Instant Movie Downloads Kiosks Debut At Retail Outlets
Symwave and XONA Media have debuted Instant Movie Download (XIMD) technology which enables consumers to download DVD-quality movies to portable devices in less than 10 seconds. This breakthrough download speed paves the way for dramatically improved consumer buying experiences via automated download stations at retail locations.
Consumers benefit from unlimited inventory of movies that are never out of stock and do not need to be returned. “We developed the MK3 Kiosk to be the most flexible distribution platform,” said Pete Popcke, Chief Operating Officer of XONA Media. “A key design goal was to protect our retailer customers in the coming digital transformation, with a digital download time at retail locations up to 1000 times faster than downloading a movie at home. The 10 second movie download sets a new standard at a wide variety of retail locations including grocery and convenience stores, travel depots, and consumer electronics retailers.”
Rosetta Stone Opens Experience Store In Times Square
Rosetta Stone has opened an experience store at 2 Times Square in New York City. The store is designed to provide a complete experience of the Rosetta Stone solutions and will allow consumers to fully engage in the award-winning method that unlocks the natural language-learning ability in everyone.
“As we continue our global expansion, we’re excited to be opening this experience store, alongside many of the world’s top brands,” said Eric Duehring, Rosetta Stone’s VP Marketing.
“We are committed to providing consumers with the chance to experience Rosetta Stone anytime, anywhere in the world,” said Matthew Pforr, Retail Sales Director, Rosetta Stone. “With the Times Square experience store, more people will have the opportunity to begin their language learning journey with Rosetta Stone.”
Super Glue Corp. Unveils Interactive Glue Guide
Pacer Technology has developed the Interactive Glue Guide for the Super Glue Corp., which will help consumers with adhesive-related questions. Super Glue will begin placing the Interactive Glue Guide at retail outlets.
The Interactive Glue Guide engages the consumer to call 866-GLUE-911 or simply send the text message “superglue” to 41411. After answering a series of short questions about the materials to be glued, the Interactive Glue Guide provides the name and picture of the correct adhesive for the project or job.
The Interactive Glue Guide provides an effective solution for retail outlets by creating order and organization in the adhesives category, reducing labor expenses, and increasing sales through satisfied repeat customers. Consumers can use the Interactive Glue Guide from their wireless phone or PDA while they are in the store. Super Glue Corp. will customize each Interactive Glue Guide with 31 adhesive SKUs to satisfy the specific needs of each retailer.
Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Counter Features Video Wall
The focal point of the updated Bobbi Brown flagship cosmetics counter at Bloomingdale’s 59th Street store in New York is a nine screen (3 by 3 matrix) video wall served by YCD Multimedia’s MuVi Wall™ product.
Additionally, two 32" high definition touch screen interactive displays have been incorporated into Bobbi Brown’s product tester display unit. This dynamic solution offers customers the ability to select a cosmetic product category from icons on the touch screen and receive additional, information on the cosmetic of their choice as well as suggested complimentary products. Customers can then try products from the tester display.
“YCD Multimedia really understood our overall goals and worked to create a solution that is specific to our space and our brand and a solution that will have the longevity to grow and expand as we do,” said Leo Mascotte, Vice President of Creative Services for Bobbi Brown.
Dish Network Prepares For Retail Launch
DISH Network®, a leading provider of HD satellite dishes, is gearing up to launch its services at retail. Performance Retail Marketing, a Bensenville, IL-based marketing agency, (www.prmchicago.com), will support DISH Network in their retail marketing efforts. This floor display, headlined “Great TV For Less,” demonstrates DISH Network’s services and provides take-home literature for shoppers. “There is a real energy at DISH Network and we are excited to be a valued partner,” said agency president Tony Valtos.
BigBox DVD Movie Rental Service Now Available
Mosquito Productions of Blaine, MN has opened up their latest BigBox DVD automated rental kiosk to the public, offering movie rentals on a per-hour basis. With prices at just 6 cents per hour for new DVD releases, 4 cents for DVDs more than 1 year old, and 9 cents for Blu-ray Discs, a customer can conceivably rent a new release title for less than 25 cents if they care to just pick it up, watch it, and return it right away! Offering rentals on a per-hour basis gives the customer incentive to bring the movie back in a timely manner in order to save money, and that in turn keeps the inventory fresh in the kiosk.
