality ‘We Are Autobots’ Campaign
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Viral Campaign

Braquo: YouTube/ MSN Homepage Takeovers

In the past we have seen a number of innovative homepage takeovers, and lets be honest when executed well, who could get tired of them. Yes okay production budget may get pushed a little, but I am sure the click throughs and PR off the back of them make the whole thing worth while. Anyway, getting back to the point, the latest example of one of these fantastic homepage dominations is for Braquo a new French crime TV series. Definitely worth checking out if you haven't seen it already.


Video 1 - Braquo: YouTube Homepage Takeover



Video 2 - Braquo: MSN Homepage Takeover


For all of you out there that are thinking, like me "that's pretty cool",here is a previous example I have posted about: Wario Land: Shake it YouTube video

Miley Cyrus 'Goodbye' Twitter Rap

Those following Miley Cyrus (aka Hannah Montana) on Twitter will know by now that she had deleted her account. Not quite contempt with a quietly walking away, Miley has made a stand rapping about why on Youtube. Fans of her since yesterday have been able to voice their views against the hashtag #Mileycomeback (Although something tells me that I think we'll see her on there again in some way soon). Until then here is the rap itself for all those interested.

Marge Simpson Strips for Playboy Cover

That's right, after 30 years on our screens Hugh has finally given Marge Simpson her own shot at being a Playboy Covergirl. Readers will be able to see this on the November issue of Playboy, and I think you'll agree that after popping out three kids she certainly gives the Girls Next Door a run for their money.


Pic - Marge Simpson Cover November issue of Playboy (Photo Credit)


Thanks for the tip Miss Hills!

Disney Pixar 'UP' Balloon Stunt

It's normally pretty difficult to hide away from a Disney Pixar movie premier at the best of times, however on Sunday (4th October) I think 'Up' may have raised the bar slightly. Marketing Agency Beatwax carried out an awesome stunt, navigated a hot air balloon through an open Tower Bridge.



Shown in the video above, the balloon which has been making its way around Europe was designed to replicate the popular scene from the movie, where the main character (a retired balloon salesman) ties a hundreds of balloons to his house, and sets off for adventure.

Rick Astley - Rick Dinner Rolls (see what they've done there?)

Frequent users of YouTube will know that there is probably nothing more annoying than viewing that must see video only to be Rick Rolled (an Internet meme typically involving the music video for the 1987 Rick Astley song "Never Gonna Give You Up"). Well now this has been taken to down a slightly odd path, so that now you can do this in real life, in fact just before dinner, with a Rick Roll.

Top 100 Greatest Youtube Hits - In 4 Minutes

If you have been living in a cave for the past few years, this is the perfect catch up video to get you up to speed on what everyone's been talking about. A fantastic compilation of Youtube hits crammed together for your enjoyment.



Video - 100 Greatest Hits of Youtube in 4 Minutes


The full list is rather epic, with videos on there which I haven't seen in ages, and very much enjoyed seeing again (Especially Leeroy Jenkins I must add). The full list can be viewed on the original YouTube page here - Full List


Nice work Hadouken, and HT to Nick Burcher

Opticana - 100 false url's

A nice campaign from Israel, the '100 false url's' campaign by optician Opticana plays on the user making mistakes while surfing the net, and capitalises on targeting them while they are quite possibly most likely to act upon the message. As the campaign title suggests 100 mistyped url's have been created such as NSN, instead of MSN, producing a microsite for the false url entered, with a message suggesting to the user that perhaps it's time to get new glasses (shown below).


Pic - '100 false url's' http://www.nsn.co.il (instead of MSN)

A simple but very tongue in cheek way of reaching the target audience, which is hopefully received in the way intended.

Wispa Gold Outdoor messages Campaign

To celebrate the return of the Wispa Gold, Cadbury has launched a new campaign dedicating £2m of media space to all those who adore the chocolate bar (and as we have seen from previous campaigns there are quite a few of them). As a further 'Thank You' to all of their supporters there will be a chance for fans messages to be featured on one of over 1,000 poster sites across the UK, with a website set up for people to note their message. The website is www.wispagoldmessages.com for all of those interested and the closing date is 3rd October.



It is also worth mentioning that to launch the campaign Rolf Harris has designed his very own billboard (on 15th September), submitted by one of the earlier winners, at Old Street roundabout on (shown below).



