I’ve been a Blackberry user for a long time – a really long time.  I’ve become a master of the ‘intuitive’ text feature (with only one phrase being the bane of my existence, but that’s another story) and I’m a fan of the small form factor of the Pearl 8110 – it fits easily in your front pocket, does most everything I need it to do, and is a very reliable device.

However this year, as in years past with Intel, I’ve been asked to take the lead on a new media vehicle and explore all of our options for marketing and advertising programs in that space.  Hence, my Blackberry got a mate – in the form of an iPhone.  Now, I’ve been a long time ‘listener’ but have made the transition to first time ‘caller’…to use a radio talk show line.  I’m not convinced that I’m going to be excited about carrying two devices (although many of my counterparts already do it), it is a necessary evil to be proficient in the trends of the mobile web.  Next step – securing an Android device…

We’re pretty excited about the opportunities that are presenting themselves in the mobile space and are intent on creating some innovative and first mover programs that bring the Intel brand to a ‘third’ screen.  We’ve already done some good work in the Americas with our iPhone app and our Global team has partnered with a leading mobile agency and a leading web-based streaming music company to create a compelling mobile experience that gives iPhone users a unique ’station’ modeled after the 3 types of ‘Core’ processors – each providing a unique listening experience.  This is the first time a custom channel has been developed for a mobile device on Pandora – kudos to our Global team for making that happen.

Stay tuned – it’s going to be an exciting ride on the Mobile Web for us this year.

If you’re in media or digital marketing, you know that the hottest platform of 2010 is the mobile device.  From a direct advertising and marketing approach, what better way to interact with your customer – on a device that is always with them and almost always ‘on’.  We are just beginning to roll out a very robust mobile strategy here @ Intel and one of the first programs happens to be a fun way to send a message to your friends and family – from your mobile device – specifically, the iPhone.

Intel is giving iPhone users the opportunity to bring postcards back from the days of gift shops and stamps with a digital twist. “Postcards From The Future” allows iPhone users to send fun and interactive digital postcards to their friends near and far via social media sites like Facebook and Twitter or by email. We’ve had a very successful first few days on the iTunes App Store – ranking in the top 50 of free applications and in the top 15 of free entertainment specific apps.  If you’re an iPhone user – give it a try – we’d love your feedback!