BigBoxDVD.com is also a core part of the service, allowing customers to search and view details on over 100,000 titles. The website shows which titles are available in which kiosks, and even gives them the opportunity to request to have a title added to their favorite kiosk.
Adventure Eye Kiosk Rents Helmet Cams To Skiers
Adventure Eye Video Systems has introduced this new store display kiosk. The Adventure Eye Video System is a turn key business system allowing tour and resort operators to easily rent wearable cameras to their clients or film them participating in an activity and provide a customized DVD or jump drive with a recording of the experience within minutes of completion.
“The Adventure Eye Video System is a great new revenue generator for specialty tour operators and has broad applications in snow skiing, whitewater, scuba/snorkel, paintball and other action oriented activities,” said James Griffith of Adventure Eye Video Systems. The Adventure Eye Video System can be found at Specialty Sports Ventures select locations in Colorado, Major resort ski schools, on Major Cruise lines, and dive and ski shops.
Disney Store To Open State-Of-The-Art Store In NYC’s Times Square
Disney Store will transform an expansive retail space in New York’s Times Square into a state-of-the-art, interactive retail destination set to open in fall 2010. The new Disney Store will incorporate technologically advanced displays including an interactive Disney Princess castle. A new children’s theater will feature Disney entertainment.
The new Disney Store will facilitate interactive play, host children’s activities, and celebrity appearances. Over the next five years Disney Store plans to transform more than 300 locations across the US and Europe.
AT&T Opens First Dedicated Chinese-Bilingual Store In U.S.
AT&T has unveiled the first AT&T Chinese-bilingual store in the heart of New York’s Chinatown to address growing demand for advanced wireless data products and services in the Chinese-American community.
The store is the first AT&T operated store in the country to feature a Chinese-bilingual retail concept, which provides convenient access to AT&T’s latest wireless offerings and is supported with bilingual sales representatives and in-store signage. The 2,000 sq. ft. store will provide customers with a “try before they buy” sales experience with a wide selection of cell phones, smartphones, netbooks and wireless accessories.
Movies, TV Episodes Streamed Instantly From Netflix Headed To Nintendo’s Wii
Nintendo and Netflix have formed an agreement that will allow Netflix members who are also owners of Nintendo’s Wii™ console to instantly watch thousands of movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix to their TVs. Netflix is scheduled to go live on the Wii console this spring in the U.S at no additional cost to Netflix members who have a Netflix plan, a Wii console and a broadband Internet connection. The partnership between the two companies will extend the reach of content streamed from Netflix, thanks to the popularity of the Wii.
Burger Studio On Campus Features High Tech Kiosks
ARAMARK Higher Education, which provides professional services to colleges throughout North America, has launched Burger Studio™. Using electronic touch-screen ordering kiosks, students can design their own individual “masterpiece,” made to order, by selecting an Angus, chicken or veggie burger customized with more than 30 toppings, cheeses and special sauces. The kiosks prompt each customer with a variety of choices, and then visually create the order by building the sandwich, piece by piece on the kiosk screen.
“Our goal is to inspire students’ creativity and individuality,” said Karen Parker, Associate VP, Marketing, ARAMARK. “Burger Studio allows students to create a customized meal they want, using touch-screen technology that is already part of their everyday life.”
Burger Studio’s design elements reflect an artist’s palette with graphics depicting “masterpiece” burgers that great artists, such as Picasso, Van Gogh and Warhol, might have created.
Consumers Desire Better Retail Experience When Buying Communications Products
Three out of four consumers still want to visit a physical retail store when buying a communications product or service, but they are not very satisfied with their experience, according to a new Accenture study. More than half (56%) of the consumers surveyed had bought a mobile phone, wireless phone service plan, or cable television service at a provider's retail store in the past year.
According to the survey: 75% of consumers - especially professionals and 18 to 34 year-olds - want to visit a retail store when buying communications-related products and services, and 77% of all consumers think it’s important that a communications provider has a physical store they can visit. Seventy-seven percent of consumers said the quality of the store experience is an important factor in their decision to do business with a communications provider. Although more than half of consumers (59%) said their experience in a provider’s retail store was good, 30% said their experience was fair or poor and only 11% said their experience was excellent.