A great idea i think, and a very nice continuation of their ongoing use of the viral admiration of the brand. Once again I really like the way that it's impactful without being too in-your-face, and really gives the fans and supporters of the brand a chance to get involved. I think this is most evident by the amount of use people have already got out of the site, and the way in which the idea has been received!

Did You Know 4.0 - Latest Video for Autumn 2009

Okay, I know these 'Shift Happens' videos get updated every few months, but here is the latest of the Did You Know videos, 'Did You Know 4.0' updated for Autumn 2009. The video as always is massively positive if you work online, and not so positive if you happen to work in the offline media world. The video, developed in partnership with The Economist, includes a very rounded collection of facts and statistics of the changing media landscape, including convergence and technology. Even if they are mainly from the US, it's still worth having a look at.



Video - Did You Know 4.0

The PUMA Index - iPhone App: Stocks and shares with sex appeal

Making the best of a bad situation is not always the easiest thing to do, however in this instance PUMA have got it spot on. Their new iPhone app 'The PUMA Index' allows users to not only check how their stocks are doing, but has the added benefit that if the stocks are going down so will a rather attractive girls pants!



Pic - The PUMA Index - iPhone App


Not you're type, well there's a selection of women and men to choose from, with a video of a sleeping beauty once the stocks are closed for the day. Definitely worth checking out as it's free, and slightly more interesting than the one provided as default to the iPhone. There's also a site to support the activity (for all those non-iPhone users), and a video explaining how it all works (shown below).



Video - The PUMA Index


Enjoy!

MINI: 'Two Untamed' Teaser Videos (Mirror. Same. Shine)

MINI have released a series of teaser videos prior to the Frankfurt Motor Show this year, to generate some added mystery and buzz around the unveiling of the “twins”, which blogs are already calling the Coupe Concept and Speedster. The virals show the 'untamed twins' in a series of unusual settings, with the messaging 'New from MINI. 2 B THRILLED. 2 B DESIRED. 2 B CONTINUED'. The three videos were released one after the other (shown below), named Mirror, Same, and Shine.



Video 1 - MINI. Two Untamed. Mirror.



Video 2 - MINI. Two Untamed. Same.



Video 3 - MINI. Two Untamed. Shine.

Guitar Hero 5: Playboy Playmates' "Risky Business" Ad

It truly is battle of the bands this month with Guitar Hero 5 competing with the long awaited 'The Beatles Rock Band'. In order to stand up and really separate the men from the boys, Guitar Hero have launched their new campaign playing on their previous successes spoofing that well known scene from "Risky Business". This ad (shown below) aired on Televisions both in the US and here in the UK sees the Playboy Playmates rocking out in full force in front of a very lucky Hugh Hefner.



Video 1 - Guitar Hero 5: Playboy Playmates' "Risky Business" Ad


There is also a 'Making of' video which is always worth watching if you enjoy the ad, which shows us just exactly what went on in the mansion that day.



Video 2 - Guitar Hero 5: Behind the Scenes of Playboy Playmates' "Risky Business"

"We Are ODST" Halo 3: ODST Live Action Trailer

For anyone with an XBOX out there, you must have been hiding underneath a rock somewhere if you have managed to avoid any news of the upcoming title Halo 3: ODST, the follow up game to the smash Halo 3. This is the live action trailer released earlier this week to promote the game, which shows movie type footage of the perils of the UNSC's Orbital Drop Shock Troopers (ODST).



Video 1 - "We Are ODST" Halo 3: ODST Live Action Trailer


It may also be of interest for any fans of the series that Neill Blomkamp (Director of District 9 and original director of the Halo movie) originally released some short films as a taster of what a Halo movie might look, definitely worth checking out.



Video 2 - Halo 3: Short Film


Enjoy!

Top 10 Augmented Reality Advertising Campaigns… so far - PART 2

When I posted my previous Top 10 (Top 10 Augmented Reality Adveritising Campaigns… so far) there were almost immediately a host of new examples, and that trend has certainly showed no signs of slowing. There has however started to emerge a new trend which is far more beneficial to the end user, and that is that more and more brands are conjuring up useful ways to integrate augmented reality within their campaigns, with mobile playing a very big part in this. It has also occurred to me while collecting these examples, that while AR still remains quite gimmicky, it can be much more than that (as is hopefully shown in the below examples).


