Month: May 2016

Categories
Podcasting

5 Podcasts You Should Start Listening to Today

By: Vince Kattoula

Podcasting, a once-obscure method of consuming audio, has become a leading medium for distributing audio content, whether for business or personal use.  With hundreds of thousands of podcasts out there, it can be quite intimidating when it comes time to find the next one to listen to.  Since 42% of podcast listening is done on mobile applications, and about 30% on mobile web browsers, we think podcasting and mobile make a great couple.  We have created a list of popular podcasts to help you find and enjoy your next favorite podcast on your mobile device.

5 Podcasts You Should Start Listening to Today:

  1. Radiolab
    Hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, the podcast focuses on topics of a scientific and philosophical nature.  The show attempts to approach broad, difficult topics such as “time” and “morality” in an accessible and light-hearted manner and with a distinctive audio production style.
  2. Slack Variety Pack
    A podcast about work, and the people and teams who do amazing work together.  In every episode, you’ll find a glorious mix of stories on work and office culture, teamwork, innovation in the workplace, and our modern society.
  3. TWiT – This Week in Tech
    Since 2005, TWiT has provided news, commentary, help, how-to, and perspective on the latest trends in digital tech from seasoned experts and journalists.  Hosted by Leo Laporte, the show features top tech pundits in a roundtable discussion of the latest trends in high tech. 
  4. Useful Science
    This podcast dives deep into scientific research to figure out how the science was done, what was discovered, and how you can use it to improve your life.  “Science is useful, but its usefulness isn't always obvious.”
  5. Dorm Room Tycoon
    Dorm Room Tycoon is a podcast that provides access to interviews with the world's most influential innovators in business, design and technology.  The show is hosted by William Channer, a British designer, founder, and journalist.

If you’re currently involved with podcasting, or looking to get involved, make sure to check out the largest gathering of podcasters in the world at Podcast Movement, in Chicago on July 6-8.  We’ll be there answering questions.

If you have any questions or concerns about podcasting, or your mobile strategy, give us a call at 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com.

Categories
Mobile Apps

10 Mobile Apps for Your Summer Travels

By: Vince Kattoula

We have said before that people bring their phones with them everywhere they go.  As summer quickly approaches, don’t forget to make the most out of mobile when making your vacation plans.  There are many apps you can take with you which can save you much headache as you plan your trip, prepare for takeoff, and travel to new places.

Whether you’re a beach bum looking to relax on the shoreline or a tourist looking to explore the artsy parts of Europe, check out this list of apps, recommended by InformationWeek, to help make your summer travels more enjoyable:

  1. Google Translate
    Google Translate is great for travelers who don’t know the language of the country they’re visiting.  The app can translate between 103 different languages, 52 of which can be accessed offline.  The camera mode lets travelers take pictures of text for higher-quality translations in 37 languages, and the conversation mode allows for two-way instant speech translation in 32 languages.

    Google Translate is available for free on iOS and Android.
     

  2. Pro HDR X
    Pro HDR X allows users to capture true HDR images automatically and instantly.  With rear and front camera support, self-timer, flash options, digital zoom, cropping, and grid overlay, the app makes it easy for pretty much anyone to capture the sharpest image possible.

    Pro HDR X is available for purchase on iOS.
     

  3. GateGuru
    GateGuru provides travelers with real-time flight statuses, along with push notifications.  In addition, the app offers a variety of airport content specifically customized to the person’s itinerary like airport weather, estimated TSA security wait times, and airport maps and tips.

    GateGuru is available for free on iOS and Android.
     

  4. Food Tripping
    Food Tripping was built by us in collaboration with SHFT.com and Ford Motor Company.  This app is designed to help people in search of healthy eating options find the best places near them.  Combining databases for farmer’s markets, vegetarian restaurants, markets and other establishments, this app makes it easy for the user to find healthy food options nearby wherever they may find themselves.

    Food Tripping is available for free on iOS and Android.
     

  5. LiveTrekker
    LiveTrekker provides users with the ability to keep a journal of their travels with outrageously detailed maps.  The live sharing option allows people to view each other’s journeys, making it even easier to discover new places throughout the world.  New trips are submitted every day so there is always a different location for people to check out.

    Live Trekker is available for free on iOS and Android.
     

