News

Deutsch NY promoted Stephen Murphy to executive VP, customer and data strategy and a host of others. link

Brent Smart was named EVP/MD of BBDO West. link

-Twitter reaches out to its premium accounts. link

-Luxury brands are embracing the web. link

-YouTube adds auto-captioning. link

-The ad industry added 800 jobs in September. Phew. link

-Conde Nast unveiled an initiative to build digital mags. link

-Digital firm Tribal Fusion welcomed former Yahoo! Europe Head of Ad Product Strategy, Tim Brown, as European General Manager.

-Digital media predictions for 2010. link

-You want your Black Friday list? You got it. link

More: "Thursday Odds and Ends"

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Forgetting to turn the caps lock off, Jerks in Your Area has another amusing post from this guy:

YO THIS SHIT IS THE BOMB IST A FUCKING DOPE ASS MATTRISS N THIS SHIT IS MAD COMTFORABLE!

I BET DIS SHIT LIEK 2 G'S AT SLEPY'S OR SOME SHIT BUT YO SINCE I FOUND IT BHNED THE PIGGLY WIGGLY IM JUS SLEEING IT FOR LIKE 12 BONEZ. I JUS GOT TO GET DAT CHEEZ T GET MY BLUNT ON YA HEARD!

N YO THIS MOTHERFUCKR IS FULL SIZED SO FUCK THAT TWIN SIZE SHTI!!!

Hair gel, the club Hunka Bunka (kid above for reference) and terrible grammar seem to be a plus.

More: "Your Contextual Ad Flub of the Day"

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Filed under: Odds and ends, Podcasts, Holidays

Here it is, T-7 days until Black Friday, and you don't have any gift ideas?

I joined MacJury podcaster Chuck Joiner earlier this week to provide my ideas for gifting. This was part two of a holiday gift ideas episode on the popular podcast.

Joining me on the podcast were MacMouseCalls support genius (and grandmother) Pat Fauquet, Julio Ojeda-Zapata from the St. Paul Pioneer Press, and The Mac Observer's Jeff Gamet.

Storage seemed to be a popular gift idea from the panelists, along with iPhone / Mac jewelry, video tools, and even some freebies. I take no responsibility for the singing that was taking place...

You can listen to MacJury Episode 918 at the MacJury website, or subscribe to the podcast in iTunes.

TUAWTUAW's Steve Sande provides gift ideas on the latest MacJury podcast originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mother NY appointed Farfar alum Nicke Bergstrom as creative director. Bergstrom--who co-founded Swedish firm Farfar in 2000 and won a Cannes Lion Grand Prix in the process--will report to ECDs Linus Karlsson and Paul Malmstrom and will serve with CDs Michael Ian Kaye and Tom Webster.

kstrong>More: "Mother NY Welcomes Eugene Fuller to the Fold"

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Filed under: Software, Cool tools

MacUpdate announced today the release of version 5.0.2 of the MacUpdate Desktop utility, which allows users to manage application and widget software updates on their Mac OS X machines. The new version of the application adds some features and bug fixes as well as support for more languages.

MacUpdate Desktop can track software updates for 30,000 Mac applications, and it also provides update support for applications on the iPhone, although iTunes handles that pretty well. Updates can be triggered manually and individually, or set to install automatically when MacUpdate Desktop is open. It also provides support for updating screen savers and allows users to sort applications into "watch lists," so they can keep track of programs that are more important to keep current than others.

The update includes improved handling of the software it tracks, such as version and application matching, as well as French, German, and Italian localization. Some of the bugs it fixes are community preferences, registration problems, and issues with extracting tar bzip2 and dmg.zip downloads.

There are several update managers out there for Mac OS X (including AppFresh, LogicielMac, VersionTracker Pro, etc.) with fans and detractors of their own. If you've had great or not-so-great experiences with any of the updater tools, let us know in the comments.

Want to win one of two subscriptions to MacUpdate Desktop, courtesy of MU and TUAW? Read on for details!