10. Financial Times
Okay, although this might not be the most creative use of AR, but to be showcased on the front cover of the FT, and be followed up with a full page article looking at how the twin challenges of digital media and the recession are forcing advertising agencies to rethink the way they do business, I think it just goes to show how far AR has come this year alone. Although the technology may have been around for a few years now, the fact that it is gathering this much momentum is quite exciting (and so worthy of a place in the top 10).





9. IBM
There have been many examples of events offering programs within mobile applications to help people get around, however I think this may be one of the most innovative created by IBM for this year’s Wimbledon. It involved an app for T-Mobile's G1 which provided information via AR for users to view stats related to the matches, as well as see what’s on sale in the stores and receive real-time Twitter feeds.





8. Paramount - Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
To celebrate Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen due released in the UK in June, the ‘We Are Autobots’ Augmented Reality campaign was launched giving the user the opportunity to play the role of Optimus Prime, as well as find hidden messages from Bumblebee which giving users the chance to see exclusive Decepticon footage from the new film via AR. A great way of generating a bit of extra buzz around this much anticipated movie release.





7. Doritos-late-night
This example by Doritos offered consumers the opportunity to select one of two bands (Blink182 or Big Boi) to play a concert for them on the back of the packet. Again one of the more gimmicky example on this list I’m afraid, but still a nice continuation of the previous Doritos example from my previous post, allowing users a chance to grow familiar with the technology.





6. Mattel – Avatar Toys
Announced by Mattel at this year’s Comic Con to follow the much anticipated Avatar movie, a series of toys will be released, each incorporating augmented reality, marking it the first time AR will appear in a retail toy. The i-Tag technology created by Total Immersion will allow consumers to bring their toy to life, and battle others giving a new dimension to their experience.





5. Wrigley’s - 5 Gum
This example for the launch of Wrigley's 5 chewing gum in France, allowed users to mix together their own music using a number of AR symbols. Three symbols representing the different flavours linked to a certain track, with the distance from the main marker determining the volume and effects for each track. This was not only a very innovative user of AR, but I think encompassed the messaging and attributes of the brand.





4. Yelp / Lastminute.com
Once again I have had to tie to similar examples together. Both are, for me, two very good examples of AR on mobile providing a very useful function, but are available free and fully available apps in the Apple App Store.

Yelp
Review site Yelp offers an application that shows users where to go from restaurants to bars and so on. The excellent thing about this app however, is that the AR feature is actually hidden in the app, and only accessible if you shake three times (the phone not you). By doing this you unlock the Monocle feature which overlays the reviews onto the image shown via your camera on your 3Gs iPhone.





Lastminute.com
Something of an ‘under the radar app’ the NRU (pronounced near you) offers a similar experience to the Yelp application, using the features of the phone to not only direct users to the nearest bars and restaurants, but as you would expect gives Lastminute.com full reviews if you tap any of the available options in your area.





3. Glasses Direct
This is a very useful and helpful use of AR, which allows users to visualise the product before purchasing, more importantly it allows them to do this without needing to leave the comfort of your own home.





2. United States Postal Service - Priority Mail
This is another great example of useful ar, giving users the ability to check the size of their packages before sending, saving the user time, but also giving the customer a pleasant experience which they will in turn
associate with the brand.





1. KIA Soul
The “Go Hamster Go!” game released a couple of weeks ago marked the first use of augmented reality in a social media environment. Now I know that it was an Auto brand that topped my last top 10, with the BMW Z4 example, but I'm afraid Kia soul will have to top this one for me. Not only is this really enjoyable use of AR, but it is also in my view a fantastic example of how augmented reality is being integrated within the media environment.






Related Posts:

Top 10 Augmented Reality Adveritising Campaigns… so far
RubberDuckZilla: Augmented Reality Game
BMW Z4 “An Expression of Joy” - Augmented Reality

Woofer: Anti-Twitter macroblogging site

There is a new dog about town, he goes by the name Woofer (www.woofertime.com), and is here to help all of those users who have been sucked into irrelevant tweets, or are frustrated with shortening their profound thoughts of the day into 160 characters. Woofer is the new anti-Twitter 1400 character 'macroblogging' service, which offers everything you would find on Twitter, but with the benefit of a lot more words.





