Archive for October, 2008

Consider this a critical mantra these days and for good reason. With every dollar counting now more than ever, it is important to know if you’re getting the most “bang for the buck“ from your website. As usual, our buddies at Google bring new developments to the marketplace at just the right time. The latest enhancements to Google Analytics provide users with more robust tools and insight on their key metrics.

Some of the upgrades include Advanced Segmentation, Custom Reports, multi-dimensional data visualizations called “Motion Charts,” an updated user and administrative interface, a data export API (private beta) and integrated reporting for AdSense publishers (private beta). Essentially, Google has taken a giant leap forward in meeting the needs of experts and enterprise-level customers and at no-cost to the end user.

Okay, so most of that is Greek to most of you, but that is why we are here. Installing Google Analytics is a common practice at The Buddy Group because we understand the value of meaningful data. In fact, we’re identifying experts to help guide clients through the maze of information in order to locate the numbers that affect your bottom line. By implementing changes to creative as dictated by statistical analysis of consumer behavior, clients will realize an increase in return on investment like never before.

Feel free to contact us for more information about how Google Analytics can improve your online endeavors.

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The much anticipated arrival of the T-Mobile G1 with Google, the first commercially available phone to run on the ‘Android’ operating system, is just hours away. This latest innovation provides extremely tech-savvy folks with tools to develop and offer unique applications to consumers. However, unlike Apple, Google is taking a much more laid back approach for developers such as applications without fees, review or Google approval.

T-Mobile G1 (use)This opens the door for The Buddy Group’s creative team to develop some killer applications for our clients. These applications open doors to highly desirable demographics. Branded apps as well as internal tools are proving to be just as successful as their generic or iPhone centric counterparts. So if your company is seeking to make splash in the mobile space now is the time to reach out and grab a buddy.

Back to the phone itself, the world is about to receive a true alternative to the Apple iPhone, a robust phone with a multimedia focus that is powered by T-Mobile’s high-speed 3G network. T-Mobile G1 offers Wi-Fi, GPS and several other features.

On the fence about whether to shell out $179 for a T-Mobile G1 or simply cannot wait any longer to get your hands on it? Well there is online emulator that lets prospective buyers get a feel for the G1. While you cannot exactly feel the devise it does provide interactivity with the QWERTY keyboard, the touch screen and a host of other features and functions. The virtual phone lets users simulate calls, e-mails, Web browsing, messaging and navigate music libraries.

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The good folks over at Rhythm Interactive recently called up The Buddy Group to rent out our Green Screen stage for CBRE Project Insight microsite. Like many agencies, Rhythm Interactive is realizing the massive push toward integrating interactive video into projects. For that reason they leveraged the expertise of the DotLot™ staff to ensure the best possible footage for Chroma keying  or Greenscreen Composite Image. To break this down for those with little or no digital video experience, Chroma keying  is the process of shooting a subject in front of an evenly lit background so that it can be removed in post-production (or editing) to be completely removed.  The background can be replaced with another image, video, animation or be left transparent so that the figure can be placed clearly atop another digital asset.

DotLot™ Director Mike Kirsch was instrumental in helping Rhythm Interactive setup the lights properly, choose the right camera to use and fine tune several other aspects of a proper Green Screen shoot. The Buddy Group is eager, willing and able to pass along our knowledge and experience in this growing field.

For instance, check out the DotLot™ tutorial regarding choosing the right color for a green screen stage.

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