Continue reading MacUpdate Desktop version 5.0.2 released, win a membership from TUAW

TUAWMacUpdate Desktop version 5.0.2 released, win a membership from TUAW originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you're Apple, Microsoft, etc., you might want to take advantage of pooing on this Google-branded toilet paper. While the Mountain Valley, CA giant hasn't said anything, Engadget offers a slogan that seems lost in translation: "Very long, soft, smooth. Of high vacuum, because you always!"

Via HuffPo

More: "Rupert Murdoch Wants to Boycott the Digital Newsstand"

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Gitamba Saila-Ngita asks "Is Advertising Irrelevant?" in a post on his posterous, above a quote from Tim Manners' book, "Relevance: making stuff that matters". We'll be the first to admit that this quote is taken out of context, so the point of this post is not to lay it on Manners, rather discuss the proposition as a means to clarify where the business is currently sitting. Philosophy, sorta.

"...Advertising is no longer relevant and therefor no longer accountable because, in the overwhelming majority of cases, it does not help anyone solve any problems or live a happier life. It is simply an annoyance. Instead of addressing the question of how to make themselves relevant to consumers, advertisers tend to go in the opposite direction, which is to dream up new ways to disrupt our lives with their irrelevant messages." Anyway, communication is an ongoing process with a lot of noise and even more differentiation, to the point that it's often difficult to discern ads from news from phone calls. But that doesn't really matter because at the end of the day we only pay attention to the messages that a) move us or b) we have to pay attention to because it's our job or detrimental to our lives some how.

So how does advertising fit in and in what ways, if any, is it still relevant. This is your chance to anonymously defend what you do. But pretend your name is on the answer &#151 and let's see what you're made of.

More: Love the comments in this story

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Lord help us, it's like the Wii but only holier. A new (faux) ad for some organization called Mass We Pray lets loose with some family fun in the name of crucifix-wielding, pew-sitting, rollicking good time. It's for a game called Dante's Inferno, but can't we just go back to Scrabble?

Via

More: "The Death of (Direct)TV Means the Resurrection of Jesus, Heath, JFK"

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Lord help us, it's like the Wii but only holier. A new ad for some organization called Mass We Pray lets loose with some family fun in the name of crucifix-wielding, pew-sitting, rollicking good time. Can't we just go back to Scrabble?

Via

More: "The Death of (Direct)TV Means the Resurrection of Jesus, Heath, JFK"

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

As of today, a certain shop has restricted employees' use of the inter Webs by blocking a few sites that require high volumes of bandwidth. The move is being pushed as a money saving strategy that in reality probably will do just that, despite leaving employees without access to content that is arguable valuable to their work.

We're told employees of this shop's offices can say goodbye to: YouTube, BBC, iPlayer, Spotify, Channel4, SkyPlayer and Google Videos &#151 each of which will eat bandwidth like a whale sucking krill.

First off, let's not worry about which shop is doing this. The question I'd like to pose is: does having access to these sites improve your ability to know what's happening out there or does it make it harder to do your work? Probably both, but let's pick a side, shall we?

Update: The agency just got back to us and informs that they're not blocked as of right now.

More: "Brand Loss Eckos Thru the Web"

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Filed under: iPhone, App Store

Twitter has flipped the switch on some new features, including geotagging of tweets and automatic retweeting. As a happy user of Stone Design's Twittelator Pro 3.3.1 [iTunes link], I was even more giddy when I found out that my favorite Twitter app already supports both of these features.

The geotagging feature lets you optionally attach a latitude and longitude to your tweets. If you receive the tweet in Twittelator, you can tap on the sender's avatar icon to see the geotag and pull up a Google map of the location near where the tweet was sent. The app lets you turn off geotagging when you send a tweet, which is useful if you're trying to shake off a stalker. It's also cool to use "nearby search" to find people who are near you and sending out tweets, and view their location on a map.

The official retweet feature has been going live for the past two weeks or so, although as of yet I haven't seen or been able to send a retweet that appears with the new retweet icon. In the web-based Twitter, I do see the new icons and messages that say "Retweeted by you," but I'm not sure why I'm not seeing this in Twittelator Pro.

