Ones and Zeros

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Interesting online video marketing for Intel’s new Core Processors. Can’t say I came away knowing anything more about the processors after “The Escape”, but as a technology marketer, I did enjoy the convergence of video, Facebook integration and even an embedded QR code to extend the experience. Nice way to blend high production values and immersive engagement to bring video to life. Next time, I’d like to come away with a little more understanding rather than just whiplash.

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What can I say…every speech the guy makes seems to be newsworthy. This one happens to be particularly cool. I like the part where he kindly reminds the Councilwoman that Apple is the biggest taxpayer in Cupertino. Pretty sure they’re going to let old Steve build whatever the heck he wants.

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Gotta admit, the Windows 8 sneak peek is pretty cool. Obviously, a lot of similarities between the mobile UI Microsoft’s been working on for years. Some people may think that’s odd or misguided, but to me, it’s inevitable. We’re in the middle of a breakneck race toward wholly mobile computing. Why wouldn’t the OS’s of the world be trying to stay one step ahead of that trend (if not leading it)?

The video below does confirm, in my eyes, just how revolutionary Apple’s widgets were back in, what, OS 10.1? The bite-sizing of Web content was hugely significant and served as the precursor of the way we ingest everything app-by-app now. While the front end of Windows 8 looks pretty sexy, I smiled knowingly when they got to showing “regular Windows programs” like Word running and all the luster faded away to, well, Windows 7. Also, even though he acknowledged several times that Windows 8 will work with a mouse and keyboard, it undoubtedly wouldn’t look as cool. Have a look at the video:

Kudos to Microsoft for what looks to be a pretty significant OS renovation. They’re talking about launch maybe by Fall 2012. So we’ll have to see what makes it to final and if, by that time, it’s still relevant and/or unique. Microsoft could use a big win.

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Interesting research findings from Covario on the rise of paid search among tech firms. Covario reports that Q1 spending was up 26% compared with the year-ago quarter, although it’s important to qualify that there was a 15% drop between Q4 ‘09 and Q1 ‘10. Still, an increase is an increase.

What’s interesting to me is the impact of Google Instant on paid search spends. Indications are that companies are increasingly buying more pay-per-click ads even on those terms that they’re doing well on organically.

“Covario expects click-through rates, CPCs and overall spending to increase on Google this year as a result of the impact Google Instant has on transferring clicks from natural search to paid search. The company “documented a rise of between 3% and 4% of all clicks transferring to paid search, meaning advertisers need to spend more on paid search for keywords where they do rank highly on natural search in order to maintain the same levels of traffic and conversions,” according to the report. (These are the listings where clicks will be transferred to paid search.)”

So, how about you? How is paid search balancing in your search strategy?