Want to catch up with what happened in the digital world this week? Our weekly Cheat Sheet fills you in on everything you missed while you scrambled to meet deadlines and put out fires.
Read about the next Android update called Kit Kat, Amazon launching a home automation section, how brands are using social networks in a new way, Samsung’s Galaxy smartwatch and Perch connecting people through an always-on video feed.
1. The next version of Android — Kit Kat
Google is well-known for implementing dessert-themes to its Android mobile operating system updates with names such as Froyo, Jelly Bean and Cupcake. This week, Google has confirmed that the next version of Android will be named after a mouthwatering, chocolate-covered wafer bar known as Kit Kat. To promote the partnership, Kit Kat has changed its packaging to offer consumers a chance to win either a Nexus 7 tablet or a Google Play gift card. This joint venture seems to help both brands expand their consumer reach by interacting with the advocates on both sides, as well as creating a hankering for Kit Kat lovers around the world.
2. Amazon launches a home automation store
Amazon has launched a new section on its site that is primarily focused on home automation devices. This new store includes items such as remotely controlled thermostats, smart locks, video monitors and more. A hub that enables consumers to browse through a collection of connected devices was created at a perfect time, seeing as there have been a lot of developments in home automation products. Connected devices are a rising trend, and it would be beneficial for other brands to join Amazon in this growing market.
3. Brands find new ways to interact with fans through social channels
Brands are always looking for new ways to engage with their consumers, especially through social platforms. For Fashion Week, Rebecca Minkoff has decided to use Snapchat as her medium. She plans to interact with her fans by giving them a sneak peek of her newest designs, minutes before it hits the runway. Heinken — on the other hand — has decided to use Instagram in its latest sponsorship. The beer brewing company has launched a campaign on Instagram that encourages users to join a photo scavenger hunt for a chance to win a trip to the U.S. Open Men’s Final. Both brands have made an excellent effort to create a richer interaction with consumers through well executed campaigns.
4. Samsung finally unveils its newest smartwatch
Even though there are a variety of smartwatches on the market already, it seems as though the Samsung Galaxy Gear has officially kicked-off the war with its competitors. A few features that make the Galaxy Gear stand out above other smartwatches are the integration of the camera, speaker and two microphones. The Samsung Galaxy Gear is expected to cost around $299 and should be rolling out to the U.S. at the end of September. It will be interesting to see how successful this device becomes and whether or not it will get lost in the mix with the other smartwatches.
5. Perch introduces an always-on video app
Perch has upgraded from its simple record and share video platform to rolling out an always-on version for its iOS app. The company wants to create a two-way video conferencing platform that allows users to collaborate with one another without having to worry about turning the device on and off all the time. One interesting feature for Perch is that it uses facial recognition software to detect when the user wants to be heard, otherwise it will automatically mute the video stream. It’s unclear as to how brands can leverage this platform, but Perch could be used as a great/personal interaction tool between brands and consumers.
