Last week we covered Google exclusively, but this week we will spread the love around a bit more and share what is going on at some of the other big names. In an effort to be fair, we’ll go alphabetically.

Apple

This week Apple had an interesting announcement. No, not another “iDevice,” but it is related. In fact, recent research shows that Apple’s® iPhone™ is now more popular than Nintendo’s® DS™ and Sony’s® PSP as a gaming device. This is huge news for app developers and for those still weighing the value of an app for their business.

As if we didn’t already recognize the iPhone as an immensely popular platform (not to mention the iPad and iPod Touch, which also use the same OS 3.2 platform and are compatible with all iPhone apps), we now have more evidence that developing apps can be very profitable, and profits for individual developers may eventually rival that of game developers for the DS and PSP.

Here at Amadeus Consulting, we already have a great amount of experience on the iPhone and are already developing apps for the iPad as well.  It is always exciting to see what ideas our clients have for new apps, and new ways to connect with their audience. If you think your business could benefit, or if you have a really great idea, swing by our Contact Us page and let us know.

Facebook

Besides a new layout, there is some really cool stuff happening in the world of Facebook. First, a report by Business Week forecasts that by 2012 sales of virtual goods will reach .6 billion, up from .6 billion this year.

What does that mean?  It means that all the Facebook games, widgets and apps are set to make huge amounts of money just by selling digital flowers, digital credits, Farmville dollars, and other virtual goods. Even though the virtual goods market extends far beyond just Facebook, the company is also rumored to be planning a universal Facebook currency that is usable for all applications, much like Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE® marketplace.

Although it’s probably important to point out that huge market success does not guarantee individual success, this forecast provides a boost to investors with a good business plan and a willingness to try something new. In fact, we are really interested in social networking application development, and we would love to help you develop your idea.

In other Facebook news, there are some rumors and upcoming changes. First, it is rumored that Facebook will be getting its own email client, meaning that users could get a @facebook.com email address.

Also this week, Facebook partnered with AOL to integrate Facebook Chat into AIM, and vice-versa. This allows users to chat with their AIM and Facebook contacts without having to switch between windows. It also integrates Lifestream, which aggregates updates and feeds from multiple social media sites into the AIM environment and allows users to follow updates and chat with both users simultaneously.

Google

It has been a busy week for Google and unfortunately we cannot fit everything into a single post. However, there are some things that we are pretty excited about.

First, let’s start with the under-reported. Google has been testing televised QR codes to advertize apps. QR codes are basically complicated bar codes that most smart phones can read (by using the camera), and that provide information to the phone. In this case, Google was displaying the QR code during a broadcast on The Weather Channel, along with the message “Android Users Scan Here.”

If users scanned the QR code, it would take them to the Android™ app market where people could download an official The Weather Channel app.

Although this definitely is not a huge technological leap, it provides a much needed connection between existing dots. It is really just a neat way to integrate apps and user feedback into traditional advertising. This could become much more common in the future, and could easily be integrated into all the “check out our new app” commercials that you see on TV now (and works for iPhone apps as well).

Check out our Client Success Story for Alion Science and Technology to see how we leveraged bar code technology for their handheld scanners.

Second in Google-related news, and probably the biggest news item of the week is Buzz. As any regular Gmail™ user has noticed, Google has incorporated a social media application directly into Gmail. It is a mix between Twitter™ and Flicker™, allowing users to post status updates, follow other users, and upload pictures.

Despite some recent privacy updates Buzz continues to receive criticism because of the difficulty in controlling who can and cannot follow you, and because it publically displays who you follow, and who follows you as a default. We are pretty excited to see how Buzz evolves, and so far it has been a positive experience for us here. We mentioned last week that Google was opening an app store for Google Docs™ and other Google services, and so it will be interesting to see if they allow third-party applications for Buzz as well.

We are also excited to see how Google develops its new acquisition: the Aardvark social search engine. Next week, Google is also set to release Android 2.1™, the latest upgrade to the Android platform which will provide much anticipated features. Oh, and  Google added a “Ski-view” for many of the 2010 Olympic™ ski events that enables users to get a first person perspective on many events by using Google Maps™.

Also, we are looking forward to next week’s Mobile World Congress, the largest tradeshow for mobile phone makers and related technologies. Stay tuned.

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