Is anyone else using Twittelator Pro 3.3.1 who can vouch that the new retweet capability is working for them? Leave a comment.

TUAWGeotagged tweets now alive in Stone Design's Twittelator Pro 3.3.1 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Odds and ends, iPhone

Gee, we were just saying how competitive it is getting in the iPhone nav department, and Navigon has gone and cut prices for holiday travelers.

For 10 days only, beginning today (November 20-30) Navigon's iPhone app, Mobile Navigator [iTunes link]will be on sale for U.S. $69.99 instead of $89.99 providing a $20.00 savings. In addition, Navigon's Traffic Live feature is also on sale for $14.99 instead of $24.99. Traffic Live is a one time charge, not a continuing cost.

That's a significant saving for this very popular app, and puts it under similar featured apps from TomTom ($99.99) and Magellan ($79.99).

In my tests of the Navigon app I have found it accurate, and it has a superior user interface that is easy to use. Of course you shouldn't be looking at it while you are driving, and the text to speech does an excellent job of helping you keep your eyes on the road.

The Live Traffic feature will route you around major traffic congestion and adjust your ETA times.

It's nice to see prices heading south on some of these GPS packages. Now you'll be able to head south (or north, or any direction really) for less money and with more features. Have a safe trip.

TUAWNavigon briefly cutting price on its popular Nav app originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Method brand cleaners might stare at you as you stroll through target, but at least they don't reside in your bath, waiting for you to sexily step in the shower (whilst nude), only to behave like a semi-drunk man who likes watching ladies in the shower. Also known as everyone.

More: "Mick Jagger's 17 Year Old Daughter Half-Nude in Hudson Jeans Campaign"

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Filed under: Gaming, Software, Odds and ends, Developer, Snow Leopard

The folks behind CrossOver Games sent us a note that version 8.1.0 of their software has come out, and it's got some nice upgrades for Mac and Linux folks who prefer to run their games in Windows almost-emulators (it's based on Wine, and as we all know, Wine Is Not an Emulator) rather than Boot Camping over to the real thing. We tried out CrossOver Games a while back, and found it lacking in almost everything but Steam games, but actually that's OK, because lately Steam has a lot of games going on. Accordingly, this new version has support built-in for the brand new Left 4 Dead 2, as well as fixes for Steam's voice chat, a few upgrades for WoW on Linux and Guild Wars, and a couple of changes to ensure compatibility with Snow Leopard. Sounds like a nice solid upgrade -- owners of the software can grab it for free, or you can try out the app for yourself from their website.

In case you don't have the app yet, CodeWeavers also let us know that they're giving away a Linux rig that's the "ultimate" in... wait for it... gaming. Yes, putting together a Linux rig for gaming is like putting a UFC fighter on a dance show, but we guess stranger things have happened. Anyway, CrossOver Games will definitely help you play at least a few games on the decked-out rig, if you want a shot at winning the thing, all you have to do is pick up the software before December 1st. They'll pick a name out of a hat, and if it's yours, there'll be an awesome 'nix box headed your way. Good luck with getting smooth fullscreen Flash video to work. We kid! You Linux guys make it so easy.

Oh wait, what's that? Flash on the iPhone? I have no idea what you're talking about.

TUAWCrossOver Games releases version 8.1.0 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tips are trickling in telling us Campbell Ewald is laying people off today. If you know more about what's going on, please email agencyspy at mediabistro dot com. You can also Tweet us via @agencyspy, IM at agencyspy or call our tip line, 212.547.7935.

Update: Confirmed. Still no details.

Update 2: We've managed to get some details from an anonymous source. Word is about 30 people will be let go today, and the process will be similar to the last time &#151 ie cardboard boxes are prepared and people are being asked to leave immediately. Not sure if they'll be allowed to box up their things and leave or if they'll leave the boxing to HR. If you recall, the last round went this way, and laid off employees came back to the office and were handed their boxes outside. Like a drive-thru.

We're also hearing that EVP, Director Human Resources Debbie Osborn is not in the office today and that someone else is swinging the proverbial ax. That glass door must feel extra heavy today.