  6. KAYAK
    KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to locate the cheapest flights, hotels, and rental cars.  Users of this app can save money with mobile only rates and private deals.  The “Trips” feature allows vacationers to organize travel plans and stay informed with free real-time flight status alerts.

    KAYAK is available for free on iOS and Android.
     

  7. Vurb
    Vurb helps people find things to do and save them for later. As users search, it brings together information from apps like ratings, reviews, and recommendations from other people into one app.  Vurb is great for finding places, food, or movies to make plans right now or save the ideas for later.

    Vurb is available for free on iOS and Android.
     

  8. Converter Plus
    Converter Plus is a unit converter with the most extensive list of currencies and units in hundreds of categories. It also comes with many calculators like mortgage, loan, tip, fuel consumption, and many others for everyday problems.  Exchange rates for all 167 of the world's currencies are refreshed automatically every 6 hours or on request.

    Converter Plus is available for free on iOS.
     

  9. TripSee
    TripSee allows users to select a destination that they would like to visit and the app will present a list of popular destinations and points of interest.  In addition to location reviews, descriptions, and pictures, the app provides users with multi-trip cloud storage to create and maintain hundreds of trips.  TripSee also lets vacationers create customized itineraries based off their interests which include times, dates, cost, and user notes.

    TripSee is available for free on iOS and Android.
     

  10. Hotel Tonight
    Hotel Tonight provides last-minute deals on great hotels.  Users can book a hotel room in just 10 seconds after reading through the hundreds of hotel reviews provided by the app.  It also provides 24/7 customer support with real humans, making this app a great tool for your summer vacation travels.

    Hotel Tonight is available for free on iOS and Android.

If there are any apps that you use while traveling that didn’t make this list, let us know!  We would love to continue adding to our collection.  If you’d like to talk about your mobile strategy, give us a call at 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com.

P.S. don’t forget to pack your charger!

Categories
Mobile Apps Podcasting Radio

Radio Has the Necessary Elements for Success in Podcasting

By: Bob Kernen

You’ve probably noticed the buzz around podcasting lately. You know it’s gone mainstream when the NY Times puts it on the front page of its Sunday business section as it did on May 8. One of the best things about the apps we build here at jācapps is the podcasting feature. It is second only to the stream in popularity.

And the podcasting numbers back that up. Last year 46 million Americans listened to a podcast, and this year that number is expected to hit 57 million, according to Edison Research. What was once a niche has gone mainstream, as evidenced by the 110 million downloads of NPR’s “Serial” podcast last year. But those numbers present some challenges. As the Times article describes, the only currently reliable metric for podcasts is downloads, but that is a pretty rough metric, especially for advertisers who have no idea if their ads in the podcast are even being heard.

But with the numbers and the trend lines headed straight up, it is inevitable that these problems will ultimately be solved. That’s where some of the most innovative players in the space are focused. Companies like Art19 are working out issues of measurement and monetization in some incredibly clever ways. Others, like Clammr, are tackling the issue of content discovery in a universe of as many as 350,000 different podcasts. Of course, long-time podcast players like Libsyn, Blubrry, Midroll (acquired by Scripps last year) and Spreaker, as well as big dogs like Apple and Google are in the space as well. Apple basically invented the concept, and loaned it the name since “podcast” originally referred to the iPod. Google via their Android operating system has had a less consistent relationship, dropping its own podcasting app in 2012 only to reintroduce a podcast directory this year.

What does it all mean? If you want to learn more about the podcasting space and meet lots of people doing it you should think about attending Podcast Movement in Chicago this July.

Radio has many of the elements necessary for success in podcasting:

  • Talent and expertise in audio production
  • Skills and experience in audio storytelling
  • Built in distribution channels (website and mobile app)
  • On-air promotional channel

What all of these tools mean is that your station can create more professional, better produced content than much of the “two guys with a mic” content that is so prevalent in the podcasting world. Be prepared that it may take time to find the program that connects, but the best way to find it is to get as many at-bats as possible. The marginal cost of creating a show is so low, that it pays to try lots of different topics, talent and approaches. You’ll also find that a little production value goes a long way.

And once you’ve produced it, you can use your on-air broadcast to help that new, on-demand content find its audience. So unlike other podcasters who battle each other to connect with Apple’s one (yes, one) employee in charge of deciding who gets promotion on the iTunes Store, you can reach out to your entire audience. And with advertising CPMs of $20 – $100, it’s possible to turn a successful podcast into real revenue.

