Speaking Sensis

Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon.com commented recently that, “we build new tools and these tools change behaviour” which I found rather interesting. Whilst Jeff probably wasn’t referring to the park assist button in my car which means I’ll never have to reverse park again (god bless technology!) he could easily have been referring to the ubiquitous iPhone revolution on our doorstep and the apps that are fundamentally changing the way we access information.

Virtually everything is now available via an app and don’t they make life easier? Touch an icon, get the info you want.

Enter Whereis® Navigator, which recently launched an iPhone app allowing Telstra customers with iPhones access to the premium GPS navigation product at the tip of their fingers. The Whereis® Navigator product includes features like voice guided turn-by-turn directions – basically turning your iPhone into your very own personalised nav device. Pretty cool huh?

As someone with absolutely no sense of direction I’m a huge fan of navigation technology and it seems I’m not alone – thankfully!

We have just completed a study about Australia’s navigation habits and it looks like Jeff Bezos is on the money when it comes to navigation – technology has indeed changed consumer behaviour. Australians are passionate about GPS and the many benefits it provides; security on dark lonely roads, time-saving by avoiding traffic or finding the nearest and cheapest fuel are a few examples of how us Aussies are relying on the technology today. This change in behaviour means more people are throwing out their old printed maps and street directories and embracing GPS technology in all its forms – built-in car systems, portable navigation devices and, of course, on mobile.

So next time you’re in the car wasting time stuck in traffic, or aren’t sure where the nearest petrol station is as your gauge gets closer to hitting empty- remember you now have easy access to Whereis® Navigator.

Whereis® Navigator is free to download. Charges may apply if users elect to continue use of Premium Features.

Whereis Navigator is free of all data charges on the Next G™ network. Once you have downloaded the app, data usage is free for both standard and premium features.

Restrictions on driver use exist in some States and Territories and you should check local rules.

Today, Sensis CEO Bruce Akhurst spoke at an American Chamber of Commerce luncheon on what he describes as The Age of Engagement.

Digital media isn’t merely cannibalising traditional media. It’s giving marketers new tools to work with and the ability to build deep, valuable relationships with customers.

The first presentation in this series looks at how local search is helping marketers support consumer purchase decisions in exciting new ways. And how the next generation of local search is being driven by the mobile phone.

The second presentation looks at social media. Be sure to check back as this presentation will be uploaded shortly.

Times might be tough in the media sector today, but there’s a lot about the future to be excited about.

This week, Bruce Akhurst, the CEO of Sensis, will be sharing his thoughts on the future in a two-part presentation: The Age of Engagement.

The first part of his speech – covering the rise of local search – will be delivered at an American Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Sydney this Thursday, 23 April.

And, in a departure from the norm, part two of this presentation, which covers the rise of social media will be delivered using – what else – social media!

So, pop back to the Speaking Sensis blog this Friday, 24 April. You’ll be able to view both of Bruce’s speeches.