Data emission, Babylon and Ringly

Fueled by fantastic contributions at our recent Mobile and Connected Marketing Council meeting, here's our take on some burning issues of the day and some interesting creations in the world of mobile.

Useful Dressables

Currently only available for ladies, Ringly is a ring that vibrates and emits different colours if an urgent call or message comes in. We love the idea, because you stay connected to what matters while still being able to live ‘in the moment’ and be polite when in company. Once configured you leave your phone in your bag. The ring only bothers you if you've decided it’s important enough to be interrupted with a vibrating finger. More information at https://ringly.com.

The richest man in Babylon

An enterprising ex-nhs doctor has produced a remarkable mobile app called Babylon. It allows subscribers to receive live medical care from their phone or tablet. On-demand private consultations take place via video conference. Objective indicators are measured with Apple Health and a variety of widely available wearables. If required Babylon can even send out a small home blood-test kit. Clinical assessment is live and medical notes are stored according to the latest medical privacy standards.

Since the meeting I downloaded the app myself. Brilliant idea. Brilliant work. Brilliant design. As long as it stays clean from data breaches it's a 2016 winner, and a potential gamechanger in healthcare.

Latest on the data emission scandal

Yet more data issues from leading retailers. In the spotlight this time are TalkTalk, M&S and now Touchnote. While generally lumped together as ‘data hacking’, there are two distinct concerns:

1. Awareness and Responsibility: TalkTalk had two attempted security breaches before the fatal third. Why did they not react to the first attempt by encrypting their data and taking other protective measures? Irresponsible oversight or ignorance of the imminent risks? Time will tell.

2. Data Protection. Now that data blackmail is an established rogue trade, we must address fundamentals. At its core, the data supply chain is riddled with unknown dependencies and fragmented governance. This relates to changes in the EU safe harbour law. But that's just the tip of a very large iceberg.

One thing is clear, ignorance is not bliss anymore. Our advice is simple. Get clued up, take the initiative and get expert help.

How charities are responding to their crisis?

Charities marketers are facing an uphill task following the scandals earlier this year. Its rather lazy to blame it on the few rogues who have ruined it for the well meaning and ethically upright majority.

Rather we feel a primary cause is the unrelenting pressure placed on charity marketers to hit targets, that have not been adjusted to suit changing economic conditions. Responding to the increased pressure, otherwise well meaning charities have strained ethical barriers to hit targets through whatever means possible. Should charities then be treated for what they appear to be, thinly disguised commercial ventures?

The opt-in rule for charity marketing could be the trigger that forces the much needed change in mindset. We wondered, charities on the European mainland have been subject to tighter opt-in and data privacy restrictions for years. How has it affected them, and how have they reacted?

Other items we discussed included the level of entries to the awards, results-based judging, mobile UI, 2016 trends, podcasts, proximity, personalisation and of course Georgina’s pending leave.

Which is an apt point to close – All the best G. Hope it all goes well. See you soon.