Microsoft tries in-text advertising popups with new 'Gaze' project |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Today On Techflash
- Can Microsoft overcome the smartphone app gap?
- Hey recruiters: Here's an R&D lab run by, and for, students
- Apps that waste your time (in a good way): Execs' addictions
- WTIA announces Industry Achievement Award finalists
- Analyst sees 7-inch iPad in Apple future
- Check out this app: Executives list the ones they use most
Mass High Tech
- Microsoft Build: Windows 8 preview a hit, but are investors unhappy?
- Build an app in a day at Mobile App Hackathon
- Beefed-up Skype for Windows; Indie author joins Amazon's 'Kindle Million Club'
- Only solution to Xbox 360 update error is new console
- Ballmer: Windows Phone update 'Mango' has over 500 new features
Microsoft tries in-text advertising popups with new 'Gaze' project
Microsoft's adCenter Labs research unit has been quietly working on an in-text advertising project called Gaze, positioning the company as a potential rival to such services as Vibrant Media's IntelliTXT and Kontera's in-text ad technology. Like those existing products, Gaze underlines keywords on the page and lets visitors hover or click for related advertising and information in a small popup box.
Mario Esposito, an adCenter Labs program manager, described Gaze in a blog post last night. The Gaze home page offers a teaser suggesting that it won't be formally introduced for a couple months: "Something is happening ... April 15th - Your ads just won't be the same anymore!"
Another page offers a process for publishers to register for the Gaze beta.
The beta carries the "Microsoft Advertising" name, not the adCenter Labs name, suggesting that this is more than just a research project. I've asked Microsoft about its plans for rolling out the technology, and I'll update this post depending on the response.
Esposito describes Gaze as "a web gadget that offers structured and contextual information to a user within the context of a web page." His post refers to the in-text links alternatively as "GazeLinks" and "GazeInLinks," with trademark symbols suggesting that the company has registered the words. However, the terms didn't show up in a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office search this morning.
Here's how Esposito's post explains the technology ...
"A GazeInLink™ is generated through a technology owned and operated by Microsoft AdCenter. The link is placed within the content of a web page; upon click the GazeLink™ will link the user to relevant information and offers (ads). ... A GazeInLink™ is clearly distinguished by a unique underline or other decoration that a publisher chooses. A mouse-over, click or by a small icon that sits next to the entity/keyword. When the user places the mouse over(*) a GazeLink™, the gadget layer opens with information about the linked entity/keyword. Ads are blended in to the content in a non intrusive way. They’re meaningful to user and related to what the user is reading."
See below for the screenshot that Esposito posted to show how the technology works. We'll have more details as they're available.
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
Award categories include: Advocate; Architect/Designer; Facility Manager/Operator; and Owner/Developer.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of U.S. GSA's Office of Federal High Performance Buildings. Kevin leads the U.S. General Services Administration's efforts in building sustainability and accelerating industry adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of a building's life.
Register here by February 10!
If you are interested in buying a table, email Monica Alquist or call her at 206-876-5404.
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.