For all of those not convinced, check out known celebrities (Of which I'm not personally convinced) on Woofer (www.woofertime.com) such as Ryan Seacrest, and Jimmy Fallon who have already started posting regular Woofs, however as we know for our beloved early Twitter, authentication was never a certainty.





Although I am a very long way yet to be convinced, Woofer certainly may fulfil the need of a niche audience out there with more to say, and so in the words of Woofer "Be eloquent. Use adverbs. and DEA (don't ever abbreviate)".

Happy Woofing!

Happy 50th Birthday MINI!!

Yesterday every one's favourite British brand turned 50, celebrating fifty years since MINI first drove off the production line.



Pic 1 - MINI Email announcing 50 year birthday


To celebrate the birthday in the UK, all the best bits of the brand's fifty years have been pulled together into a nice little microsite which give fans of the brand a chance to look over the old ads, a competition, other firsts from 1959, as well as a more detailed look at the car's history, and all the best bits from the big birthday bash 'MINI United' back in May.



Pic 2 - MINI '50 year birthday' site


The birthday as expected has also been celebrated Worldwide with the release of the below series of videos to celebrate the milestone called “Rebel without Pause” which focuses on MINI fans and drivers all around the world and their personal experiences with the brand.



Video 1 - MINI 50 years - Rebel without Pause. (part.1)



Video 2 - MINI 50 years - Rebel without Pause. (part.2)


Related Posts:
MINI United Celebrates 50th Birthday
MINI IPhone App - Openness
MINI Clubman Viral - 'Have you seen that?'

T-Mobile flashmob reenacted for Movie

On Sunday last week (16th August), people passing through Liverpool Street station must have thought they were going mad when a reenactment of the T-Mobile flashmob was performed for new film St Trinian's 2: The Legend Of Fritton's Gold.



Pic - St Trinian's 2 Flashmob Liverpool Street Station (Photo Credit: Daily Mail)


Led by Girl's Aloud's Sarah Harding and followed by an army of schoolgirls the scene mirrors the T-Mobile flashmob ad recorded in January (Shown below). This is a really interesting take on an idea, which not only has had massive success virally, but has now led to an appearance in the movies.


Video - T-Mobile - Flashmobbing Liverpool Street Advert


Related Posts:

T-Mobile - Flashmobbing Liverpool Street Advert

Avatar Worldwide Trailer Reveal Launch Advert

Today sees the launch of probably one of the most anticipated movie trailers ever, as James Cameron's Avatar has its Worldwide trailer release today (Online at 3pm, and in selected cinemas from around midday). After creating a media storm at San Diego's Comic Con, and drip feeding fans with images from then on, commuters were greeted today with full page ads in Metro showcasing the release of the 15 minute trailer.



Pic - Avatar Trailer Launch Advert


For those interested the official movie website can be found here: www.avatarmovie.com

Megan Fox 'Viral' Public Service Announcement

To promote the new horror film Jennifer's Body, Megan Fox stars in this cool take on a public service announcement, telling high school kids to be themselves no matter what it entails.



Video - Megan Fox viral public service announcement


Enjoy!

Kia Soul - 'Go Hamster Go' Facebook App

This is a very cool app which has been put together by Total Immersion for the Kia Soul. The 'Go Hamster Go' Facebook App uses augmented reality in a very clever and viral way. For once players do not need their mouse, or keyboard come to that, as your head is the controller during this game. According to their press release the “Go Hamster Go!” game marks the first use of augmented reality in a Kia application for a social media environment, and can be found at www.facebook.com/kiasoul under the Go Hamster Go! tab.



Pic - Kia Soul - 'Go Hamster Go' Facebook App


Each hamster is wearing a coloured t-shirt mirroring a Kia Soul colour, which when the user drops a hamster into the vehicle, the vehicle morphs into that colour. The exit window lists the final score – and the cool features the user managed to add to the Soul. Users can post their scores on the Soul leaderboard and can challenge friends to compete and beat their scores.



Video - Kia Soul - 'Go Hamster Go' Facebook App


I really like this example, not only is it innovative and fun, but it is simple and is sitting on Facebook! The user is not expected to go elsewhere, or dragged to a brands website, they can play just a click away from their profile... genius. Plus you have the added viral element of Facebook, which is where I would expect this app to excel.


