Google Billboards

Google is going to start selling billboard ad space in its street views portion of Google Maps.

I'm curious... since Google typically specializes in animated internet ads, will the ads on the billboards be static to imitate real life? Or animated, as a continuation of the physical to digital transition/balance? [via PC World]

Physical Manifestation of Digital Media

Lately, I've noticed that major digital media personalities and brands have started to migrate to traditional media. CollegeHumor went from digital content to two tv shows (1&2), Yelp distributes stickers to relevant businesses, etc. Therefore, it's no surprise that Google, in an attempt to (1) take over the world, and (2) gain more audience (to gain more advertisers), has leaked its digital personality into traditional media, with an integrated, cross-platform twist:

Google's Favorite Places is a hybrid of traditional (stickers) and digital (mobile + QR codes), which brings a whole new aspect to the game (and reminds me of this shirt). Expect to see more migrations and hybrids from advertisers thirsty for audience and innovation.

Feed Me!

One of digital media's biggest keypoints is the aggregation and distribution of content. Until recently, in order to get information online, users had to go to specific websites and browse around for new information.

Even though I've only been utilizing this feature for about 4 months, I am a huge advocate of RSS feeds. Basically, it saves you time, energy and patience by bringing web updates to you.



*At 3:20, the narrator says, "It's addictive, so be careful."

I'll say... My Google Reader subscribes to 68 different feeds... (and that's after narrowing it down).

How Far Will They Go?

Last year, Google pulled a few April Fools Jokes on the interactive community:

Google Adsense for Conversations (via TechChrunch):

"Now, in just a few simple steps, you can begin displaying ads that are relevant
to the topics you’re discussing — in an unobtrusive screen above your head.

Anyone taking part in the conversation can hit the ad with their hand to
immediately take advantage of the product or service being offered. With our
new Teleportation Technology(TM), you’ll be transported directly to the site
where the service is available, or have the product appear instantaneously
in your hands.

How do I add Google ads to my conversations?
Once you sign up, we’ll send you an adjustable screen and special AdSense headgear to attach it."

Truth is, though, a concept like this may not be that far off. Advertisers have already found a way to sponsor graudation speeches. Advertising in conversations doesn't seem so foreign, huh?

Google + Advertising

Going along with Ricky Van Veen's theory on the future of media, here is an example of a digital company using traditional media to launch an advertising campaign.

Google launches billboards to push its new business software via:

This comes after they launched TV spots to promoted Google Chrome back in May:



Also, want to see spoof ads? Go here.