Based on the article below – could it be that when Google built this new contraption – is it optimized for the Google search engine?

“Google has launched Google Checkout, a payment system for online retailers that’s tightly integrated with Google AdWords. Checkout isn’t the rumored PayPal killer, but it does offer some compelling features for both merchants and online shoppers alike.” http://searchenginewatch.com/searchday/article.php/3617061

E-commerce shopping carts are quite an animal of its own. I can’t wait to try this one out!

I always knew that my laptop would have an affair with my TV.

Google’s new concept: Computer “hears” TV, serves up content
Under a new interactive concept being tested by Google, a computer could “listen” to its user’s TV, and serve up social networking, editorial and ad content relating to what’s being watched. The system is not based on new technology, but instead uses a computer’s microphone to receive the TV audio and match it to a database that serves up the related content. Advertising Age (free registration) (6/27)

Really innovative concept but I just don’t see mom’s and couch potatoes getting into it. It might be too much media coming at one person at one time. However, it does open a host of opportunities for marketers.

Could it be true? Could we really be speeding into a PPC bottleneck!

“McKinsey research finds that bottlenecks in supply could limit the pace of online ad growth and raise prices over the next 24 months.” http://www.mckinseyquarterly.com/article_page.aspx?ar=1811&L2=16&L3=16

Further more “they” say we have 24 months – could we be running out of options – do we need another search engine to give us more ‘supply’?

“This analysis revealed that the utilization of the most attractive digital-ad vehicles is already quite high and that, without large increases in the level of online advertising “inventory,” demand could outstrip supply over the next 24 months (exhibit).”

And finally, I completely agree with this:

“Marketers must build the capabilities necessary to thrive in an environment where audiences and vehicles are highly fragmented, prices change quickly, and advertising’s performance differs by customer, vehicle, brand, offer, and message. This transition will require not only new management skills but also a detailed understanding of the marginal economics of products, customers, and customer conversion.”

Will it happen – we’ll see!