Author: Vince Kattoula

Categories
Mobile Apps Podcasting Radio

What Your Radio Station Can Do to Avoid Being Replaced by a Podcast

By: Vince Kattoula

The success of shows like Serial have made podcasts more popular than ever. Even Google has gotten involved in the podcasting space as they debuted a podcast directory in Google Play Music. In fact, according to Jacobs Media’s Techsurvey 12, the percentage of radio listeners who listened to a podcast within the last month increased from 21% in 2015 to 28% in 2016. How are these listeners tuning into these podcasts? 42% of podcasts are consumed on mobile apps, and about 30% on mobile web browsers. It’s no surprise that mobile is the dominant platform being used to stream podcasts. Yet radio stations still haven’t embraced podcasting primarily because they’re so focused on only promoting audio that contributes to their Nielsen ratings.

As podcast listening increases, the likelihood that more drivers will ditch the car radio to listen to their favorite podcast increases as well. What can radio stations do to avoid being replaced by a podcast?

If your station has a mobile app then the battle is already half-way won. To stay relevant, and to maintain your place as one of the 27 apps that smartphone owners use on average, podcasting should definitely be considered as part of your marketing mix. Getting started is easier than you think, too. Determine what your station’s audience is passionate about and start podcasting about that. A good way to generate topics for podcasts is to look through your inbox to see what listeners are asking your station. Check out Jacobs Media’s webinar on How to Launch a Podcast for a great tutorial on how to get started in the podcasting world.

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

5 Fitness Apps to Help Keep You on Track This Summer

By: Vince Kattoula

With Memorial Day weekend now behind us, summer is here.  It’s likely that your fitness plans from this past January have been replaced with plans to hang out on the couch. Working out can be a struggle and sticking to an exercise plan after a busy day can be even more an uphill battle.  Luckily, there are apps that will help you stick to your plan and see it through.

Whether you’re trying to lose weight, train for your first marathon, or just want to walk more steps in a day, mobile apps are awesome assistants for health and fitness because you can take them everywhere you go.  But, before you lose your mind browsing through the thousands of health and fitness apps in the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store, check out our list of fitness apps (in no particular order) that will help you keep track of your goals this summer.

5 Fitness Apps to Help You Stay on Track:

  1. MyFitness Pal
    This app contains the largest food database of any calorie counter with over 6,000,000 foods to select from.  Other than calories, MyFitness Pal tracks fat, protein, carbohydrates, sugar, fiber, cholesterol, and much more.  It allows users to connect over 50 devices and apps, such as Fitbit and MapMyFitness.  Once connected, the user can track their diet and exercise in less than 5 minutes per day.  In total, MyFitness Pal members have lost nearly 200 million pounds.

    MyFitness Pal is available for free on iOS and Android.
     

  2. FIT Radio
    FIT Radio Workout Music provides you with non-stop, high energy playlists of all genres designed to motivate your workout.  The music never stops, not even for ads and the company uploads new mixes daily so you never have to listen to the same playlist twice.  The app contains over 45 genres and stations, including your own customizable station.  FIT Radio was nominated as one of the Top 7 Music Apps in the world by readers of Mashable.

    FIT Radio is available for free on iOS and Android.
     

  3. Water Drink Reminder
    Let’s face it, most of us don’t drink as much water as we should be drinking throughout the day.  This #1 health app in over 30 countries prompts users to enter their current weight then helps determine how much water they need every day.  More importantly, it reminds the person to drink water every day and to develop good water drinking habits as well.

    Water Drink Reminder is available for free on Android.  A similar app called Daily Water Free is available for free on iOS.
     

  4. Couch to 5K
    This often imitated program helps thousands of new runners go from couch potato to crossing the finish line in just a matter of weeks.  It allows users to log and share their workouts, sync with playlists, and track distance/pace with GPS.  Human audio cues motivate and guide you through each workout.  The goal is to train for just 20 to 30 minutes, 3 times a week for 9 weeks, and you’ll be ready to finish your first 5K race! 

    Couch to 5K is available for $1.99 on iOS and Android.
     

  5. Sworkit
    Sworkit offers exercisers personalized workouts that fit their schedule and their goals.  Users have the ability to choose from strength, cardio, yoga, and stretching exercises in order to create custom workouts using the exercise library provided.  With no gym required, or no equipment needed, work outs can be accomplished using the app anytime, anywhere.  Many fitness apps limit workouts until upgrading, but not Sworkit.  You get to enjoy all the free workouts Sworkit has to offer and then choose to upgrade to Sworkit Premium at your leisure.

    Side note: Sworkit was featured on ABC’s “Shark Tank” on February 19, 2016, where Mark Cuban decided to invest $1.5 million into the company.

    Sworkit is available for free on iOS and Android.

Give us a call at 248-353-9030, or email sales@jacapps.com, to let us know if there is a health and fitness app you think we should add to this list, or if you want input on your mobile strategy.

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

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
Connected Car Mobile Apps Radio

Surviving the Modern Dashboard

By: Vince Kattoula

Ginny Morris, Chairman & CEO of Hubbard Radio, said that she “worries more about connected cars than about streaming services.” After all the technological advancements radio has survived, the “connected car” may be the most challenging. For a while now, consumers have had the option to connect their smartphones to their vehicle via Bluetooth, and listen to music that way. The introduction of Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto into production vehicles means the app will be that much more central to people’s media consumption.

