As many of you may be inundated and overwhelmed with current iPhone 3G coverage, I promise not to bore you with more of the same. Instead of wondering if you should buy the new 3G iPhone I’d much rather focus on the “purple cow” in the room that many people aren’t discussing. That being the Apple SDK, for the non-techies the Software Development Kit. Did you know that Apple is offering a revenue share agreement for developers where you earn 70¢ on the dollar? Yes you heard right! If your app were selling for $10.00 you would take home $7.00 per sale! That is a major revenue share opportunity that probably won’t last for long. Which is why I want you to focus on making apps for this gadget. As I read the news from the Apple site you can tell that CEO Steve Jobs is clearly excited after realizing in 3 days (this past Sunday) Apple sold its one millionth iPhone. Steve said: “the iPhone 3G had a stunning opening weekend. It took 74 days to sell the first one million original iPhones, so the new iPhone 3G is clearly off to a great start around the world.”

Now that’s impressive, but what’s more impressive is that more than 10 million downloads for the iPhone App store took place over a single weekend. This is huge; phones are only as good as the functionality they can deliver. While everyone else is crying about no video, no flash, and no photo messaging you need to be crying about all the money that iPhone app developers stand to make. I certainly don’t want to overstate the opportunity most apps are free, but a few that are bringing real value to customers are selling between $5-$10 per app. No one really knows how long this revenue share opportunity will last but you can be sure that as soon as the iPhone apps store is booming with thousands of apps Apple may decide at any time to reduce the amount of share it will give to developers.  My concern is that I want to make sure more of US are at the iPhone developer cash register. Stop wasting your time on being a consumer and be a creator, we need more app developers of color to band together and create apps for our global community. Many of you already work in software development so there is no excuse. I received my approval not to long ago, get yours and let’s get paid! Start by downloading the FREE SDK and then join the iPhone Web dev group.

Bottom line: I totally recommend buying the new 3G iPhone. It pains me to know that I paid over $500 and waited in line for 24 hours in the rain, you can view my iPhone gen 1 tech-tailgating video to see how serious I was.  But don’t buy the Phone just because it is better and cheaper than the original but because it’s an investment for you to monetize.

So if you have an idea to take over the world or maybe a simple idea for a biz program or a hot music application– think big and think iPhone demographic - now go make it happen and get you share of the loot$. What apps do you think we should be creating? If you aren’t a developer share your thoughts so developers can get rolling!

John McCain's internet debacle continues as one of his handlers named Soohoo (his real name not his Trekkie or internet handle) replied to rumors that John McCain does not even know how to surf the internet by replying "John McCain is aware of the internet!"

This set off the blogosphere into a worldwide belly laugh as they pointed out the inherent embarrassment in that statement.

But this does beg the question of "Does the next president of the United States really need to be internet literate? And if so, how much?

Let us know your thoughts below...

Shhh!! No one say anything but  M.  was supposed to be on vacation this week.

He is supposed to have "limited access to the internet" but knowing him he is probably sneaking online to do work when  his family isn't looking!

According to his twitter page he was at the beach throwing sand on his XO laptop...yeah right.

 What do you guys think? Will Mario ditch his family to get online tonight? Or will he just straight sneak?

$10 bucks and a grande latte says that he does. Any takers? Listeners and viewers call (609)456-0484 to tell me if Mario is addicted to the internet or chime in below!

Panel discussion at the GSP EAST conference moderated by Frank Gruber, panelists from KickApps, Mixer, Userplane & 

Key points:
Joining social networks can be like joining a gym membership - panelist suggest subscription model can work.

