FTC Takes Closer Look At Google’s AdMob Deal
March 11, 2010
The "Facts about Google's acquisition of AdMob" page Google established in November of last year apparently hasn't satisfied the Federal Trade Commission's curiosity. A fresh report indicates that the FTC has stepped up its investigation of the deal by seeking sworn declarations from third parties.
This isn't a good sign for Google. Todd Shields and Dina Bass heard about the FTC's move from "people with direct knowledge of the matter," so the affair appears to have developed beyond rumor stage.
Also, after talking to Stephen Calkins, a professor of law who used to serve as General Counsel of the FTC, Shields and Bass reported that the FTC tends to seek declarations "'when they think there is some significant chance' the agency will ask a court to block a merger, or seek to modify a deal."
Google's been running into more and more antitrust trouble as of late. From the problems with its book digitization project to a European Commission probe, the search giant's been held up on several fronts. It wouldn't be surprising if something - such as this AdMob deal - becomes a breaking point.
Still, asking for sworn declarations isn't the same thing as strongly objecting. It remains possible the FTC will give Google's acquisition of AdMob a green light.
Consumer Demographics and Their Wireless Devices
February 26, 2010
As smartphone usage becomes more and more mainstream, businesses have to consider how their audiences are interacting with them online. For that reason, it can help to gain insight into how users of different devices interact with those devices.
AdMob released its monthly Mobile Metrics report today, which finds that Android and iPhone users download a similar number of apps every month and spend a similar amount of time using the apps. However, while Only 21% of Android users purchase at least 1 paid app per month, 50% of iPhone users do, 35% of iPod touch users, and 24% of webOS users. In other words, if you want to reach Android users through an app, you may have better luck if that app is free.
According to the report, iPod touch users download an average of 12 apps a month, 37% more apps than iPhone and Android users. iPod touch users also spent 100 minutes a day using apps, 25% more time than iPhone and Android users.
73% of Android users are male, compared to 58% of webOS users, 57% of iPhone users and 54% iPod touch users. The iPhone, iPod touch and webOS have similar gender distributions, with just over half of the users on all devices being male.
In addition, iPod touch users skew considerably younger relative to other platforms and devices, according to AdMob. Based on the company's survey, 78% of iPod touch users are below the age of 25, compared to 25% of iPhone users and 24% of Android and webOS users.
The iPad will be out before long, and that means users will have access to apps that iPhone users and iPod Touch users do. 16% of iPhone users said they intend to purchase an iPad, compared to 11% of webOS users and only 6% of Android users. Of course, Google is working on its own new devices that would more directly compete with the iPad.
AdMob finds that 91% of iPhone users and 88% of iPod touch users would recommend their device, compared to 84% of Android users and 69% of webOS users. webOS users are 3.4x more likely to not recommend their device relative to iPhone OS users.
Which platform do you use? Would you recommend it? Talk to ArisYulianta and Friends....
Motorola Slates 20-30 Android Phones For 2010 Releases
January 21, 2010
People who like to try new cell phones on a regular basis should brace themselves; this year, Motorola's going to do its best to make it rain Android devices. In an interview today, one exec committed to releasing something like two dozen smartphones based on the mobile operating system.
Spiros Nikolakopoulos, Vice President of Mobile Devices in charge of Asian and international retail distribution, told Damian Koh, "There will be between 20 and 30 smartphones globally and, at this moment, all of them will run Android."
Of course, that doesn't mean that every single one will be on display in malls around the U.S. Nikolakopoulos continued, "[N]ot all will be available everywhere as it depends on the company's partnership with the various telco operators in each country." So we may wind up with some near-identical phones that are just for sale in different regions.
Still, it sounds like Motorola's going to put out about all the Android phones it can. And since the company's been interested in Android since at least September of 2008, it's a good sign for both the manufacturer and Google that the relationship remains so strong.
Look for Android's market share to increase quite a bit over the next 12 months as a result.
Have You Read This?
> Google Delays Launch Of Android Phones In China
> Google Unveils Nexus One "Super Phone"
> AdMob Determines Android Is Growing Faster Than Ever
Consumer Groups Ask FTC To Block Google AdMob Deal
December 29, 2009
Two consumer groups Monday asked the Federal Trade Commission to block Google's $750 million deal to acquire mobile advertising firm, AdMob, on anti-trust grounds.
In a joint letter to the FTC, Consumer Watchdog and the Center for Digital Democracy (CDD) said Google is simply buying its way to dominance in the mobile advertising market, reducing competition to the detriment of consumers.
"The mobile sector is the next frontier of the digital revolution. Without vigorous competition and strong privacy guarantees this vital and growing segment of the online economy will be stifled," wrote John M. Simpson, consumer advocate at Consumer Watchdog and CDD Executive Director Jeffery A. Chester.
"Consumers will face higher prices, less innovation and fewer choices. The FTC should conduct the appropriate investigation, block the proposed Google/AdMob deal, and also address the privacy issues."
Last week Google said the FTC had made a second request for additional information about the deal, a signal the commission is closely examining the proposal.
In addition to the anti-trust issues, the letter from the two non-partisan, non-profit groups, said a combined Google/AdMob raises privacy concerns. Both AdMob and Google gather large amounts of data about consumers' online behavior, including their location.
"Permitting the expansion of mobile advertising through the combination of these two market leaders without requiring privacy guarantees poses a serious threat to consumers," the letter said.
Have You Read This?
> Google Provides An Update On The AdMob Acquistion
> Mobile Advertising Guidelines Get An Update
> Best Buy Now Installing Google Mobile Apps On Smartphones
