Three for Thursday - January 28

If only this was a bit smaller and more fashionable. It's a Vicon Revue and it's a wearable camera you wear on a necklace or clip to your clothes and it can automatically take up to 30,000 pictures. The pics can be taken automatically on a timer or when you do something like get up, sit down, etc. And it will keep a GPS enabled log of where the photos were taken.

So what you may be saying. So cool I'm thinking. Imagine if it was a bit smaller, less obvious and maybe a bit more designer. You could give this camera to a couple of hundred people and turn them loose for a week. Then get the images back, and begin to see your consumer's life up close and personal. Sort of digital ethnography without the creepy "man I wish that guy would quit following me" feeling.

I'm sure there are other ways you could use this but they are escaping my tired mind right now. Anyone got any ideas? Let me know.

I'm a big believer in the role video is going to play in the future of brand building online. I also think there is a tremendous opportunity for a few smart folks to figure out how to properly monetize online video and no, I don't think that includes pre-rolls, post-rolls and overlays. But regardless of how you think web video will be monetized, you have to agree that first and foremost, the video has to be findable. This week I stumbled across this post and embedded interview with RAMP CEO, Tom Wilde where he talks about how the company's technology can accurately transcribes video content and even inserts hyperlinks. This makes the video far more search friendly via search engines and social networks. Take a peek at the post and the video -- really interesting stuff. And any company that has online video in it's marketing plans might want to listen to this because I'm thinking technology like this is going to be very important to your success.

And finally, a very smart use of iPhone apps. And no, I'm not just including this one because it is from THE University in Texas... well that's not the only reason... but I digress.

No, I'm including it because I think it is a really smart strategy. For students coming into or attending UT, this app is really quite helpful.  There is the usual assortment of content: news, sports, president's blog but there are also GPS enabled interactive maps, a directory of faculty, students and staff at the university and interactive maps of landmarks on the university grounds complete with live audio links to the history of the landmark.

It's also a great app for us Ex's to have because it makes it really easy to stay in touch with the latest news, see sports info (if you happen to live in a state that doesn't recognize any conference other than the SEC) and brainwash, I mean educate your kids, on what a great school it is.

But what I really like about it is that once it is on your phone, say when you're a student, you'll never take it off. It's a lifelong tether to the university. Think about that - if you can build in messaging capabilities sort of like Southwest's Ding app, then you have a pretty inexpensive messaging tool for recruiting, fundraising and a host of other things. That's pretty powerful.

The only two things I didn't like - the directory seems to be pulling students home address, phone and email information. I'm assuming they've agreed somewhere but still, in this day and age, seems like something that shouldn't be there -- maybe just show name and like Facebook you have to request permission for the person to unlock their deets for your eyes. Also, would be good if Alumni could add themselves and maybe their LinkedIn or FB accounts... or maybe the app could link up with any Texas LinkedIn groups.. that would extend it beyond the iPhone. But all in all -- I think you're going to see more and more universities go this route... just too smart not to. 

So what do you think? Interesting? Boring? Big ideas or small?