Mobile Industry News 12/30/09

The iPhone Wrap: HBO; LinkedIn's Upgrade; Panasonic's Shaving Game
mocoNews
—Welcome to the iPhone, HBO: The premium cable network has launched an iPhone app that gives users show snippets and a program guide, but the main purpose of the free app is to drive digital downloads. The new app, HBO’s first, has a “Buy Episode” button that funnels users to iTunes or Amazon.

Ford Pushing Mobile, Wi-Fi Technologies for 2010
Mobile Marketing Watch
Automaker Ford has arrived in the 21st century. Following their near-collapse during the 2008 automobile industry implosion that rocked the globe, Ford is back and banking on a wide assortment of high-tech attributes for new automobiles. It’s a scenario that has many mobile marketers wondering if and how they can get in on the forefront of the US auto industry making greater strides at going mobile in more ways than one.

GSN aims for brand extension with mobile game app
Mobile Marketer
The Game Show Network has expanded its Catch-21 game to the mobile platform in an effort to extend the audience’s experience.

How to choose the right mobile platform
Mobile Marketer
The future of mobile will be determined by handset and platform utility, and the networks they run on.

LinkedIn gives Bump a run for its money with latest iPhone app
VentureBeat
There’s a nice little feature addition to LinkedIn’s just updated iPhone app. Building on iPhone 3.0 OS’s expanded support for Bluetooth, you can connect or exchange contact details with others in person if your phones are close together.
 
Will 2010 Be the Year of the Mobile Coupon?
Mobile Marketing Watch
Mobile marketing, and in particular, the mobile coupon, is about to hit its stride. In 2009, we saw large corporations test out mobile marketing campaigns to raise awareness of their brand and products, often giving away discounts and free products to tempt consumers into opting-in to their campaigns.