Want to Break the Ice? Use These Apps...

by Mike Reiber

App developers swarmed Austin in an effort to catch the eyes and ears of technology lovers and VC's attending SXSW, the Austin Texas-based technology, music and film conference. For these developers, SXSW is THE PLACE to get feedback from a highly concentrated crowd of early adopters.

The most intriguing apps are those that enable users to find friends and friends of friends when they are nearby. Better yet, the apps are merging two features into a single service that helps users meet someone they should know. In effect, smart phones have become the new icebreaker/introduction tool for users. Below are some interesting apps that merit a look see.

Kismet helps users meet friends through friends by creating spontaneous pop-up events. The app also enables them options of passive sharing and check-ins.

Glomper is a new app that allows users to get pertinent details about an event with photos, conversations, and interactions. The interface feels like Pinterest (a personal favorite of mine) with streaming photos from events aligning down the center of the page.  Users click on an event to see full details -- pictures, attendees and comments.  Users can "heart" something by clicking the outline of a heart.

Glancee looks for people nearby who have friends in common with you and who share the same interests. The app features a new diary feature which enables users to record past connections and log them in diaries for future reference.

Banjo has developed one of the most robust location technologies that integrates with key social networks to provide an on the ground view of what's happening anyplace, anytime.

Highlight allows users to bookmark people they met and automatically reminds them of the interaction the next time they meet.

Ask.com the search engine, launched a new mobile polling app for iOS called Poll Roll. The app allows users to create polls and ask people nearby for their opinions. Poll Roll also lets users create visual polls in which they can attach their own pictures to their questions. It provides the ability to filter responses and leave comments about a poll.

So how do you harness these apps for your business challenges? Privacy issues aside, these apps offer intriguing possibilities. For example, customized messaging in retail environments targeted at the users who've signed up for the app and other persons who share common interests and friends.

Chevy Amps up its SXSW Sponsorship

by Mike Reiber

Chevrolet is using the popular Austin-based music, film and interactive event, SXSW, which runs from March 9-18 to showcase its new models.

Chevy's 4G LTE concept car features a touch screen monitor in the dashboard and tablets mounted on the backs of the front seats. The in-dash system powered by GM's OnStar allows the driver to Skype with another Chevy model located several blocks away. The driver can stream videos and different programming quickly and efficiently using the 4G network. The brand is also showcasing its Sonic Boom concept car which features a custom audio showcase via a concept Kicker audio system.

In addition to its concept cars, Chevrolet offers a variety of services to SXSW attendees. A free shuttle service called "Catch a Chevy" provides free transportation to and from SXSW events using a fleet of 46 Cruze sedans and Chevrolet Equinox crossover vehicles. Attendees can also test drive them at the convention center. Chevy's Volt Recharge Lounge allows attendees to rest their feet and recharge their mobile devices.

So, what's the ROI, you're asking? Sounds like a huge investment to reach a mere 16,000 SXSW attendees. Chevy has correctly identified the uniqueness of SXSW, the match with its brand attributes, and the link with its target consumer segments. The event allows it to showcase GM innovation to innovators from high tech, music, film and interactive industries. You can bet your boots that Chevy's SXSW partnership will make brand consideration and preference scores leap among attendees and their respective spheres of influence.

The real ROI, however, will come during the next few years as attendees and those people they impact begin to replace their existing vehicles. 

Here's a look at Chevrolet at SXSW: