Tell us a bit about yourself & Digital Times magazine
I’m a writer and editor and have been working in print magazines for a while now. Digital Times is a magazine for people who want to know a little more about digital media & marketing trends.
What are the Appys & why did you decide to set them up?
The Appys is a rewards programme to recognise excellence in app development (native, web and social apps). We see the app sector as a fully-fledged media sector in its own right. There are TV awards, radio awards, website awards, but no Irish app awards – hence The Appys was born.
To you, what makes a good app?
I don’t mind paying for good apps in the same way I still subscribe to good magazines. A good app for me is one that is useful, has a crisp, clean interface and does more than I initially think it can do!
Do you have a platform preference? (iPhone, Android, other)
I have an iPhone but want to change and try Android now. When all your developer mates are on Android, you know something is afoot.
Web app versus native app?
Native at the moment but I’d like to see both converge sooner rather than later.
What is the one thing that gets you most excited about mobile Web, mobile services and/or mobile marketing?
Its endless possibilities. Mobile marketing is clumsy and unwelcome at the moment, but the mobile web [and media] is going to change the way we communicate and live, so that’s pretty exciting.
What are your favorite (and least favorite) mobile Websites, services or campaigns?
Most used are Google, Twitter, YouTube and Skweezer. I don’t really have ‘least favourites’, if the mobile site is bad I won’t see it again. Mobile marketing at the moment is not good. That’s the nicest thing I can say about it.
Who is the new kid on the block – the mobile site/business to watch for the future?
Hard one to call. I think in the US Foursqaure because the population and couponing culture is there. In Ireland? I think if Weedle did some offline marketing it could get better traction, it’s a simple and useful idea.
What (vertical) sector would you say is furthest ahead in mobile Web/mobile marketing? Please give some examples.
The technology, film, music and travel/hospitality sectors. Too many examples to list.
What’s the most exciting/inspirational country/part of the world for mobile Internet/mobile marketing?
It has to be Asia, specifically South Korea and Japan.
What technology or initiative is most likely to revolutionize mobile Web/marketing?
Better creative ideas that can engage with people in a useful way. The era of the ‘hit and run’ ad campaign must die. It’s ugly and pointless. Free, high speed, universal web access everywhere you go will also help.
If you could wave your magic wand and change one thing what would it be?
A comfortable time machine would appear with extra large cup holder and go faster stripes. The GTI model with the 72” Flux Capacitor.
What’s the biggest mistake in mobile Web/marketing?
Everything that’s happened so far. Miaow.
Deadline for entry into the Appys is 30th of September 2010. Find out more at the Appys website.
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