Will PlayBook steal iPad 2’s thunder?

Jake Gyllenhaal was in Austin, TX for SxSWi to promote his upcoming film, Source Code. Microsoft sponsored the event at The Belmont. Rightfully so, the company used its Microsoft Tag to engage the tech savvy audience. Microsoft Tag is a form of QR Code and you’ll notice it on every poster, billboard, sticker, etc for Source Code. The Tag works on all smartphone platforms. When you scan the 2D code, you’ll be directed to a social-interactive game which is based on the movie. Sounds geeky cool. Will the Tag drive you into the movie theatre? This is a perfect example of how Hollywood is pushing to promote online and offline, as well as using social marketing to attract people to watch the film.

Source Code is an action thriller centered on a soldier who wakes up in the body of an unknown man and discovers he’s part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train.The film is directed by Duncan Jones (David Bowie’s son). Check out the trailer.

Here’s a video on Microsoft Tag:

Music… film…and mobile! A match made in heaven – well, or at least Austin, Texas.  It’s huge, it’s an event; it’s the South X Southwest festival. An orchestra of multimedia and entertainment, and Plastic Mobile will be there!

We are incredibly psyched to be one of the cutting edge companies converging on the Lone-Star State to mix, mingle and show off our great stuff amongst 36,000 key industry reps.  From March 11 to 15 Plastic Mobile will be doing it’s thing at SXSW Interactive; an expose of cutting-edge technology from around the world, with all eyes on the latest and greatest in digital, video game, and interactive breakthroughs.

We will of course be networking, learning and having loads of fun, while keeping our eyes and ears open for fresh new mobile ideas and opportunities.  SXSW happens once a year, a “can’t miss” exhibition of all things tech; and Plastic Mobile’s on its way! Stay tuned to hear about all the highlights once we are back.

Only one more sleep till the EXTRAVAGANZA!

I had the opportunity to chat with Dan Butcher, Associate Editor of Mobile Marketing Daily, on a campaign Plastic Mobile worked on with Unilever and Crispin Porter + Bogusky. We created a social gaming app to promote the Axe Twist fragrance.

Check out the article here. It’s a great article on how mobile gaming apps help to promote certain brands.

Tomorrow (March 2nd) is a big day for most Apple fans, the unveiling of the iPad 2. It seems earlier than expected. Maybe it’s a strategic plan to overshadow the popularity of the Motorola Xoom? We highly think so.

What should we expect from tomorrow’s Apple-a-palooza? I think we’ll be getting some new advancements but nothing too revolutionary that’ll make you want to sell your old iPad for the new one (unless, you’re a tech snob, and there is nothing wrong with that). Here are a few things to expect:

• With Steve Jobs away due to medical reasons, who’ll make the announcement of the iPad 2? Likely, the presentation will be from Phill Shiller, senior VP of worldwide product marketing at Apple Inc. The last time Jobs was ill, Shiller had revealed the iPhone 3GS.

• Yes, they’ll be a front facing camera, so that they can continue to promote their video calling app/software, FaceTime. Most are predicting there’ll be a rear-facing camera too; I’m still not sure if Apple will give in.
• It’ll be smaller and thinner, but nothing too drastic.
• The new device is expected to be faster, with a robust processor. Rumors say that Apple will use an A5 chip.
• Better and louder stereo speakers.
• Cheaper! Apple can afford to knock off at least $100 of the current price point. The price model of the iPad is one of its competitive advantages against the the other tablets.

As the battle of tablet continues, we’ll be watching the Apple conference tomorrow.