Worldwide Kiosk Market Will Double By 2014, According To NextGen Research
Interactive kiosks are at the center of a global movement towards self-service that is changing the way consumers and businesses interact with one another. According to the latest market study by NextGen Research, the kiosk market will grow from an installed base of about 1 million units in 2009 to more than 2.5 million units worldwide in 2014.
The U.S. currently is home to two-thirds of global kiosk deployments, and will continue to be the site of most kiosk deployments over the next five years, as the popularity of self checkout, entertainment and travel kiosks continue to grow. Europe and Asia also will see growth in kiosks, while the rest of the world continues to adopt them slowly.
“Self-service is driving consumer behavior,” said Larry Fisher, Research Director of NextGen Research. “Kiosks are an extension of a broader self-service trend, where consumers want more control of their environment. The growth of online banking is an example showing that customers want to transact on their own schedule; kiosks will follow the same growth trajectory, as customers can choose when and how they transact.”
Elite Display USA has introduced The Digital Brand Ambassador, which combines a static branding message with a digital screen, encased in an acrylic housing. The result is a unique, economical display that attracts attention at the point-of-purchase. Programs are easily updated for new campaigns. For more information, contact Elite Display USA, 38 South 21st Street, Kenilworth, NJ 07033; (Tel) 908-418-8659; (Web site) www.digitalbrandambassador.com
MediaTile has introduced an interactive display that combines live 2-way video communication capabilities with simultaneous interactive promotional messages. The display takes advantage of the high bandwidth wireless IP-connection from the emerging 4G/LTE services. “With this technology, brands will be able to have direct and personal influence on consumers where, and when it matters most,” said Simon Wilson, CEO, MediaTile. For more information, visit (Web site) www.mediatile.com
SuperImaging has introduced a new UV DLP video projector which projects images on to completely clear surfaces. The projector is ideal for projecting promotional images on to store windows, which retailers want to keep clear when the projector is not on. For more information, contact SuperImaging, Inc., 23439 Osgood Rd., Fremont, CA 94539; (Tel) 831-334-1840, (Web site) www.superimaging.com
Showcraft has introduced the euroPod kiosk, which provides a well designed, eye-catching and affordable kiosk with portable/modular features. The unique hybrid aluminum/fabric construction allows for easy install and transport and offers a wide range of sophisticated hardware/software applications. The affordability, durablilty and versatility allows users to utilize the euroPod for multiple shows or events. For more information, contact Showcraft, 1357 Larc Industrial Blvd., Burnsville, MN 55337; (Tel) 952.890.4200; (Web site) www.showcraft.com
Microsoft recently partnered with Show Media, to create a major presence for its new Bing Mobile App at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show. Show Media provided free shuttle rides for show-goers who downloaded the Bing Mobile App. CES patrons were shown the benefits and features of the new Bing Mobile App via a Bing Ambassador onboard all vehicles. Show Media designed a multi faceted marketing and experiential initiative which included significant branding, transportation and interaction with attendees of the CES show. The marketing initiative included branded signage, custom traffic cones, mega-floor graphics, custom flags and a BING Solution Station tent. (Web site) www.showmedia.com
NanoLumens has introduced a 112” flexible video display. Richard Cope, NanoLumens’ CEO, said, “Our ability to quickly deliver these units gives exhibit and tradeshow designers a powerful new element to bring to their customers.” The 112” unit weighs less than 100 pounds. At less than an inch thick, the unit is not only flexible enough to wrap around curved walls and columns but it can also be rolled up to ship and install. For more information, contact NanoLumens, 6625 The Corners Parkway, Norcross, GA 30092; (Tel) 678-421-9694; (Web site) www.nanolumens.com
Labatt Featuring Digital Display System
Labatt Breweries of Canada is featuring digital in-store displays created by Digital Display and Communications, (www.ddc-ca.com), Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The program features an attractive merchandising unit based around a 32-inch LCD monitor and built-in media player. Blake Jarrett & Co. engineered and manufactured a highly functional and cost-effective structure to deliver the technology.