Biz models:
There have to be compelling reasons for ppl to comeback to the network
Monetize ad inventory within your network usage model on set CPM rate

Reflections / Lessons Learned:
-launch & iterate just go and change while its out there, don't meet to death, you'll never get to the total features you want out of the box, develop core features and go from there
-be true to yourself and don't chase the money! Be passionate about what you are doing
-know what your good at and do that, hire people for your weaknesses
-listen to your community - really listen, show their input making an impact
-launching a microsite on MySpace may be
-you need to OWN your database before starting with using a service, this can also be monetized
-get something out sooner by using a template driven site, launch now and upgrade later

Widgets
- widgets are the new webpage - it's all part of a modulaziation of components
- high growth
- widgets are a building block not a building
- think thru the life-cycle how do I create, market it and track it like a product
- use widgets in a broader data-driven, multi-channel strategy
- focus on the user
For publishers:
- new channel or distribution point
For advertisers:
-LET the numbers be your guide - its the process you need to establish
-shift from banner to more active approach (i.e. install widgets to play games, win prizes etc)
Start with a goal and tie it to some form of monetization (like ads, or ecommerce etc...)
- set goals within the context of your audience (if your demo is 55+ males dont put a widget on MySpace you wont get anything)
- know your audience, extremely data-driven, list channels for distribution (newsfeed, create cross promo bridges, track each channel, have some sort of conversion rate to your goal)
-measure conversion to goal, optimize extremely quickly
-review Comscore top app providers and see what their apps are doing and how they are at the top
-channels are different but consumers are all still the same
-really know how you succeed, is it max number of installs or was it more important to have people accces a video and play it back
-if you have the methodology in place you won't feel intimidated

Facebook Session:

- Over 150,000 pages and 85,000,000 fan connections

- you have to bring the most compelling content to where they are

- currently have over 24,000 Facebook applications over 1 million installs

- developers creating applications that can extend their brand or product experience

- News feed generates an automatic referral 

Advertising and Social Media

Facebook Ads - ad units will evolve beyond "banner-like" stuff and stay true to the social graph

Accelerate activity

Precise Targeting  - take info from public profiles and target specifically

What is a social ad?

- relevant apps, relevant ads

Insights & Management

look at the social environment as keyword of information to further target your audience

App examples:

iThink - use news feeds,  create an ad relevant to their service and tied to some specific action you want users to take, able to receive 20% monthly growth in page views and installs but now have 30,000 daily active users, part of their success was keeping it very organic

What about driving bizness to off-site:

Example: Ben & Jerrys Free cone day etc...

Social action experiment on facebook "thumbs up & down" still trying to get a feel about its value 

Steve Jobs just announced that the new 3G IPhone will be landing in US stores on July 11th at a news conference today. Highlights of the Jobs' speech include: Introducing the new 3G phone. Introducing GPS apps for the IPhone.  And explaining why he still needs to wear a mockneck in the middle of June in California? 

But, still we're excited because the new Iphone downloads up to 36% faster than its closest rivals, the Nokia95 and Treo 750, according to Apple dry runs. Check out the rest of the Iphone specs  here  

But the bottomline is: The new Iphone is now $599 $299 for 16GBs and $499 $199 for 8GBs and it is much faster than before. Also, sorry Apple fans but there is no front-facing camera and no video conferencing apps (no rubberbands either..everybody's a critic!). What do you think about the new Iphone? Pull up a chair and share your thoughts below.

 

 

An amazing opportunity is coming to the East Coast, specifically Washington DC. It's the GSP (Graphing Social Patterns) EAST a conference for developers, marketers & others of social networks. The West vs East (couldn't help it) Tech-Smackdown is happening June 9-11, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in N. VA. I am planning on attending and capturing interviews for the XM and NPR shows and some video for the blog (right here). Possibly, even some video for my SBTV.com segments. If you are looking for ways to understand social networking development, advertising, branding, strategy models or solid networking this (I hear) is a must-attend event. The 1st GSP event was held in Oct. 2007 on the West coast in San Jose (thus, my east vs west tech smackdown talk).

