There’s a new kid on the block

Move over iTunes, there is a new kid on the block.

iTunes has been the most commonly used computer media player for years, used for playing, downloading and organising digital music and video files. Music from iTunes was then synced from the computer to devices such as the iPhone, iPod and iPad. Music and videos could be purchased from the iTunes store for an average price of $2.00 per song. However, there is now an easier way to access and download music.

I was recently introduced to Spotify. I had heard a little about it when a friend returned from Sweden with it on her iPhone and didn’t think much of it. Now I use it daily on both my computer and iPhone.

Spotify, founded by Swedish programmers is a cloud based online music source that allows users to pay a monthly fee and have access to a wide database of music. It is a friend-to-friend streamlining service this is user friendly and functional. Once logged in, it allows you to listen to your music wherever you are, as long as all playlists are synced with the device. Spotify also allows you to share your music playlist with your peers. A quick, easy way to connect to Spotify is through your Facebook account, which then allows your friends on facebook to see what music you’re listening to, (I usually turn the notifications off in case an embarrassing song comes on).

Warner Music Group says streaming services contributed 25 percent of the digital revenue that its “recorded music” group saw last quarter. That works out to be about $54 million, or about 8 percent of Warner’s total revenue for the period., http://allthingsd.com. It is also predicted that Spotify will reach $889 million in revenue since last year’s 2011 figures, www.adotas.com.

Spotify is taking over the music steaming industry, where will iTunes stand in the future.

What would you rather, pay a monthly fee of $11.99 for a premium Spotify account with unlimited access to music or pay per song on iTunes? 

To Swim or Not to Swim

The swimming teams of the London 2012 Olympics now have something else to add to their stress levels. If the stress of winning gold wasn't enough, athletes now need new swimsuits to compete. 

Just days before the opening ceremony, organisers have banned the use of whole body polyurethane swimsuits as athletes are breaking too many world records. The technologically designed swimsuit allows swimmers to be more buoyant, stronger and minimize the water resistance.

According to www.icis.com, 23 new world records were set at the 2008 Beijing Olympic games from swimmers who wore these swimsuits. It is uncertain to me whether this is from the ‘technologically advanced’ swimsuits or just solely the ability of the athlete.

Swimmers now need to resort back to the days of becoming hair free (which is said to have the same effect as the swimsuits). However there is an art to shaving and waxing. It may come as a surprise to most men but American swimmer Michael Phelps is becoming quite a natural, leaving only a little shaving scar visible to spectators. Good work I say.

However, I do believe that the ban on these swimsuits will determine the raw ability of the swimmers and that their talent is enough to prove themselves in this day and age. Swimmers can prove that they can break world records with or without these swimsuits.  

The question on the lips of swimming fanatics is whether these Polyurethane swimsuits should have been banned. Do you think the ban of the swimsuits will change the result of a race or potentially a world record, or is it all in the ability of the swimmer? 

Qantas - you're the reason we fly

After flying back from the USA a little over 2 weeks ago on a Qantas plane, I was convinced that Qantas was the official sponsor for the London 2012 Olympic games. The use of the Australian athletes in the safety videos led me to believe that Qantas was not only the major sponsor of the Australian team, but also they were the official partner of the Olympic games.

Qantas’s new ad campaign “you’re the reason we fly” has been unleashed just in time for the Olympic Games.

Qantas have ambushed the Olympic Games with this campaign and the ‘QF2012’ logos, making consumers think they are associated with the games, when in actual fact they are not the official sponsor of the event.

Ambush marketing is "a planned attempt by a third party to associate itself directly or indirectly with the Olympic Games to gain the recognition and benefits associated with being an Olympic partner", (http://www.taylorwessing.com/download/article_ambush.html)

The use of the athletes competing in sports associated with the Olympic games generates the questioning of the association and partnership that is portrayed. It creates a strong emotional appeal to viewers and sends a message that we need to support our athletes.

The new ad campaign is seen as ambush marketing, however it is a powerful way to get the Qantas brand recognised worldwide and reinforces that anything is possible.

I like the new advertising campaign and the way Qantas have associated themselves as the official sponsor of the Australian team. After watching that campaign and viewing the safety videos on the Qantas planes, I would believe that they are the major sponsor of the Olympic games.

What do you think of this campaign? After seeing the video would you assume they are the official sponsor of the Olympic Games?