In an effort to take aim at competitors’ iPhone, Blackberry as well as the myriad of so called dumb-phones on the market, Microsoft Corp. has unveiled two handsets this week targeted specifically for social networking-savvy teens and twenty-somethings. Manufactured by Sharp and sold exclusively (as of May) in the U.S. by Verizon Wireless and in Europe by Vodafone, the device will come in 2 touch-screen models: a short, square-shaped handset called Kin 1 and a longer, more rectangular one called Kin 2.

According to many reports the devices will not be overtly branded as a Microsoft product as they will sport a “Kin” logo on the rear together with a smaller indication that they are Windows phones from Verizon and Sharp. Some additional features include:

• Both are black with screens that respond to multiple finger gestures, similar to the “multitouch” technology on the iPhone
• The shorter Kin 1 has a full QWERTY keyboard that slides out from the bottom, while the Kin 2 has a full QWERTY keyboard that comes out from its side
• Both include Wi-Fi access and cameras capable of taking higher-resolution photos
• The Kin 1 will include a 5-megapixel camera, while the Kin 2 will have a 8-megapixel camera
• The Kin 2 will also be capable of shooting HD-quality video.
• Neither device has a memory card slot; instead, the phones will upload content such as photos and videos to an unlimited Kin online storage service
• Zune software also will be incorporated into the devices

For a decent visual just click on the link for a hands on demo recently uploaded to Kin 1 Kin 2

Clearly the Kin is aimed at leveraging the world of social networking and keeping the youthful consumer constantly connected to their friends via Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and other social networking sites. It is interesting to observe Microsoft specifically and directly chasing down an opportunity that most certainly exists with youthful, socially connected people. The devices seem to be tailored for folks who place a high value on the mobile social networking experience and being able to share what’s going on in their lives instantly whilst on the go. In simple terms, this product offering appears to be an all out play to capture a significant percentage of the socially connected mobile market. A market of young consumers, who once favourably influenced through use and familiarity, might be predisposed to graduate upward to a Windows 7 phone.

Needless to say we will be following this development closely here at the shop, especially with respect to pricing, contracts, data plans. Ultimately, the numbers will have to be appealing in order to compete effectively and attract parents and young people alike.

THE ad of the moment: we watch Tiger’s familiar emotionless face listen to his father, known for being a strict disciplinarian but presented here as warm and supportive figure, asking him to reflect on his behaviour and unearth the purpose of past events. Despite the fact that we know Earl Woods is not talking about the events of the past several months (being dead and all), I am intrigued by the brand and its message. The fact the Nike is saying “We accept you Tiger and all your faults” by producing this ad actually allows for a more powerful collective message. Face adversity head on by acknowledging your actions, by having the courage to communicate and by reflecting on the implications of your behaviour. 

Simple: Ownership and self-awareness.          

Too bad the message will likely be over shadowed by the details of his personal scandal, marketing hype and his pending performance at the Masters.

Will the ad sell more product? Who cares?

Will Tiger be welcomed by the masses at the Masters? Not sure.

Will Nike continue to be a brand that is designed to inspire you and your actions? Likely.

This little ad gal says Earl Woods may make a connection or two with people (likely men) in our fine Western world that can, or wishes they could, relate to that father-son bond. But the undercurrent of the ad has the power of a father’s words in the aftermath of a painfully public f**k up, which sets Tiger up for some good ol’ fashion pressure.

Now Tiger, Just do it. (Win the Masters that is!) 

http://www.facebook.com/TropicanaCanada#!/TropicanaCanada?v=app_4949752878 

Tropicana shed some light (and plenty of OJ) on the permanent darkness Canadians living up north deal with during winter months.   First a Facebook group complete with photos and videos, and now their top TV spot, we checked it out and compiled our thoughts:

“ A cute idea, but not sustainable. It’s not like they’ve leave the article sun plugged in forever. Or during the times of darkness in the Arctic.”

“It’s also unlikely that the local stores even stock Tropicana. And I don’t even want to know the eco-footprint on this little gem of an idea.”

“It’s made a lot of the industry blogs: I think you guys are bang-on re: sustainability and carbon footprint.  Also: while the final execution does look cool, the whole thing somehow feels really forced to me.”

“But it’s a good ‘forced’.  It simply connects with the brand and tells a nice story for the viewer.  Instead of donating money or time to a cause, they delivered an interesting experience to the folks up north and, in turn, delivered an interesting experience to us.” 

“Happily they’re doing this through a real event, done docu-style and it’s a fairly authentically positive feeling all around. I liked it the moment I saw it on Creativity and, you know, I’m wild for the modern ads that are grounded in core human truths.”

 Summary:  Thoughtful and inspiring, but with practicality an issue.  They made people happy on an artistic level, but the faux sun won’t stay forever and the free juice will run out. 

On a note closer to the basics:

“Getting sick of hummable little folk ditties as soundtracks though.”

 As well, to gain a little more insight; some comments from the Facebook group:

“I cannot believe how unauthentic and frivolous this is. For the sake of the connection of an ad to your tagline, you disrespect the situation in which a community lives in, in northern Canada by “brightening one day” with a balloon. So the next day, the place is back in darkness (actual and metaphorical) and the Tropic…”-Maya

To the response of…

“There’s always someone to make a good deed look bad! I think it was wonderful to travel so far to brighten someone’s day, even if it was only one day!!”! -Dinah

 

Seems the thoughts are like night and day…

Alice, how you’ve changed!  This new older, wiser, and more fashionable Alice is all decked out now that Stella McCartney has created AiW jewels, and OPI has their hands in the teapot with an AiW nail polish collection.  Alice inspiration is creeping into makeup bags and closets.  How exciting!

Tim Burton brings us one of the most anticipated films this spring, (and more, more, more Johnny Depp), and with it comes the hype – and the option to accessorize.

What a wonderful way to get into the Wonderland buzz.  Those of us who covet and crave such items, run out and spend -or mouse click and charge, and thus feel a little link to Alice and her zany group of pals (if only they were on Facebook).

So if you’re into it, follow the crowd down the rabbit hole and splash some Off with Her Red! polish on your nails, while Stella’s hearts and hats baubles dance around your wrist,  as you clutch your ticket gleefully awaiting your “very important date” on March 5^th.

Click here for a sneak peek of accessories byby Stella McCartney and here for O.P.I’s Alice in Wonderland collection.

Post by Andrea Victory, Coordinator – andrea@youthography.com