Mobile QR codes try to go mainstream

I was surprised to find a full page Ralph Lauren ad in Esquire magazine with 10% of the creative being taken up by a QR code and instructions on how to use it...

I was surprised that RL would spend so much money on a technology that has had difficulties being adopted outside of Japan, but apparently they're quite bullish on it with a landing page around the campaign.

Given the phobia with US consumers around anything but the simplest SMS and voice call interaction with their phones I am skeptical. TrendWatch has a post on the pain.

Polo's QR Codes suck!

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: user poor)

Android G1 launched

Wow, the day is finally here. The worst-kept secret in the mobilesphere became true and T-Mobile, Google and HTC announced the first Android phone, the G1.

Walt Mossberg had already posted some initial thoughts on the G1.

Huge Kudos to Andy and the rest of the Android team who started with a big vision to use an OS as a way to make mobile handsets more open and more web-friendly. Several years and a lot of work later, the G1 is the first incarnation of these efforts.

The first device will be available in the US for $179 starting in October with a planned launch in the UK in November and the rest of Europe soon after.

Zemanta and Seedcamp 2008

I participated in the 2008 Seedcamp as a mentor. A great event to interact with new and innovative start-ups across Europe.

Last year's winner was Zemanta a Slovenian semantic search company that enabled the amazingly quick editing and addition of links and content onto blog posts.

Following on last year's success as the winner of Seedcamp they just received funding from Union Square Ventures, a VC with a variety of blogging-related investments.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Union Square Puts Seed Round Into Zemanta
• First year after Seedcamp, Union Square Ventures and Getting Personal

Thumb Culture: Kicking it off

I have been using my family blog to post geeky findings, notes on cool technology and stuff that relates more to my "techie geek" self rather than my family life. I have therefore decided to launch a separate blog in which I can expand on these subjects without embarrassing my wife or son.

The title of the Blog comes from Thumb Culture a book by Peter Glotz on the impact of mobile technology in society, which appropriately covers the subjects I expect to touch on on this Blog.

As to the author: I am currently the head of Mobile and Distribution Partnerships at Google, based in London. More info on my LinkedIn profile. I have spent the last ten years working in technology, primarily on mobile across the enterprise and consumer space.

Obligatory disclaimer: The information I post on this blog are my personal thoughts and do not reflect the official views of my employer.