Shazam It! Consumers Get a Deeper Content and Sharing Experience with Music, Ads and TV Shows

Have you ever heard a song you like, but you just can’t remember the name of the band? Or maybe it’s a new song that you immediately fall in love with and you just have to know who sings it immediately. Shazam! Now you can.

In my opinion, Shazam is one of the coolest – and most underrated – apps available. If you have never used or heard of Shazam, it is an app for your iPhone, iPod or other mobile device that can identify almost any song in just seconds. It’s perfect for those “senior moments” or new songs that grab your attention. A couple of years ago, they quietly introduced Shazam for TV advertising as well –a brilliant use of the app as a second screen for content and calls to action. According to Adweek, Shazam powered up to a third of the ads during the 2012 Superbowl.

This week, Shazam released its fifth iteration, Shazam 5.0, which is faster than the older version and includes a richer user experience, including an updated interface and sharing capabilities with Twitter and Facebook. Check out their video via Mashable. It looks and sounds like the company is beefing up the app in order to beef up its advertiser roster and increase revenues in return.

You don’t really hear people talking about Shazam like they do about Pinterest. Do you think their new and improved app with sharing buttons will raise the buzz level? Have you or would you ever Shazam a commercial on TV?  

Using Your Smartphone In Lieu of A Hotel-Room Key

With applications for a variety of functions such as Ocarina [turns your iPhone into a musical instrument], Zagat to Go [iPhone app for upscale dining establishments reviews] and Ecorio [an Android app that estimates your carbon output throughout the day] the latest we can add to the list is a hotel room key application by Open Ways. How exactly would this app work you may ask? Testing will begin at two Holiday Inns which will provide guests with the ability to unlock their hotel room doors via their smartphones rather than having to check in at a front desk. A sensor on the hotel door will unlock it upon placing a received confirmation email up to it.

Considering all of the various types of applications available for our iPhones,
Androids and Blackberrys, this application will most likely not come as a surprise to you -- there is even an iPhone app to drive your car. Although the app is receiving mixed reviews, I still feel it will be extremely popular for a segment of people; although, that is if hotels are willing to invest in the technology.

Personally, I would love this application to avoid the lines at a front desk. I do understand that some would miss the human interaction or perhaps feel apprehensive of the technology. Would this application appeal to you?

image credit: blmurch

Earth Day Applications For The iPhone

Earth Day shouldn’t just be for one day, we should respect the planet year round. Here are nice FREE apps that can help you do that. I only select 9, because I wonder what you think the 10th should be?

iRecycle
Earth911’s iRecycle iPhone app allows people to locate the nearest recycle facility specific to their items.

Coupon Sherpa
Want to forget about cutting coupons for the year? Shoppers can access in-store coupons through the phones without cutting or printing any paper.

GoodGuide
This app helps you find safe healthy food while shopping. Simply scan the bar code and get detailed rating for health, environment and social responsibility.

Carbon Calc
Want to know your carbon footprint? How much do you consume with your home, car, traveling? It may not be accurate, but it sure gives you an idea of how much energy you use. It also allows you to purchase carbon credits if you are using too much.

Cruelty Free
This is your guide to cruelty-free cosmetics, personal care and household products.

Greenpeace Tissue Guide
This free app gives you the power to make an informed decision when purchasing tissue paper. Experts rate products from "recommended," "could do better" and "avoid!"

Seafood Watch
Do you know where the seafood you eat is coming from? With the Seafood Watch app, you’rea able to tell the origination point of what you’re about to eat at grocery stores and restaurants.

iLocavore
Your community has people that are updating information about eating local foods. From events and products, you can receive notifications of local formers markets, gardening tips and more community functions.

Animal-Free
If you’re trying to become a vegan or part time vegetarian, than this app is for you. It will help you make smart decisions on what to eat and demystify what you thought you once knew about animals being in everyday foods.