IanSchafer.com

So THIS Is How Twitter Apps Are Handling the Retweet API.

Here's how newly updated Tweetie for the iPhone is handling the implementation of the Retweet API and new retweet button:

It might take some getting used to, but it looks like it works just fine.

Xbox Users Rush To Connect With Social Media.

via www.downloadsquad.com

According to Microsoft, social media integration on the Xbox platform has been a big hit. Highlights from the first week alone are:

• Over 2 million Facebook logins
• Over 500k Last.fm accounts were created
• 120 million minutes of music were streamed

Part of the reason for Xbox's ascension to top dog in the console wars has been the connectedness of its community. When the Xbox platform made it easy to plug into other platforms, it seems it was second nature to millions of users.

It seems that this is only the beginning. Look out for more games to integrate social media into gameplay.

Serendipity & Anonymity

via vimeo.com

From the Hive Awards (of which I am on the advisory board):

THE BUZZ: EPISODE 1

The Buzz is a series of panel discussions about the evolving state of the digital world, sponsored by The Hive Awards. Hosted by Adweek Digital Editor Brian Morrissey, The Buzz is designed to stimulate, provoke and delight.

This episode's panel includes Noah Brier, Head of Planning & Strategy at The Barbarian Group, Ian Schafer, Founder & CEO of Deep Focus and Alan Wolk, Blogger, Creative Strategist and Executive Director of the Hive Awards.

Why Google's Acquisition of AdMob Isn't Just About Advertising.

In case you missed it, Google acquired mobile ad network AdMob for $750 million in stock.

There is a lot of speculation on why, but the obvious reason is that Google wants more direct access to what they are betting heavily on -- that mobile is the next great advertising medium. They've made a huge bet on mobile with Android -- which is an obvious move to own the mobile search ad market, but now they've got their hooks into the mobile display ad market as well.

But what many might be missing could be the biggest reason Google bought AdMob: the data.

With the acquisition of AdMob, Google now has access to usage data of many of the most popular mobile apps -- especially the apps in the iTunes App Store. For iPhones. If Google is taking on Apple for mobile OS market share, they just scored a huge competitive advantage. Google will know more details than ever about how people are using iPhone apps, how they are engaging with advertising within those apps, and users loyalty to those apps.

Dashboards like the above only provide a window into the beginning of the mining that Google is likely about to do on their mobile handset competition. There has already been lively conversation about just how much of our personal data Google has access to. Now, even if you don't own an Android phone, Google will be able to collect data.

Until there is enough mobile display advertising to sell to generate healthy-enough revenues (Shazam, anyone?), it may be the access to the data that generates the biggest return on Google's investment.

What's Wrong With Facebook's Friend Suggestions?

Wait a minute. That's not Joanne Bradford's name OR photo.

Anyone know why this would be happening?

My Next Appearance: Dow Jones/Nielsen Media and Money

I'll be speaking with some folks I greatly admire on November 13th at the Roosevelt Hotel in NYC at the Dow Jones/Nielsen Media & Money Conference, on an agenda that includes Tim Armstrong, Kara DioGuardi, Gregory Maffei, and a hero of mine, Steve Tisch.

Here's my session:

10:25 – 11:10 AM
Part II: The Advertiser's Perspective: Harnessing Social Media
Leading advertisers debate real opportunities in the rapidly expanding digital world and discuss how to foster a deeper connection with consumers. Growth in mobile media and social networks represent the latest in a string of new communications vehicles available to advertisers. How far are they willing to go and what does this mean for the future of advertising?

Tom Arrix, Vice President of Sales U.S., Facebook
Bonin Bough, Global Director of Digital and Social Media, PepsiCo
John Partilla, Executive Vice President and President of Global Media Sales, Clear Channel
Ian Schafer, Chief Executive Officer, Deep Focus
Moderated by Pete Blackshaw, Executive Vice President, Digital Strategic Services, The Nielsen Company

I know and genuinely like everyone on the panel, so I can assure you, this will be lively. How can it not be with the inimitable Pete Blackshaw moderating?