“It was critical that the electronics be pre-installed in a fashion that was rugged enough for shipping and surviving in retail, while at the same time being ‘plug-and- play’ when it arrived,” said DDC’s VP Business Development, Steve Harris.
The unit can be wheeled into a store, requiring only a power outlet to start showing videos and connecting to the management network. DDC provides ongoing content creation and network management services, controlling the deployed PODs remotely using a wireless data network.
LuxuryTec Launches Mirror Image Digital Network
LuxuryTec, Hunterville, NC, has launched the Mirror Image, a 40" digital display controlled remotely via a broadcast quality content management system. Mirror Image displays a brand image or video and when engaged by a consumer, the brand message instantly disappears and becomes a fully functioning mirror. When the consumer steps away, the brand message instantly re-appears.
The Mirror Image offers a captivating experience in HD still and HD video, providing marketers a variety of engaging and dynamic content options. Located over sinks in the initial deployment, Mirror Image provides industry leading brands with the opportunity to reach specific genders as well as concrete consumer engagement metrics. Mirror Image accomplishes this through the utilization of a robust sensor located in the bezel of the unit that records every consumer engagement. For more information about Mirror Image and the Mirror Image Network, visit www.luxurytec.com.
Sprint Uses GestureTek's 3D Interactive Digital Signage
Sprint is using 3D depth tracking technology from GestureTek Inc., (www.gesturetek.com), for a gesture-based interactive digital signage display. Sprint's 3D depth sensing interactive display screen, with mobile phone connectivity, will track people’s body movements and respond by sending a Sprint promotional message that follows them whenever they walk in front of the interactive billboard. The motion-detecting advertising message will invite users to create their own personalized interactive wall art on the screen, by calling Sprint on their mobile phone.
Visa Uses 3D Video To Bring ‘Go World’ Campaign To Grand Central Terminal
Visa recently conducted an Olympic-themed initiative within New York City’s Grand Central Terminal, covering the subway corridor with 3D video and static images from the company’s global Go World campaign,which celebrates athletic achievement and poignant historical Olympic triumphs.
In Grand Central Terminal, the advertising extension included more than 100 media elements, the most notable being a 3D 8-by-14-foot video projection screen with audio that broadcast commercials from the Go World campaign. Street teams handed out 3D glasses that allowed commuters to view the 3D commercials in Grand Central Terminal. Antonio Lucio, Chief Marketing Officer, Visa, said, “With the help of innovative 3D technology, we were able to strengthen our connection to the Olympic Games. David Lane, VP Digital Media CBS Outdoor, said, “3D is gaining momentum in the marketing space, and we were thrilled to bring this application to commuters.”
Coca-Cola Zero Partners With ‘Avatar’
Coca-Cola’s Coca-Cola Zero brand recently partnered with Twentieth Century Fox on a major global promotional campaign tied in with James Cameron's epic film AVATAR. In an effort to provide consumers with the most compelling information about the movie, the digital team at Coca-Cola Zero collaborated directly with the studio to create www.AVTR.com for AVATAR fans. Visitors to AVTR.com will be able to access exclusive AVATAR imagery, wallpapers, games and applications as well as regularly updated, real-time AVATAR news. A TV commercial and cinema spot was also created, promoting the brand’s partnership with AVATAR.
Special AR enabled Coke Zero packaging featuring the AVTR mark will provide consumers with an immersive AVATAR related experience. Through the use of AR technology Coke Zero consumers will be able to maneuver a Samson helicopter, a vehicle featured in the movie.
Subway Pilots 2nd Generation Drive-Thru Kiosks
Several Subway locations are scheduled to integrate the second generation self-service drive-thru system introduced by NEXTEP SYSTEMS and MRI. Orders are placed directly by the customer using the interactive touch screen on the 32" high-bright portrait style display. The display allows for use in direct sunlight while the touch screen supports customer interaction with bare or gloved hands. For more information, contact NEXTEP SYSTEMS, (Tel) 866-654-88730; (Web Site) www.nextepsystems.com.
tava touchpoints' Launches In-store Interactive Technologies
tava touchpoints is bringing in-store digital media screens down to eye-level, and launching tavaMeasures™, an audience measurement report that tracks in-store digital marketing programs. The company has established a partnership with Toronto-based Planet-Tek Systems. tava is using the company’s EcoStream and interactive EcoTouch display units, which use minimal energy. By using displays that are part of custom pedestals or ready for mounting on shelves or end aisles, brand marketers can promote products using touchscreens. For more information, contact tava touchpoints, Vancouver, B.C., Canada; (Tel) 604-375-2000; (Web) www.tavatouchpoints.com.