No word on how much severance is being doled out.

More: "Tony Hopp's Email to Campbell Ewald Staff About Chevy Review: Timid"

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Last night was the launch party for Barry Diller's latest venture, Notional. You may know this young production company for their show 'Chopped' on the Food Network. The shop's lead, Ricky Van Veen, is best known for co-founding CollegeHumor.com. Ben Silverman, formerly of NBC Entertainment, will play a role as well &#151 though what that will entail is yet to be revealed.

In an interview with PRNewser's Joe Ciarallo, Van Veen explains the platform distribution model for his company's content as well as how he hopes to market the work. "We know how to market &#151 how to get the Web excited," said Van Veen, who is in his late 20s.

Maybe the most interesting part of the conversation came from Ciarallo's first question. Catching Van Veen somewhat off guard, Ciarallo asks the Web entrepreneur to explain his company in 10 seconds. Van Veen has said in previous interviews that if an idea can't be explained in 10 seconds or less, it won't make it on the Web. Increasingly, Web success is the overall marker for WIN, so be sure to watch and see what he said.

More: "College Humor: Exceedingly Legit"

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Filed under: iPhone

The iPhone is getting yet another carrier in the great white north. Virgin Mobile Canada has announced that it'll start selling the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS in the coming months.

When exactly? How much? Can I get a Richard Branson ringtone? Actually, I can make my own ringtones, but what about the rest of it? We'll have to wait to find out. All the company said in its incredibly short notice was that it'll sell the phones online and in its brick-and-mortar stores at some point. Well, that and that its gotten some love from J.D. Power and Associates for its prepaid and postpaid wireless services.

The phones are already on sale north of the border through Rogers Wireless, its subsidiary Fido, Bell Canada, and Telus. While a Canadian friend tells me Virgin Mobile Canada has a reputation for inexpensive phones with prepaid service, Canadian mobile news site MobileSyrup expects Virgin to charge roughly the same prices with the same three-year contracts as Canada's other iPhone carriers.

Thanks EZ Mac Mike for the tip!

[via iLounge, MobileSyrup]

TUAWVirgin Mobile Canada: Fifth Canadian outlet for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Use CS4 integration to move this postcard design from Photoshop to InDesign.

This video requires Adobe Flash Player.

Armin http://www.underconsideration.com

Filed under: iPhone, App Review

At the risk of invoking a round of reader rage, I'll admit that I've never really been that hyped on the idea of MMS on the iPhone (and, by the way, get off my lawn). If I want to send someone a picture, I've got their email address; I'll just send them a picture. No big whoop.

I do have some friends and colleagues who 'came up' on mainline camera phones and they gleefully pop pics back and forth via MMS. I also appreciate the ability to decode the snapshots my wife sends from her Motorola RAZR, but overall I wouldn't rate it among the top iPhone features I was eager to get from AT&T (not like the ongoing lack of tethering, which is making me grind my teeth in my sleep).

That prejudicial attitude may have made me a little skeptical when I met with FunMobility's CEO Adam Lavine this week to get a preview of his company's new free app FunMail [iTunes link], which promises to leverage the Semantic Media Project and add appropriate imagery to your MMS messages, short emails, Facebook wall posts, et cetera. It's available in the US App Store as of last night.

Sure, the app is simple enough to use (once you register and accept the company's TOS, which may subject you to occasional text messages from them if you don't opt out) -- type in your message, and the system gives you the text (up to 140 characters) atop your choice of image from a list of five, sourced from FunMobility's licensed libraries along with Creative Commons remixable content from Flickr and other repositories. If you want to include a hidden search term, putting it at the end of the message with a double-hash (##) will tell FunMail to search those words without including them in the sent message. You can send it to any mobile phone number in your address book, to email recipients, or to your Facebook friends or wall via Facebook Connect. The result is a little bit inspirational office poster, a little bit LOLcat, and in some ways strangely intriguing... but not really, you know, useful.

Continue reading FunMail adds instant images to Facebook status & MMS

TUAWFunMail adds instant images to Facebook status & MMS originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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