Human 4G Hotspots

We have all experienced situations where mobile data coverage has been poor. Well advertising and communcations firm BBH New York, have initiated a charity campaign called "Homeless Hotspots".  Homeless people were engaged to roam the streets of Austin Texas during the SXSW Awards week in March 2012, wearing T-Shirts reading "I am a 4G Hotspot" and offering conference-goers and other passersby access to the 4G Mobile data network for a donation.  

BBH New York, states that "this charitable innovation initiative attempts to modernise the Street Newspaper model employed to support homeless population. At the same time providing a service to the data hungry public and a financial benefit to the homeless. 

There have been mixed reactions to this campaign.  Call it a PR stunt or truely charitable gesture by BHH New York, either way the idea is a innovative one. 

Is this a PR stunt that is objectifying the homeless or is it truely innovative WiFi concept at the same time increasing awareness of the homeless, what do you think?

Human mobile data access points, Telco and ISP product managers take note!

Image Source: Callier Richmond

DOGTV

DOGTV have launched a 24/7 cable television channel in San Diego to keep pooches entertained while left alone by their owners. The channel features specialist content that has been researched, produced and "pup approved" with the assistance of pet behaviour experts.

There are three types of programming on offer, stimulating and relaxing content followed by positive behaviour reinforcement. As DOGTV states "DOGTV's programming meets a dog's typical daily routine and helps prevent mental fatigue, depression and boredom". The concept is aimed to reduce the dog's stress levels when left alone by their owners.

In 2010, worldwide sales of pet products and services reached $81 billion with the US contributing $48 billion to those sales figures (Source: About.com). Other countries such as China and India are also experiencing unprescedented growth in the pet market, as a result DOGTV have spotted a huge potential untapped niche segment withn the pet market. 

Hello IPTV, cable, content and production companies,  one to take note and introduce to all the pooches on your side of the planet. 

Eco Grab & Go Cups

We are seeing more and more retailers selling convenience foods in new, practical and sustainable ways. Biomass Packaging, has created a new line of environmentally friendly single serve food packaging solution called 'Greenware", that helps package foods that don't keep well together once mixed stay fresh with an added bonus of been eco-friendly.

The main package includes a cup, an insert with a lid and another lid for the cup. The packaging is made from Ingeo Biopolymer referred to as a Bioplastic derived entirely from a plant hence designed to be compostable and biodegradable.

Great concept and solution that provides food service operators limitless possibilities with merchandising breakfast foods, lunch combos and all day snacks to those busy on the go consumers that expect to grab on the go nutrious and appealing food. In addition, providing sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging that is good for the planet. One to introduce to a market segment near you.