To learn more about Podcast Movement or your mobile strategy contact us at 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com.

Categories
Mobile Apps

New Mobile App Intends to be the “Pandora” of Stand-Up Comedy

There’s a new mobile app, called Laugh.ly, which allows listeners to stream stand-up comedy routines to their mobile phones similar to how Pandora lets people to stream music.  The founder, Dave Scott, actually became a stand-up comedian himself which is what inspired him to create the app.  Laugh.ly will include streams from more than 400 well-known comedians, including Kevin Hart, Aziz Ansari, and Amy Schumer, as well as 20,000 individual tracks.

The business model for Laugh.ly is similar to Pandora’s since the comedians will take part in a revenue share with the company.  The service itself is supported by advertisements to remain free. Also like Pandora, listeners can pay to upgrade to an ad-free experience.

What’s especially interesting about Laugh.ly is that the company’s platform transcribes every joke it processes.  This enables listeners to create smart playlists, based on their interests or current trends, using the app.  For example, users would be able to create a station that only contains Trump jokes.

According to the company's website, the app will launch sometime this summer.

To read more about how Laugh.ly aims to be the Pandora of stand-up comedy on TechCrunch, click here.

If you want input on your mobile strategy, or want to learn more about monetizing your mobile assets give us a call at 248-353-9030, or email sales@jacapps.com.

Categories
Mobile Apps Radio

Mobile Can Help Connect Your Message to Local Listeners

By: Bob Kernen

At jācapps I’ve been talking about the importance of location technology for over two years. Ever since I saw a demonstration of iBeacon technology at a Mobile Mondays program in 2013, I’ve been convinced that it is the next big thing. It makes perfect sense. The devices (and the people carrying them) are mobile, so place is one of the key drivers of context for how we interact with our world. Suddenly, there is a whole layer of information available to us about where we are in space. Connecting that with our intentions at any given moment makes the world a friendlier place.

And it turns out that users are open to exposing their location if given a good reason. According to the Pew Research Center, nine in ten of us use location services. Now much of this is driven by mapping and weather, but the research shows that if you give people a good reason, or something valuable, for the privilege.

The key is for the user benefit to be clear. We’ve all seen the pop-ups on our phones when an app asks to access our location. Your first thought is always “why?” Followed by what am I getting for this? And, is it something I want? While weather and mapping apps get a 90% acceptance rate, messaging apps only get 30% acceptance. But if your station is able to deliver value – a coupon, a location sensitive message, or a special offer, it’s more likely that that user will tap “okay” when asked about accessing their location. Once they do, you can learn a lot about their behavior and their presence.

Broadcasting’s big edge today is the fact that it is local. Mobile can help connect your local message to your listener on the device that they have with them all the time. So look for ways to provide your listeners and your clients with a way to connect at the time and place they want.

To learn more about how location technology can support your mobile strategy contact us at 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com.

Categories
Mobile Apps

Mobile Drives Surge in Digital Advertising

By: Bob Kernen

Double digit growth is impressive almost any time, but when something experiences double digit growth for 20 straight years that is really impressive. That is what digital advertising has done since Bill Clinton was president, and nobody knew anything about a girl named Monica.

But even with that impressive number from the IAB, here’s an even more impressive one: growth of mobile advertising grew 66 percent – in just one year, from 2014 to 2015. Mobile advertising rang up $20.7B in 2015.

This is tremendous news for anyone with a mobile strategy. What it means is that your mobile presence no longer has to be looked at as a cost center, but can be a real revenue driver. When you look at what’s possible on mobile, not just tiny awful banners, but real marketing with rich media elements, strong interactivity and valuable data gathering, the possibilities are endless. And in a time when broadcast media struggles to “attribute” their advertising to actual sales and ROI, mobile becomes the perfect vehicle to show your advertisers how their marketing is working through your channel.

More good news was found in pricing data. While digital has challenged CPM rates for several years now, in 2015 pricing actually improved, despite growth of low-cost programmatic ad buying. Also, driving rates up was the growth of digital video advertising. This includes desktop as well as mobile, but the rates being paid for rich media (audio and video) are impressive, and broadcasters and media companies are really well positioned to take advantage of this.

If you have questions or want to discuss ways to improve your mobile monetization, check out our webinar and white paper, or contact us at 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com and we can help you take advantage.