HT to Barry and Total Immersion for the info


Related Posts:

Top 10 Augmented Reality Adveritising Campaigns… so far
RubberDuckZilla: Augmented Reality Game
BMW Z4 “An Expression of Joy” - Augmented Reality

The Invisible Festival with Spotify - Less than 24 hours to go!

The Invisible Festival starts tomorrow (08.08.09 - 09.08.09), and is hoping to not only generate a lot of buzz, but raise money for Cancer Research UK. With the help of Spotify The Invisible Festival is an online virtual music festival hosted by the general public, which as the site explains is 'the world’s only 100% mud free, crowd-free, rain-free, tout-free, queue-free, free-free virtual festival'. To get involved users need to:

1) Download Spotify
2) Invite their friends over
3) Have a festival



Pic 1 - The Invisible Festival

Throughout the weekend users can download playlists put together by various artists, as well as following others on Twitter, and downloading content such as wristband to give to everyone at their festival. The site also includes recipes for cocktails, and easy to serve up food so no-one goes hungry.



Pic 2 - The Invisible Festival - Wristbands


Related Posts
Spotify iPhone App preview

Coca Cola: Coke Creatures Website

As part their ongoing Open Happiness campaign, Coca Cola have been running the Coke Creatures website which supports the ongoing TV ad. The TV ad (below) features a collection of weird creatures which sit in a organ singing as Coke is squirted into their mouths.



Video - Coke Creatures Ad "Yeah yeah yeah, La la la"


Coke Creatures is effectively a replication of the organ from the ad, using the numbered keys on the users keyboard to play. Aside from other content such as videos, an interview with Calvin Harris (responsible for the music), wallpapers, screensavers etc, there is also a widget allow everyone to input the Coke Creatures organ on their Facebook (below).



Widget - Coke Creatures Organ


Thanks to Lauren, Ellie and George for pointing this in my direction!!

Axe - 'Double Pits to Chesty' Viral and iPhone App

As part of the recent 'Double Pits to Chesty' campaign, Axe have released a series of videos, the latest of which is battle of the skaters, which sees Ryan Sheckler, Greg Lutzka and Jereme Rogers in a quest for one upmanship. To achieve this they attempt the 'Double Pits to Chesty' a move that involves spraying yourself under the arms and across the body!



Video - Ryan Sheckler Axe Skate Film Double Pits to Chesty - Trailer


To also support the campaign Axe have launched the 'Axe Pogo Extreme' iPhone App. The free application is a ridiculously addictive game, where the user is tasked with bouncing upwards to collect Axe cans using the iPhone's accelerometer functionality while pulling off tricks in order to win the girls heart (well the girl on that level anyway)!



Pic 1 - 'Axe Pogo Extreme' iPhone App


Users can also play a freeplay mode which enables them to connect to Facebook to share their scores among their friends.



Pic 2 - 'Axe Pogo Extreme' iPhone App


Related Posts
Axe - '100 Girls' Hair Crisis Relief Campaign

Top Gear Fake VW Scirocco Ads

For anyone who like me either missed this the first time round, is yet to catch up with their Sky Plus, or just plain want to see it again, here are the attempts of Jeremy Clarkson and James May creating their own VW Scirocco TV ads.



Video - Top Gear Fake VW Scirocco Ads


My personal favourite is the first one... although I'm not sure why!

Microsoft - 'Megawoosh' Biggest Waterslide Stunt Viral

I have just seen the latest online video 'viral' for Microsoft project management tools. The video features Bruno Kammerl, an Austrian engineer, who has apparently built the largest waterslide on the planet. Shown below we see Bruno flying down the side of a hill launching off a ramp, and into a paddling pool.



Video - Bruno Kammerl - Biggest Waterslide Stunt Viral


Similarly to the Samsung BaaStuds Sheep LED video, I'm sure this will face the whole is it real, isn't it real debate, but either way it's still pretty impressive... and I want a go!


