The statement does need some qualification. First off, yes it is true that Target is now developing apps for the iPhone but we don’t have the speculation to see through how effective a release of one app can coerce the retail giant to develop more applications. But the news is that Target has released an iPhone application for their holiday shoppers.

The Target Gift Globe mimics the holiday tradition of the snow globe. After downloading it, users shake their iPhone, producing an on-screen snowfall that clears to reveal a gift idea from the retailer. Users can tap through to visit Target’s site and buy the item or find a store nearby. [source]

A worthy resource allocation or not, the debate doesn’t matter – the application is just another digital channel to get consumers reeled into the store. Why no apps for Symbian or Windows Mobile? Well, first off because only the iPhone guarantees support for accelerometer enabled devices while Symbian and WM don’t. Secondly, and I’m going on a limb — the iPhone’s demographic guarantees consumers wired to buy the next tech device they see.

[source]

Post from: Cellphone9

Normally, you’re just under the Google lens when you’re sitting in front of a Web browser aimed at one of Google’s services. With an Android-based phone in my pocket, Google can be collecting data about me and my habits 24/7. It wouldn’t be very hard for Google to use nearby cell tower data to figure out that I spend a half an hour inside one of two specific comic book shops nearly every Wednesday. [CST]

Post from: Cellphone9