Check back to the blog Mon-Weds as I will post video, updates and interviews from the conference hallways and backrooms, even do some live Ustreaming.  Also look for a video interview with GSP Program Chairman - Dave McClure, I fist saw a video of him on a panel and was really impressed - smart man, over 20 years of being a software dev type geek and he graduated from my hometown Johns Hopkins Univ. Catch his interview Tuesday right here. Also look for conference updates on my buddy Jimmy Gardners site: www.EastCoastBlogging.com

Hi guys, if you heard me this morning on Chicago's Roland S Martin show I spoke about the use of technology by Obama's campaign and how I feel he's owes his victory to the tech-strategists of his campaign. This was clearly the most successful 21st century run and the best use of the internet in a campaign we have seen. In fact as you can read below in my other posts I mentioned how Ron Paul and Obama were the 2 most popular internet candidates. Bottom line: non-profits, social activists, and grass-roots strategists NEED TO STUDY, analyze and identify with the tech strategies their campaign used. There are incredible lessons-learned to help your organization go well-beyond your goals if you harness social media correctly and build your social equity.

I also mentioned some websites to point you in the right direction:
1. Join your favorite candidates (and Obama's, whether you are an Obama supporter or not doesn't matter) Facebook group so you can witness 1st had how the tools are being used

2. Start your own facebook group www.facebook.com

3. For non-profit tech dosicounts and resources goto: www.TechSoup.org

4. For blogging look at tools like: blogger.com, wordpress.com, typepad.com & squarespace.com (what I use)

5. Stream your live events for FREE using www.Ustream.tv

6. If you want to see how you could create your own social network take a look at www.NING.com for ideas.

Make sure you stay glued to the site for updates and join my email newsletter here: www.MarioArmstrong.com/newsletter and follow me on twitter.com/marioarmstrong

SPECIAL ALERT:
Watch Mario today (Sunday May 25th) sometime between 4pm-4:30pm EST on CNN Live - discussing the new Wii Fit game by Nintendo.

After the segment join me in my ustream chatroom OR below to discuss more and answer more of your questions about the Wii Fit.

Ideas I shared on WBAL-TV this morning for Mom:

Digital Photo Frames:

1. Cevia.com - The Ceiva ushered in the era of digital picture frames. This frame needs no pc, can use memory cards from your digital camera or you can upload photos directly to the frame. Perfect for the out-of-town relative or technophobes who dont want to use a computer to see images. Give Mom a custom designed CEIVA - Stylish, sporty, sweet or sunny, there's a design for your mom. Choose from over 1,000 high quality vinyl skins that are easy to apply and remove, or create your own design! Specials are happening online.   Best Buy also carries these items.

2. HP Digital Photo Frame - http://www.shopping.hp.com/store/product/product_detail/KJ154AA%2523ABA

3. TomTom GPS - my favorite (right now) GPS device, easy to use, clear interface, wide screen and it speaks street names which is absolutley needed. Costs about $399-- http://www.tomtom.com/products/product.php?ID=383&Category=0&Lid=4

4. The AT&T Palm Centro Smart Phone for the Exec Mom or the Soccer Mom or BOTH.  The Glacier White color phone is awesome. Many applications, email, internet, instant messaging, camera, full qwerty keyboard and ONLY $99. More here: http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-details/?device=Palm%C2%AE%20Centro%20-%20Glacier%20White&q_sku=sku1190113

5. The Flip video camera - $99 & up. This handy little dude is easy to use, starts up in like 3 seconds which helps you catch those precious moments. Runs on AA batteries and can record up ot 30 or 60 mins of video and with the hidden USB connector you connect it easily to your computer and wa-la you can access your video on your pc (unless you have a MAC like me, then you need to have converter software to convert the file from .avi). More info: http://www.theflip.com/index_flip.shtml

6. I suggested Blogging as an opportunity for those Moms who have some extra time on their hands (when does that ever happen). There are some possibilities if you have a distinct expertise and a really niche interest. I received alot of interest from this idea and will post a full article with steps over the next week. 

Wish I could tell you, but I can't just yet. While the exclusive
visits are great to keep me up to date, the downside is that I have to
wait to share with you :-(

All I can say is unbelievable & incredible! Stay tuned to the XM radio
show  Sat. 7pm EST XM Ch. 169 & this blog & Ill update you as soon as I can as to what's behind the curtain.

