The US Postal Service has just launched an iPhone and ipod Touch application! In an effort to make it’s services more appealing to a younger demographic and attract more mobile web using consumers, the application features a GPS equipped post office locator, maps, directions, a Zip Code locator and provides the ability to track and confirm packages. The second edition of the application being created currently will include a rate calculator.
According to dmnews.com the USPS is planning to consolidate many bricks-and-mortar location due to a reported $3.8 billion net loss for 2009.

It seems like everyone thinks that the iPhone is the best invention that has happened to cell phones. Whether you just use it for talking and texting, or if you are someone who pretty much has it glued to your hand for work or play, the iPhone does it all. No matter how hard other companies try to copy all the unique features, they just can not seem to hit it on the nose…until now that is.
Google has just released their new Nexus One Phone. The Nexus phone has a very similar style to the iPhone, but it does have one improved feature that sets it apart. This new cell phone has the ability to run multiple applications at the same time. This is a huge advantage over the iPhone. There will be no need to close out of an application because a text comes in or trying to figure out which app you need to use first to make sure that you have everything ready for the next one that you need to go into.
The only real down side that can been seen in the phone is the fact that it is not a multi touch touch screen, meaning that you are not able to increase or decrease an image size just by a pinch of the fingers. This might not even be a downsize if you are someone who is accustom to using a Blackberry. So how much will this new little item set you back? About $179.99 with a contract from T-Mobile or $529.99 to purchase the phone by its self. Price wise, it is right at the same level as the iPhone, and even the Droid (which has been receiving both positive and negative buzz). It looks like there is finally some real competition for the iPhone.
The real questions is, will this be the next big phone or will the IPhone continue to remain on top?

With all the fancy phones that we all have, there are challenges that have come up for the wireless carriers. Unlike the internet, wireless carries are concerned about regulations being implemented that would allow users to freely go to any and every website(s) on their phones. They see this as a real issue because there are designated wireless towers in specific areas that are providing the wireless service for those in the area. If wireless carries are not able to manage traffic that their users can utilize, then certain “internet surfing” is going to ultimately affect those around them. For instance, there are certain websites/applications that are considered bandwidth “hogs”. This is not necessarily an issue when on the internet, however certain sites/applications are affecting the service of those around you because of the “hogs”. For this reason, wireless companies are wanting the traffic to be managed so you can not access certain websites or applications, because they do not want the others to feel the affects from this “internet surfing”.
So what is the best way to resolve this sort of issue? Should there be regulations put on wireless customers on what websites or applications they utilize on their cell phones? My concern is this is only the beginning of what our cell phones and internet are going to be able to do, so isn’t there a way to maybe increase wireless towers around our country to overcome this potential issue? If we are facing issues with not enough bandwidth for everyone to go to any website or use any application they want, then isn’t it just a matter of adding more service?

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.

iPhones and Blackberry’s are everywhere. It seems like you can not turn your head without seeing one or the other, but which is better? In most cases, when people are looking to purchase a new phone, they look at two main points; service and phone capabilities.
When the iPhone first came out there were thousands of people who switched from providers such as Verizon to AT&T, just because of the exclusive deal that AT&T has with Apple. Currently, you can not get the iPhone through anyone except for AT&T. I have yet to meet a single person who does not love their iPhone, but there is one huge problem – no service! Constantly AT&T users are complaining about this. I see people putting their phones only in certain parts of their house, because they know that is the only place they can get and take a call.
According to Brandweek.com, some AT&T users have had enough. Their quality score has dropped where Verizon has been staying steady. With Verizon offering great deals on their “app” friendly BlackBerry’s, there is no reason to suffer without service any longer! I agree that the iPhone couldn’t be more unique and user friendly, but what is the point of having a cool phone if you can’t even use it? For those of you who are just too brand loyal to give it up, that’s fine, but don’t go crying to the Verizon users when you are broke down on the side of the road in the middle of know where with no service and no way to get help.

Google has implemented a way for advertisers to sell on mobile phones. Google is partnering up with mobile applications to allow the Google AdSense to be incorporated into their applications. DMNews states that mobile app usage is starting to exceed mobile web usage, therefore there is a lot of potential here with this partnership. Ads will be presented to the mobile users that match up with geographically in a text or image format, just like on the traditional AdSense ads.
This is great news for the Leadpile publishers that are looking for additional ways to generate online revenue. These potential consumers that are downloading the mobile applications are a more targeted consumer, versus those just “surfing” the net. I am sure this is just the beginning of learning new ways to monetize the mobile applications.

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.

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.