Imagination Creates Rendezvous@Samsung For Winter Olypmics
Imagination, (www.imagination.com), the London-headquartered, global brand communications agency, recently created the Olympic Rendezvous @ Samsung Pavilion at the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. The aim of the destination was to encourage visitors to spend time with the Samsung brand, enticing them to learn about the latest products through numerous fun and social interactives. The environment offered experiences through unique games, athletic and design competitions, activities and displays that brought the Samsung brand and products to life.
An intrinsic part of the design solution was to create a canvas for spectators to personally leave their mark on the pavilion. Spectators could upload text, and pictures onto the environment. They could also complement Samsung Design Studio's work via design competitions that offered the opportunity to win a snowboard everyday of the Olympics.
Panasonic Opens HD 3D Theatre At 2010 Winter Olympics
Panasonic Corp. opened the Olympic Pavilion “Panasonic FULL HD 3D THEATRE” featuring two 103-inch full HD 3D theatres at the recent 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
The theatres screened high definition, three dimensional images of Olympic highlights during the 2010 Winter Games. “This theatre was our way of sharing the passion of the 2010 Winter Games with Vancouver residents and visitors from around the world,” said Takumi Kajisha, Managing Executive Officer, Panasonic. Panasonic’s Full HD 3D Theatre at the 2010 Winter Games offered the public the first opportunity to experience a new era of immersive visual entertainment that will soon be available for consumers to enjoy at home.
Promotion Technology Group is introducing I-Display, its latest in digital signage available in touch-button or touch-screen options. The units are supported with battery or DC power capabilities. The units are small, as compact as 7", lightweight and easy to update. Content can be shown in running, loops or in up to 6 active screens. Custom overlays are available to convey specific branding. To learn more about these units, contact Promotion Technology Group at Booth 3357 at Global Shop, or call 248-668-3100.
Focus Display Group will be showing its Focus VideoPro™, a new 7" LCD embedded into a back lit snap lock frame. It offers change out graphics in the frame with coordinating video in an LCD player. The unit is uniquely designed with embedded motion sensor, quality sound and LED edge lite. It is UL listed and approved. To learn more about this display, contact Ed Gerber at Booth 4749 at Global Shop; or call 858-695-3353. (Web Site) www.focuspackaging.com
Testrite Visual Products Inc. will be showing the CREO System which may be used for all kinds of presentations as it features tool-free assembly of all kinds of panels, slot wall, pegboard, puck walls, acrylic panels, all easily connectable to CREO uprights. Wood cabinetry is also easily integrated. It may be used for grouping similar products together and is a modular system, configurable in an infinite number of ways. To learn more about this System, contact Larry Rubin at Booth 2445 at Global Shop, or call 888-873-2735. (Web Site) www.testrite.com
GestureTek will be showing its Large-Format Vertical Multi-Touch "Plug and Play" Display. The new freestanding unit comes with a large 67" multi-touch screen that functions as both digital signage and as a presentation system for multi-media information. All hardware is hidden inside a sleek unit measuring only 22 inches deep. To learn more about this display, contact Kati Furseth, Booth 3352 at Global Shop, or call 800-315-1189. (Web Site) www.gesturetek.com
Se-Kure Controls will be showing a new type of security product, Vantage II Display Security System with power options to display merchandise from the side of the stand or underneath. It is designed to protect mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders as well as MP 3 players and GPS Units. Vantage II comes in a wide range of colors including white and provides programmable buttons, an LED status indicator and flexible configuration to protect from one to one hundred SKUs. To learn more about this new security product, contact John Mangiameli at Booth 2217 at Global Shop, or call 847-288-1111.(Web Site) www.se-kure.com
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