Apps are the best way to engage consumers through their mobile phone since it allows a variety of content (and content types like audio, video, text, etc.) to go with them no matter where they are. People experience media through the device of their choice, whether it be an Apple iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy (which runs on Android’s OS). CarPlay and Android Auto allow this choice to be taken to the place where they spend hundreds of hours annually – their vehicle.

So, what does this mean for your station? Simple – your mobile app is the way in. Not just your main stream, but your podcasts, HD and digital channels. At jacapps, we can help you sort through the connected car so your station is easy to find where it matters most – with the end user and in the place that matters most.

If you want to learn more about the connected car, contact us at 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com.

Categories
Connected Car Mobile Apps

The Connected Car and Why It Matters

Connected Car

By: Vince Kattoula

Today everything is connected, including your car.  Most cars built in the last 5 years are able to sync with the driver’s cell phone and keep them connected via the infotainment system.  Google’s much talked about driverless car promises to make the connected car experience even more rider-friendly.  However, the definition of the connected car can vary depending on where you are and who you are talking to.  According to Ben Cohen, Vice President & Head of Consumer Practice at Denneen & Company, “The connected car is not a single technology or functionality; it comprises a multitude of technologies and functionalities.”

Cohen isn’t necessarily all too concerned with what the connected car is but more-so with why the connected car matters.  And boy does it matter.  It provides marketers with another way to gain new insights into consumers’ behavior.  Connected car data can be valuable when researching what format(s) of content consumers are using, when they are using it, and how they access it.  It also offers marketers the opportunity to deliver new and better value to consumers.  They can leverage specific consumer data in order to better address consumers’ needs, wants, and pain points.  Lastly, the connected car is a platform for brands to communicate with consumers in a more relevant manner.  It allows marketers the ability to engage consumers with the “right offer at the right moment” while in the car.

With all this connected car talk it is hard to know where things will end up.  At jacapps, we can help you sort out the “connected car” so your brand is easy to find where it matters most – with the end user in the place where they spend thousands of hours.  Our apps are fully customizable and we will always support what we sell.

Click here to read more about Why Connected Cars Matter to Marketers.

To learn more about how to stay connected contact us at 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com.

Categories
Mobile Apps

Why Your Mobile Strategy Is Not Good Enough

Mobile Strategy

By: Vince Kattoula

We have come to a point where in order to build solid, profitable relationships with clients, a strong mobile strategy is no longer optional, but a requirement. Most consumers now expect a useful, easy and fully customized experience when it comes to mobile.  Unfortunately, their expectations are not being met.

Josh Todd, Chief Marketing Officer for Localytics, took a step back and decided to analyze various reasons why most organization’s current mobile strategy does not work.  He found that half of consumers trust their mobile operators and brands less than they did just three years ago.  He also realized that 25 percent of apps are only used once, and over time, that percentage only gets worse.

What this means is simple: consumers value their mobile phones and they want apps that are personalized and relevant to them.  Otherwise, they will move on to the next best thing.  What this means for you is that you need to focus first on the end user.  What do they need from you and what do you have to offer them?  When thinking about your apps, think about your consumer.

Here at jacapps it is all about the end user and that is why we work to understand your consumer.  Our apps are fully customizable and we will always support what we sell.

Click here to read more about Todd’s six signs that prove businesses are in a mobile engagement crisis.

We’re happy to help you find the mobile intersection of your brand and your consumer.  If you want input on your mobile strategy, or want to learn more about monetizing your mobile assets contact Beth Ayers or Bob Kernen at 248-353-9030, or email sales@jacapps.com.

Categories
Mobile Apps

Is Your Digital Strategy in Place?

As digital technologies continue to transform the economy, many companies are finding themselves at the intersection of “digital” and “disruption.”  Several of these companies have had business models in place that have worked for years… until now.  As technology has grown throughout the years, so has its impact.

According to an annual survey conducted by Russell Reynolds Associates, the most disrupted organizations were B2C, with media being the most disrupted.  This is a critical time for businesses to understand where they are headed, and what they can do to lessen the impact of disruption.  The graphic below illustrates the percentage of executives who anticipate moderate or massive digital disruption in the next 12 months.

What this means for the media industry is that sooner or later you will be faced with this question: Do you have the right digital strategy?  And, how can you tear down the silos that keep you from realizing the potential impact of new digital technologies?

Click here to read more about Rhys Grossman’s three levers organizations can pull to keep pace.

If you want input on your digital strategy, or want to learn more about monetizing your mobile assets contact Beth Ayers or Bob Kernen at 248-353-9030, or email sales@jacapps.com.

Categories
Mobile Apps Wearables

The Wearable Technology Bandwagon Picks Up Speed!

Fossil Group, Inc. is among the biggest watch manufacturers in the world, with annual sales of over $3 billion.  On March 15, they have become even bigger after unveiling two new smart watch products that will be added to their Android Wear lineup.  However, Fossil isn’t stopping there.

The 32-year-old watch designer and manufacturer is committed to launching 100 wearable devices throughout 2016. We warned you a couple months back that wearable technology was going to explode this year so consider this a reality check. It is also a wakeup call for all the other watchmakers that are still on the fence about making the switch to wearables.

This means your station needs to be ready for another digital platform, beyond the smartphone. A good example is Deezer.  The web-based music streaming service headquartered in Paris, France has shown strong effort in order to keep up with the times and released an app for the Apple Watch that allows users to control the music player as well as gain access to Flow, My Music, Charts and Mixes.

If you want to know the best way to use wearable technology check out App Everywhere℠ or give us a call at (248) 353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com.