Location Specific Advertising
There’s been lots of talk about location-based advertising on mobile phones – but many people get upset about the concept of “spam” on their mobile phone. However, in Germany, one town is testing location specific ads that will display on the local streetcar line. It’s not using GPS or mobile phone location systems, but more traditional sensors. However, it does suggest more reasonable possibilities for location-based ads in ways that don’t seem quite so intrusive. For example, already many in-car navigation systems include maps that show the location of specific brand name restaurants or gas stations. It wouldn’t be that difficult to offer location-based advertising as well – though it would have to be done carefully to avoid any potential liability for making a driver take his or her eyes off the road. However, if the driver is looking for a restaurant, why not offer them a special coupon to a restaurant around the corner?
