Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, iPhone, App Store
Trend: Company-specific apps and ads
Imagine this scenario: you're watching the latest episode of "Mythbusters" on the Discovery Channel when an ad for Nationwide Insurance appears. Are they trying to sell you insurance? Of course, but they're also touting their new Nationwide Mobile (click opens iTunes) iPhone app, which Nationwide policyholders can use to report accidents, start claims, and find local agents or repair shops.Later, you're watching NBA playoff action and you see an ad for E*TRADE that catches your attention. It's not that you want to lose more money in the stock market, but you're fascinated because the ad is talking about the E*TRADE Mobile Pro app for the iPhone. Banks have been doing iPhone apps for a while, with Chase and Bank of America taking the lead.
Are you beginning to see a trend here? Sure, maybe a handful of ads doesn't make a trend, but more and more companies are delivering apps that provide a mobile solution for their customers, and then advertising that iPhone-based solution to a wider audience on TV. Why? The iPhone, despite being on the market for two years, is still considered to be leading-edge technology, and it has an unparalleled "cool factor". Any company wanting to show that it's cool and on top of current mobile technology is going to jump on the iPhone connection.
I wouldn't expect to see any Microsoft apps for iPhone soon. What apps and related ads would you like to see?
Update: Thanks to the many readers who pointed out that there are two Microsoft apps available: Seadragon Mobile and Microsoft Tag Reader. Of course, I seriously doubt if they're going to tout either of these apps in a TV ad.
Additionally, we've seen a DirectTV ad that shows a customer interacting with the service via his iPhone. They're not promoting the mobile app or the iPhone, just using it in a matter-of-fact way. Interesting.
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jduke said 2:10PM on 5-18-2009
Dish Network's online DVR management could use one. Plus pretty much any bank with online banking should have an app by now.
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Ry said 2:15PM on 5-18-2009
And USAA just came out with one today.
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HazyCloud said 2:16PM on 5-18-2009
Microsoft already has 2 apps on the App Store. Seadragon Mobile and Microsoft Tag Reader.
I'd like to see local radio stations and news channels offering an app. I'd also have to agree with jduke. I'd love to be able to set my Cox DVR from my phone. Hell, Netflix needs an official app. The list goes on and on.
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ColonelSmith said 3:18PM on 5-18-2009
Hot 107.9 out of Fort Wayne has an app... and I think I've seen some others.
hpcarlyfiorina said 2:17PM on 5-18-2009
Microsoft has two apps in the appstore.
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Kento Ito said 2:32PM on 5-18-2009
You do know that all these company are violating the iPhone developer membership agreement. They can only do ads on the internet. Only Apple is allowed to advertise the apps on TV and Print via iPhone ads.
The latest iPhone ads that you see on TV. All those ads, developers paid money to Apple have their apps advertised on TV.
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oliver hart said 3:07PM on 5-18-2009
If thats the case Id like to see pepto bismol do a commercial for a fart app. Or beano. Take Beano now and thery'll be no gas after. Now available in the App Store
Michael Rose said 9:44PM on 5-18-2009
I've spoken to many iPhone developers who've had apps featured in Apple TV ads, on and off the record, and not one has said anything to me about paying for placement in those ads.
If you're going to put that kind of statement out there, I'd be very interested in some sources to back it up.
Scott R said 2:42PM on 5-18-2009
I want an Apple Store app. Seriously. I mean, it seems so obvious... doesn't it?
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Luna Lovegood said 3:01PM on 5-18-2009
"I wouldn't expect to see any Microsoft apps for iPhone soon."
Aside from the two they already offer, right?
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iPhoneMarketer said 12:29PM on 5-19-2009
Anyone know who's doing these apps? Are interactive agencies expanding their in-house capabilities? Dedicated mobile dev agencies? What's the going rate?
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Mike M. said 7:58PM on 5-18-2009
This accident application sounds great but only one problem. After my accident last fall - guess what didnt work. My iphone was damaged and would not work after the accident. I had to borrow the other party's phone to place a call to work after the accident. One good note was that Apple replaced my out of warranty iPhone for free. :)
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Luna Lovegood said 3:33PM on 5-18-2009
"I seriously doubt if [Microsoft is] going to tout either of these apps in a TV ad."
That still doesn't make your 'reporting' less erroneous.
See what happens when you act the smart ass fanboy?
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Michael Rose said 9:49PM on 5-18-2009
Wait, I know this one! -- You attract insistent, annoying trolls who take endless pleasure in decrying the quality of your writing, research, character and parentage while providing no value to the site aside from very occasional comic relief and a high-contrast example of how NOT to be a constructive participant in online communities?
Oh, I see, it was a trick question, you'll keep making snide remarks no matter what. Never mind.
dagamer43 said 3:34PM on 5-18-2009
I tried the chase app. It sucks. It's basically a webapp front-end.
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Chris B. said 8:36AM on 5-19-2009
I'd love to see a TiVo app that actually interacts with my broadband-connected TiVo (or even thru my home network via my WiFi router). Search, schedule shows, mark shows for conversion to iTunes so next time I sync, they are there, delete recordings, change season passes, etc. The iPhone would provide a much richer interface for the TiVo, especially for searching, etc.
Yes, TiVo has a web app for searching shows, but how about something to interact with my TiVo.
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