Lately, I've noticed that major digital media personalities and brands have started to migrate to traditional media. CollegeHumor went from digital content to two tv shows (1&2), Yelp distributes stickers to relevant businesses, etc. Therefore, it's no surprise that Google, in an attempt to (1) take over the world, and (2) gain more audience (to gain more advertisers), has leaked its digital personality into traditional media, with an integrated, cross-platform twist:
Google's Favorite Places is a hybrid of traditional (stickers) and digital (mobile + QR codes), which brings a whole new aspect to the game (and reminds me of this shirt). Expect to see more migrations and hybrids from advertisers thirsty for audience and innovation.
That's How I Roll
For being a classic, Coke is pretty innovative. In the past six months, they have created revolutionary concepts for:
1) Vending Machines:
"Coca-Cola recently unveiled a vending machine that dispenses customizable soda drinks and tracks users’ favorite choices. The prototype vending machine will carry a staggering 140 beverage flavors and customers can pick their drinks based on calories, caffeine content or just color via a touch screen interface. Each choice is customizable and the basic flavors can be played with by the user’s modifications." - [via PSFK]
2) Can Design:
"For years, the popular method to freshen the appearance of soft drink cans was to clad them in eye-catching graphics. Since every beverage maker uses the same shape of can, designer Samal thought there was room for improvement in the physical design of beverage cans. His new concept for a Classic Coke can does away with the typical round cylinder shape in favor of a more faceted look." [Via PSFK]
Wonder if these will catch on and be embraced... or, will people freak out the way they did with New Coke?