DISPLAY INNOVATION, VIRAL COUPONING AND GIFT CARD INCENTIVES
ULTRA-THIN BATTERIES Precisia LLC, a unit of Flint Ink, a privately owned ink maker, has announced a partnership with TBT to develop ultra-thin printed batteries. The batteries are a lightweight, flexible and affordable replacement for button batteries, and may be used to power promotional items such as printed board games, game cards, greeting cards, cereal box giveaways, point-of-purchase displays and credit cards. At less than one millimeter thick, ultra-thin batteries are ideal for smart labels, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and packaging applications that require an external power source. For more info, call (734) 205-6600.
FOGSCREEN INC. has released the world’s first airborne interactive touch screen. The technology was developed from FogScreen’s pioneering airborne projection screen. When you write or draw upon the interactive fog screen, the writing or designs continuously float in the air. Interactive, airborne projection screens may be used within the entertainment industry and in out-of-home advertising (interactive, walk-through advertisements in airports, malls, etc.). Because fog screens are unbreakable, they are especially useful in applications intended for the public, such as information screens. Call +358 20 1244 024 for more info.
SIGNAGE SOFTWARE Mercury Online Solutions, Inc. has launched the FRED Solo Edition digital signage software for single-screen applications. The FRED SE application is a Web-based tool for managing digital media content for dynamic digital signage applications. Common digital media files, including Flash, PowerPoint, QuickTime, MPEG video, as well as any Web-based content, can be combined on the FRED SE play list to create a dynamic presentation for any digital display. There are no monthly fees for the application and all registered users have lifetime access to the FREDNexus.com administration portal for free updates. The software is also available pre-installed on Mercury Online Solutions’ new M1 digital-media processor. The processor is matched to support virtually any content that will be used for playback using FRED SE. Call (206) 285-0347 for more info.
DISPLAY CASE Tecno Display’s GL127 pre-assembled quarter-vision corner curved jewelry showcase comes with tempered glass. a halogen light strip, locked hinged glass or mirror door, lockable storage. The toe kick is black, the deck is laminated and it is equipped with an electrical cord. It is 42″ tall by 44.5″ wide by 24″ deep. Shown in maple with gold anodized aluminum framing. For more information call (800) 255-3536.
SAFEWAY INCENTIVES Safeway Inc. and the Safeway Cos. have created a program where businesses and fundraisers can purchase denominated and customized gift card values. In addition, Safeway has also developed a gift card program for merchants and businesses to reward and show their appreciation to loyal customers or to be used as awards in building consumers or trade promotions. Merchants can purchase customized gift cards for recognition of customer loyalty and faithfulness. The “My Choice Card” comes in denominations of $25, $50, and $100 or customized amounts, and can be used to purchase gift cards from 21 other retailers and merchants. Call (877) 723-3929 for more information.
COUPON MARKETING Coupons, Inc. has launched the next generation of its print-at-home coupon technology, including a viral marketing program that helps friends tell each other about coupons as well as more options for page design. The Bricks Tell-A-Friend Program provides manufacturers and retailers with a secure and convenient way for their customers to alert friends and family members to consumer-printed coupon offers. Manufacturers and retailers can customize the program’s features, including setting the number of recipients that each customer can e-mail and the message that each friend receives. In addition, the e-mail that is sent to friends can include a link to the promotion Web site or a link to print the coupon directly from the e-mail. For more information, call (650) 947-3900.
NOTE: Beginning with the September 2004 issue, interested companies may buy display space in the Tools section by calling Alan Steen at (203) 358-4191.