From: Video Game Voters Network <info@videogamevoters.org>
Date: May 5, 2008 2:48:04 PM EDT
To: mario
Subject: Write our next President today

Send a Letter to Candidates Now Send the Presidential contenders a letter letting them know you vote and you're serious about stopping unconstitutional video game laws. Unless you have been living under a rock the past few months, you know it's an election year. That means you have to hear a lot of politicians talk about their stances on issues. Fortunately, it also means you have an opportunity to share your views with them. They want your support and your votes, but before you give them that support, first make sure they deserve it. Let the candidates know what issues are important to you, including ending the unconstitutional assault on our favorite form of entertainment - video games. Send a letter to all five candidates and let them know where you stand! We must remind our elected officials and those who want to be elected that as voters, gamers, developers, parents, and caregivers we will not support video games being singled out and treated differently than movies, books and television. When we do stand up and fight, we win. Victory in Arizona  Just recently we asked Arizona's VGVN members to take action against proposed anti-free speech legislation, and the response was amazing! VGVN members and game enthusiasts were quick to write their representatives and have their voices heard. We are happy to report a clear victory for video gamers as the Arizona Senate Judiciary Committee rejected the bill in a 2-4 vote. Congratulations, Arizona, for making a difference and standing up for what is right and fair. Wall of Protest Highlights The Wall of Protest Against Video Game Regulation features video game enthusiasts from around the world. The Wall raises awareness and displays the passion behind this issue from both inside and outside the video game community. Make your Picture Protest today and become part of the Wall of Protest! Featured Voice For Video Games: The VGVN features written testimony from thousands of members who believe video games need to remain free of government regulation. Across the nation, video game supporters are actively speaking out: "Is this really the biggest problem we have in America? Why are our politicians wasting our time with this when there are SO many other issues? I've been playing video games since I was a kid and now I'm 39 with two kids of my own that also play video games. I also help with GameCamp! (www.gamecamp.org) as I have been in the game industry since '92 and can relate my experiences from the games I've worked on to the kids that want to enter the industry..." writes Billy C, Austin, TX. Read More from Billy. Read Other Voices Raise Your Voice

Tonight I had the opportunity to attend a VIP reception that was being given in the Chinatown area of Washington, D.C. a very historic, cultural and touristy area to check it out if you haven't already. I was in the area tonite because AT&T invited me to come and see their newest, largest store on the East Coast. It's located at the corner of Seventh and H streets in Chinatown - beautiful location (must of cost a mint). It's right where Benetton 2 story clothing store used to be. The place is HUGE !!!!And in about 2 weeks they will also have the new Microsoft Surface tables in their store.

Swing by the store this Saturday if you can we will broadcasting from the floor on XM Sattelite radio.

Tune in to tonites radio show on WEAA 88.9fm or online at weaa.org. 7p-8p we will discuss the Tech Tax issue tonite make sure you tune in and call-in to the show.

This news just in from the awesome folks at Fight The Tech Tax blog:

Governor O'Malley met with legislative leaders last night to discuss the potential repeal of the tech tax. No consensus has been reached. There is less than two weeks remaining in the legislative session. It's important that we keep the pressure on. Contact your legislators and encourage your friends and co-workers to do the same. Read more about last night's meeting here.

In the meantime here's another video on the impact of the Maryland Tech Tax on businesses of all types and sizes.

The video below is an extended conversation from the WYPR radio show I host called "The Digital Cafe" by Mario Armstrong". The show is 4 minutes in length and airs 5:30pm Tuesdays during NPR show All Things Considered. This particular topic needed well beyond 4 minutes to discuss the details. So after the segment I sat down with Tom Loveland, Co-founder of the lobbying group "Maryland Computer Services Association" and CEO of Mind Over Machines a tech company in Maryland.

To learn more about the possible tax and what you can do to participate, logon to: http://marylandneedsit.org/ & http://fightthetechtax.com/

Make your voice heard by giving us comments on this issue. Is the 6% tech tax a good idea? Why?, Why not?

Click below to Play Video

Click To Play