Leadpile’s Blog

Believe it or not, Apple iTunes might have some competition coming from some new/old players in town!
In recent news, rumors are rumbling about Google possibly getting into the music service business. Potentially, with search results there could be an opportunity to purchase music from your favorite artist. This is big for Google and possibly something Apple will need to worry about.
If it wasn’t enough having recent news about Google and music services, Facebook is now in the news for it’s interest in music sales too! This is no rumor because Facebook has already started selling music in it’s online gift store. This is great news with the idea of how innovative online companies are trying to be, however possibly a little nerve racking for the online music mogul- Apple iTunes. May the music race BEGIN!!!!

Grand Marnier a liquor that has always been presented with class, is launching a new advertising campaign in October revitalizing it’s image and hoping to attract a younger demographic. French images with a more of a modern twist than seen in previous campaigns, will be intertwined with social media and consumer involvement. According to Adweek , Grand Marnier who is new to the social media world will be hoping to attract attention from new and existing buyers through banner ad placements on Facebook.
In addition to the more commonly placed banner ads, using one of the more “on top of the trends” approaches Grand Marnier has developed two iPhone applications that will promote consumer involvement. A game that consumers are able to pour drinks with a simulated shaker, and e-cards that feature animation will encourage people to connect with the efforts to revamp the brand.
Does consumer involvement attract additional dollars? I know that given the opportunity to have a fun new application on my phone would entice me to possibly bring up the brand name in conversation. Heightening awareness of the product…however, does not change my likes or dislikes, suddenly developing a taste for Grand Marnier will probably not happen even though I do like the look and feel of the new campaign.

Can business be TOO good for AT&T right now?  The exclusive deal AT&T has with Apple for its iPhone customers has brought many new consumers.  These customers now account for 7.5% of the AT&T subscriber base.  That’s the good news.  The bad news is that these consumers use two to four times the data of other smart phone users, but are being charged the same ($30.00 monthly) as other users.  AT&T is in a difficult position, because they obviously want to hold onto as many customers as possible, but they need to add bandwidth to handle the added traffic.  Raising prices or limiting plans to the consumer does not seem an option, so the cost will be AT&T’s burden.  AT&T has some difficult decisions ahead, and the ending of their exclusive arrangement with Apple does not make things easier.

UPDATE:

AT&T angered more people this week when they announced that they would restrict the new SlingPlayer Mobile iPhone application to operating only on Wi-Fi.  The company said the app would take up too much bandwidth, but critics believe that restricting the app to Wi-Fi effectively diminishes the advantages and content of the application.  More challenges for AT&T brought on by the popularity of the iPhone and its applications.

             Apple and Twitter marriage?

Who is next?

First it was Facebook, then it was Google, and now the latest rumor is Apple is interested in purchasing Twitter. Could this be true?  ”Twapple” news was all over the net yesterday and today that there could be a deal brewing for $700 million.  A lot of money for an “entity” that does not necessarily make any money.  The question you always hear is, How does Twitter make money? We all know Facebook used to have no advertising on it, and in recent months there are now advertisements.  However, Twitter has not yet ventured into any advertisements, yet everyone wants to buy the unprofitable site.    Appscout points out, “A deal could be done by June 8, the date of Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference.”
Leadpile, once again will be keeping an eye on this potential marriage made in cyber heaven.

The innovative iPhone was released about a year and a half ago, and some are saying that there might be something new rolling out just in time for iPhone users to renew their contracts. According to Internetnews.com Apple might have something up their sleeves. Could it be an enhancement to the current iPhone, or something brand new and able to compete with the already popular iPhone?  Time will tell, however myself and everyone at Leadpile Lead Exchange will have their eyes open for the newest “toy” from Apple.  What will they come up with next?

Those that have them, love them! Those that don’t have them, WANT them! I am referring to the Apple computer. They are trendy, user friendly, and just an all around GREAT computer to have.
According to Business Week “Apple’s share of the U.S. PC market jumped to 8.5% in the June quarter, from 6.4% a year earlier, helping Apple narrow the admittedly wide gap with Dell (DELL) and Hewlett-Packard (HPQ). Apple could grab even more share by trimming prices on Macs, which tend to cost more up front than other machines.”
So, this means potentially Apple will add some new features to promote others to take the Apple route, or lower their prices to get some new potential Apple buyers. Experts say potentially rolling out maybe a smaller version of the Macbook, or maybe even a multi-touch display to enhance the current Computers. Either way I am anxious to see what the future holds for this company! Some employees at Leadpile Lead Exchange have Apple computers or Apply Macbooks at home. We all love them, and are looking forward to seeing all the new and innovative products to be rolled out by Apple.