WSJ: New technology lures shoppers to stores

Originally published by the WSJ:

Marketing companies are experimenting with a new wave of digital technologies to pitch to consumers while they shop: interactive dressing-room mirrors, kiosks with virtual customer-service representatives, and shopping carts and digital scanners that offer personalized discounts.

These futuristic technologies are among the interactive tools on display at Interpublic Group of Cos.’ new retail center at the advertising company’s Media Lab in Los Angeles.

There, Interpublic is testing innovative ways for marketers to connect with customers as part of an effort to better understand what makes consumers buy and to encourage companies to rethink their approaches to the role of the retail store.

Read the full story on wsj.com and see the WSJ video below.

What does the release of the iPad mean?

iPad (Courtesy of Apple)After weeks, months, and years of speculation, Apple unveiled its long awaited tablet-pad-thing-a-ma-app. It’s as lovely as we’ve come to expect from Apple design. We’ll be convening with our team to get their thoughts on the impact the iPad will have on the various industries who will be touched by its technology; from publishers to media companies, to mobile players and advertisers.  Most of all, the question on everyone’s mind, has Apple created something that consumers want–and as our President, John Ross is fond of asking what problems does the iPad solve for consumers? Another words–is this Apple marketing and hype at its best, or is the iPad a game changer?

Here is a round up of news coverage on the topic.

From the WSJ: Steve Jobs reveals new iPad device, Read here.

From the WSJ: Apple device portends rewrite for publishers, Read here.

WSJ Slideshow: See photos here

From AllthingsD: The iPad is a multi-media device. So where’s the media? Read here.

From AllthingsD: Apple improves its multi-touch and gesture capabilities Read here.

From Wired: Live coverage of iPad unveiling Read here.

See what others are saying; Live Twitter feed, Click here.

From Apple.com, video on the device, Watch here.