Google has unveiled details of Google Wallet, its upcoming mobile payment service. Wallet will work on Android phones featuring near-field communication technology, allowing payment by tapping a terminal installed in retail outlets.
CNN has partnered with Nokia wherein the handset manufacturer will be part of CNN's roster of mapping providers delivering mapping services to its international news network. The partnership debuted during the coverage of the royal wedding with the use of Nokia's 3D maps across CNN's platform.
MRM Hong Kong appointed Ben Karpin as its new digital analytics manager and relocates to the city from IBM Australia. He will lead the team on digital optimisation, consumer analytics and insights, cross-media econometrics, business intelligence dashboards, social media measurement and predictive analytics.
Twitter acquired desktop application start-up Tweetdeck for US$40 million. Tweetdeck allows users to customise their Twitter experience by creating columns, groups, saved searches and automatic updates, as well as integrating with Facebook, LinkedIn and MySpace contacts.
Aspac Law picked up the digital account of all three hair colour brands of Splash Corporation after a three-way pitch. The agency will be responsible for handling the digital requirements for the Kolours, Shades and Luster colour brands under the company's suite of products.
Expedia, the online travel company has narrowed down the field to two agencies in the pitch for its creative business in Southeast Asia. Euro RSCG and Publicis are tipped to be the final two as Expedia continues its roll-out in the region.
TBWA Group Singapore collaborated with Australian-Japanese punk band The Dirt Radicals to launch an online fundraising initiative called ‘Jam with Japan.” Through a website, it encourages visitors to write a message of hope and attach it to a music video whose goal is to raise money for Japanese families affected by the earthquake in March.
Google hired Lucas Watson as vice-president of sales and marketing for YouTube and video. He joins the company from Procter & Gamble where he was digital marketing executive, and will be looking to bring greater TV ad investment to the video site in his new role.
ZenithOptimedia appointed Kenjie Wong as general manager of its non-traditional communications specialist division Newcast in China. In his new role, Wong will focus on ROI and delivering integrated marketing solutions to Newcast clients.
Groupon Hong Kong appointed digital marketing service firm Experian Hitwise to provide insights into the market landscape and identify new business development opportunities. Experian Hitwise aggregates data from 1.8 million internet users in Hong Kong based on data provided by Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
UM Singapore appointed Chris Brooks as digital director of UM and Initiative, promoted Luke Marshall to digital manager of UM, and brought in Tanveer Kaur as senior search manager of Reprise Media.
Admax Network appointed Narciso Reyes as regional sales director for the company’s Facebook division. Reyes will lead the Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand teams in educating brands on how to engage with their customers through the social networking site.
Digital Matters kicked off in Singapore to explore new opportunities for online content viewing, multimedia strategies and new business models. The event marks the first regional forum in Asia focusing exclusively on the monetisation of online video content.
Sony Ericsson launched a worldwide competition on Facebook, offering its fan base the chance to review one of two new phones ahead of their official launch dates. In the first round, Facebook fans will be asked to answer a question explaining why they should be the first to review the mobile phone.
Publicis Modem Greater China extended digital director Charles Chan’s remit to cover Hong Kong. Chan will now oversee the agency in both Shanghai and Hong Kong, responsible for driving the agency’s growth in the city and diversifying digital services offered to clients.
Google expanded its social search service by making it available in an additional 19 languages. The services allows users logged on to their Google account to be provided with search results based on recommendations from connections within the Google Social Circle and other networks such as Twitter and Facebook.