Related Posts:

Samsung - BaaaStuds Sheep LED Viral
Samsung UltraTouch '38 Cute Animals' Viral
Samsung "Follow your instinct" Video

'Going Google' Campaign

So what do you get when you pick a fight with Google? Well I think Microsoft are about to find out! Aside from the below billboards which is part of a new 'Going Google' campaign designed to show everyone of the benefits of using Google apps over Microsoft Office, there will also be a letter writing campaign and hashtag assult via @Googleatwork to boot.



Video - 'Going Google' Billboard: To give a new message about Google apps everyday for a month



Via Tech Crunch

OXO Factor.com Competition

It's that time again, the X-Factor is nearly upon us, and now it's the turn of the the viewing public and their families to show us what they've got. OXO have launched the OXO Factor competition, giving one family the chance to have their self made ad appear on TV on the night of the X-Factor final, as well as £10,000.





To tie in with the launch of the competition the famous cube is undergoing a redisign and will become 'X' shaped (apparently allowing it to crumble easier)! Finally someone answered my letter!!

Guitar Hero 5 viral video - 'Naked Girls Get Interrupted'

This is a new video by Guitar Hero 5, promoting their upcoming game with a very different style. The video (See below) entitled 'Naked Girls Get Interrupted' sees four naked women strutting down the street along with Music Steve (your not so average male model), covered only by the titles of the songs featured in the game.



Video 1 - Guitar Hero 5 viral video “Naked Girls Get Interrupted”


The video is a spoof of a French Music Video which was very successful in the Viral Video Charts earlier in the year. The video for Make The Girl Dance 'Baby Baby Baby' (See below) saw a chain of girls similarly strutting to the sound of the music again with the lyrics of the song covering their dignity.

Make The Girl Dance "Baby Baby Baby" ( official video )
by placeblancherec

Video 1 - Make The Girl Dance 'Baby Baby Baby'


Enjoy!!

Guss Pickles and BK 7 Incher ads - Has subtlety really died?

While it seems that yes okay the German Sprite 'BJ ad' was in fact a fake, and was pulled from every possible source within hours of the blogs going crazy for it, some brands out there still choose to go down the route of 'suggestive' content. Here are a couple of recent examples which are about as subtle as the Diesel XXX Party Viral released for their 30th birthday last year.



Pic 1 - Guss Pickles advert



Pic 2 - BK 7 Incher advert


So is subtlety really dead, or do some brands generally think that people these days are too busy to 'get it' when they put together an advert of risque innuendo and cunning imagery/ wordplay. Personally I think it's a case of good old attention grabbing, which is fine, but I do think there is a time and a place for it (selling a pickle emporium in a way which looks like a cut scene from the Incredible Hulk not being one of them).

BMW Museum stop-animation ad

This is a cool stop-animation ad by BMW to promote the BMW Museum in Munich, the ad features a convey of model BMW Isettas (a car famously re-engineered by BMW in the 50's).

New Compare the meerkat outtakes - featuring Sergei

This is just a quick post as a lot of people have been finding their way to an older post with the original Compare the Meerkat Blooper reel, instead of the new ones. So for all of you who are yet to see the new Compare the meerkat outtakes starring both Aleksandr Orlov and his IT Support Engineer Sergei, enjoy...



Video - Official Compare the Meerkat Sergei Bloopers


Related Posts

Compare the Meerkat Outtakes

Spotify iPhone App preview

It's nearly upon us. Quite possibly one of the most anticipated music apps, and from what I've seen, and heard, in my view one of the best. Set to be available for premium subscribers via the App Store.



Video - Spotify iPhone App in action


As Spotify continues to grow, now at 2.15M UK unique users alone, the Spotify application will allow users to listen to individual songs, full albums, or even create playlists, which users can store songs to listen to offline.

Harry Potter Casts 'Twitter Spells' on your followers

This is a brilliant little app for all those Harry Potter fans out there, which just can't get enough of the box office smash 'Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince' released Worldwide last week. 'Hogwarts Wizarding Class' (Found here: www.harrypottertweet.com) allows Twitterers out there to cast spells on their unsuspecting follows, giving them the option to send in a flock of birds (See below), shroud their page in darkness, or send them a love potion.


Pic 1 - Harry Potter Tweet

I think this is a really nice idea, and is very in the spirit of the movies. Developed by Warner Brothers the app is certainly one of the best uses of Twitter I have seen from a brand and hope fully raises the bar to a new level.


