CSI-style Crime Investigation Mobile Game

Issue 3 of SoHotRightNow! finds a new revenue stimulation opportunity for Telcos with a new release of an interactive CSI-style Crime Investigation game for mobiles.

What’s this all about?
It is a multi-platform game for mobile phones created by mobile agency Candyspace, on behalf of a Momentum Pictures campaign to promote the hit television program CSI.

How does it work?
Participants guise as agents in tracking down a serial killer by retrieving a voicemail message, visit a MySpace page while collecting evidence from various media channels and text their progress to their “boss” at CSI headquarters to receive assignment updates. “Agents” who successfully solve the crime will have a chance to win one of 10 CSI-branded Samsung Omnia mobile handsets with special loaded content and a further chance to win a trip to New York.

What’s the opportunity for Telcos?
• Become the first Telco to launch this game in Australia as Telcos such as Virgin and Vodafone are already onboard in the UK.
• Use the game as revenue stimulation through existing online customer portals (e.g. OptuzZoo) by driving content and data.
• This will encourage customers to become familiar with using Internet on their mobile.

*Information on this blog post was adapted from an article by Ben Bold, Brand Republic 23-Oct-08, 11:25.

“UMBRELLA TODAY?”

Issue 2 of SoHotRightNow! is about a website called “Umbrella Today?”. It is one of the simplest ideas that could definitely be incorporated into Telcos push for mobile content.

What’s this all about and how does it work?
A quote from the Umbrella Today Blog answers this in a simple way and explains how this can benefit Telcos:

“Simplicity is a good thing generally, and Umbrella Today? aims to hit the mark when it comes to knowing the weather each day. Once the website is armed with your ZIP code, it will tell you simply “Yes” or “No” to the question, “should I take my umbrella today?” You can then schedule a text message to your cell phone on any day when you should prepare for inclement weather.”

Step 1: Enter your Postcode and click Go.

Step 2: Retrieve a simple message with the answer to the question, “Should I take my umbrella today?”.

What’s the opportunity for Telcos?

• Although this site is not currently available in Australia, it is something Telcos may wish to implement.
• Add this service to existing data packages.
• This will increase consumer spend on data or SMS.
• Integrate into existing customer portals, as a spin-off to the existing weather information.