Get all the latest info on the newest innovations within the world of mass media.

Looking at this social media app, you can immediately see the potential for success.  Part GPS-finder and part video game, Foursquare has taken the world by storm as the fastest-growing application in the digital kingdom.  There’s already a Dubai application that has been up and running for months!

Think of foursquare as an “urban mix tape.” The application is specific to the city you are in and is used by downloading the software for free onto your cell phone.  In short, Foursquare helps you make lists of your favorite things to do and lets you share them with friends. Foursquare will keep track of the things you’ve done, help you create To-Do lists and even suggest new experiences to seek out.

By “checking in” around the city, you’ll start finding tips that other users have left behind. After checking-in at a restaurant for example, it’s not uncommon to unlock a tip suggesting the best thing on the menu. Checking-in at a bar will often offer advice on what your next stop should be. Every tip you create is discoverable by other users just by checking-in, and you even earn awards for being an active member!

Dubai, UAE 16th February, 2010

Mediastow, the leading media intelligence agency in the MENA region, launched the region’s first-of-its-kind integrated platform for social media, print and broadcast monitoring, analysis and measurement.  

Mohamed Elzubeir, head of Mediastow, said the move was aimed at enabling businesses to monitor print, broadcast and social media with a fully fledged and integrated approach. The new system’s capabilities are backed up by high-quality operational and maintenance support available worldwide.

“With the evolution of the social media, every blogger is a journalist, exercising a significant impact on any company. It is therefore very critical for a company to know what bloggers are saying and what impact they have on stakeholders,” said Elzubeir commenting on the new integrated monitoring platform.

Elzubeir added: “The new system offers an important tool to companies to understand their position within the social, broadcast and print media. The service is delivered in two packages: DIY (Do It Yourself) with training provided by Mediastow or fully managed by Mediastow analysts.”

Cost-wise, the new system will minimize print, broadcast and social media monitoring and make it more commoditized, in line with Mediastow’s vision for the MENA region. 

Leading brands are increasingly seeking to track online conversations and engage with customers in real-time. Mediastow continues to invest in developing cutting-edge technologies that compete on an international standard. 

The digital interaction amongst stakeholders of any company was never more active as it is today. The Internet could be a key battleground between rivals where a single 140 characters tweet could affect the share price of any company. This requires companies to keep an eye on what is going on in the cyber world.

“We decided to integrate three media disciplines into one channel of monitoring and analysis to educate the market on the importance of every media outlet, whether it is broadcast, web or print. We are equipped to monitor every segment of viewership and readership in a cost effective and reliable methodology,” said Elzubeir.

“Monitoring social media will help companies to develop new approaches to the way they talk to their customers. Monitoring this kind of media is the starting point for engagement, interaction and advocacy of customers.”

Mediastow’s new integrated service helps companies and organizations track trends and identify their sources, allowing communications specialists to engage directly with their stakeholders, emphasized Elzubeir.

There’s been plenty of controversy about Twitter being valued at the $1 billion mark, but the fact that the company may even potentially be worth that much has motivated local entrepreneurs to look to the future of social networking. Under the guidance of 29-year old Kareem Arafat, Watwet has emerged as a potential goldmine in Arabic-language social media since its launch in 2008.

Read the full story

Social media can be an incredible tool, both for producing and consuming incredible amounts of information. Over the last few years, there is no question that an unprecedented change has taken place, putting tools for publication and discovery in the hands of everyone Read the full story

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) — As Twitter moves into the business mainstream — nearing some 35 million unique global visitors, according to ComScore — it’s increasingly clear that one community has yet to fully embrace the social-networking tool du jour: agencies.

The irony is that the same people clients hire to erect communications and social-media strategies often appear uncomfortable using Twitter themselves.

One stark example: A couple of months back, Volvo struck a landmark ad-placement deal with YouTube to promote the Twitter feed for its XC60 model (@VolvoXC60). But the agency that created the innovative rich-media ad for Volvo, Havas’ Euro RSCG, has an account (@Euro_RSCG) that’s never been used.

Asked what gives, a Euro spokeswoman said: “We’re developing our Twitter strategy and in the meantime want to hold onto the name. It’s a Catch-22: You don’t want your Twitter handle stolen, but you also don’t want to start using it before you’re really ready.”

Whatever the case may be, save for a few shining examples of shops that “get it,” agencies need to catch up with their clients — and fast. Read the full story

Facebook has once again shown its continuing popularity as another world leader jumped on the bandwagon. Just weeks ago, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai created a Facebook Page, whereby friends and family and even the public can write on his wall, view old and recent photos of him as well as find out more about his interests and hobbies. His Highness is one of many political leaders who are now using Facebook as a means of communicating with the public. 

SOURCE: 7-Days -  Facing up to a new world - Read Full Article Here

Laptops are incredible, you can take them almost anywhere, well except a bath, a swimming pool or anywhere else near water. So, when news that a teenage girl who decided to use her laptop whilst soaking in the bath, had electrocuted herself and died, it was hardly surprising. Whilst it is unclear how the 17 year old from Romania managed to electrocute herself, the questions on everyone’s mind is why would anyone even need to use a laptop in the bath. Aren’t baths for washing oneself and relaxing? What is our obsession with having to use our laptops 24/7?  We already uses them for over 40 hours a week at work, more in the evenings for emails and then again at the week-end as we look for things to do, make purchases and chat to our friends.

SOURCE: Yahoo Canada - Read the full story here

Social Media is the new wave of communication, reaching millions of people through the WWW’s most popular networking sites.
To find out how O2 Interactive can help build your brand’s social medi.

Visit O2i.ae