Pic 2 - Harry Potter Tweet (Photo Credit Revolution)

My only reservation is on the subject of how comfortable the Twitterverse is in divulging there login details to every new app that appears, but I guess we will see as more and more of them appear.

YouTube Tests 3D Videos

Firstly a warning, this probably will give you a headache, it did me. But yes it is true, over the weekend YouTube began experimenting with 3D videos. Although this only appears to be the pet project of one Googler, "developer working on the stereoscopic player as a 20% project", it is still pretty cool, and gives us something interesting to talk about. To read up on how to achieve this on YouTube view here.



Pic - Photo Credit www.seroundtable.com


Via - Gizmodo

Banned German Sprite Advert

This is an ad doing the rounds today which was banned in Germany for... well I think it's quite obvious why. Pretty random, and I'm sure quite uncomfortable to watch if you're one of Sprite's younger 'teenage' demographic watching TV with the parents, with a Britney Spears lookalike getting a 'Sprite Necklace' during the ad break.

UPDATE: It turns out that, yes, it was a fake all along! Although the original ad was pulled from YouTube, you can view below courtesy of Young Turks, and The Huffington Post.


Video - Banned German Sprite Ad

'Three Keyboard Cat Moon Shirt'

Okay so first there was the 'Three Wolf Moon' shirt, which rather epically entered our lives a few months ago, with the classic reviews on Amazon.com which sent sales soaring 2,300%. Then there was 'Keyboard Cat' which featured 'Fatso' owned by Charlie Schmidt, wearing a blue shirt and "playing" an upbeat rhythm on an electronic keyboard. Well now there is the 'Three Keyboard Cat Moon Shirt', have we seen enough? Probably yes, but as always with the Internet you never know.



Pic - Three Keyboard Cat Moon Shirt



Pic - Three Wolf Moon Shirt



Video - Keyboard Cat


Via - threadless

Durex - 'Condoms That Generate Desire' New advert

This is a new ad by Durex in France which certainly gives you a hint of the power contained within this prophylactic. Works brilliantly to the sound of ABBA, as the wrapper floats through the streets causing havoc, revealing the tag line 'Les préservatifs qui donnent envie' or 'Condoms That Generate Desire'.



Durex - "Les préservatifs qui donnent envie"


Related Posts:

Get it on - Durex Balloon Animals
Get it on - Durex Balloon Animals "OUTTAKE"
Top 10 banned ads - Shortlist

Fosters 'Ozometer' Twitter App

As part of their latest campaign Fosters have launched their new 'Ozometer' Twitter application to try and work out just how 'Aussie' us Brits really are. According to the Fosters site, the 'Ozometer' Twitter App works by scanning thousands of Tweets every minute, and determines whether they are 'More' or 'Less' Aussie when compared to a predetermined list of words and phrases.



On the site users can view the live feed of Tweets as their fate is decided with a percentage grade, search for their own Twitter account, and view the current rankings by Celebrity, Place, or People. Although this does not necessarily seem like something radically new, I really like this. Dipping into the positive Vs. negative Tweets is actually really entertaining, and similarly to Twistori (Shown below), can easily sap up minutes of your time.



I'm curious to see how this campaign evolves, and will certainly be looking out for my Tweets in the charts. For further information on how the app works, all info is on the Fosters site here.


Update:

I've just in an article on Revolution, that further to this Fosters have partnered with Nuts.co.uk to give users a fully 'Aussie' experience complete with advertorials, quizzes, updates, and competitions (As if 'Assess My Breasts', 'Beach Babes getting wild' and the 'Naked Chanelle special' wasn't enough already). You can view the full article here: 'Fosters launches Twitter app: find out how Aussie you are'.




Enjoy!

Original Ghostbusters Car on eBay

It seems that quite rightly so the World still loves Ghostbusters. The original movie released in 1984, and then was responsible for two sequels (1989, and one coming in 2012), countless cartoons and toys, a fully casted computer game, and countless other tributes including that of the UK Directory service 118 118.



Anyway now it appears that yes, you to can own a piece of Ghostbusters history, with the release of the 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance limo that was transformed by Universal Studios into the Ecto-1 Ghostbusters car, now being auctioned off on eBay. Those interested can view the auction here: Original Ghostbusters Car on eBay




BTW the bidding currently stands at $45,100.00!!