Field Notes Inside an Integrated Communications Agency

Microsoft recently gave us a glimpse of their latest gaming technology known as Natal. The concept basically takes the Wii a step further by incorporating image recognition software to completely rid the user of controllers. So, what impact does this have on us as marketers? Well, this technology may open the door to (one day) providing accurate metrics for television viewers and gamers. Instead of the antiquated manual Nielsen tracking methods, in-home image recognition software will enable real-time metrics of anyone sitting in front a television. A little too big brother for you? Maybe. Privacy will definitely be a major hurdle. But, the possibilities of what this technology will lead to are endless. For instance, imagine if your television could recognize you and then customize the advertising to products and services in which you are interested. To take it step further, imagine actually interacting with the characters on a primetime show.   

It’s going to be fun to watch where all of this goes in the next few years...