There's an App for the Jewelry News Network

The Jewelry News Network is steadily growing its digital footprint. It has now gone mobile through an application for Android phones.

The new app is easy to use and is constantly updated so you can quickly learn about the latest news, products and trends in the jewelry  industry anywhere your phone goes. The best part is the app is free. Click on an image for a larger view.

There is advertising on the app but I am assured by Notice Software, an Austin, Texas-based company supplying the service, that it is not intrusive. There will be an iphone version of the app as early as July. I encourage everyone with Android phones to download the application and let me know how you like it.

New App, Internet Education Program Led by Google and Digital Catalogs All Part of Centurion 2011

The ultra-exclusive Centurion 2011 jewelry show has rolled out digital programs across several platforms designed to enhance the trade fair’s technological footprint and help luxury jewelers navigate the digital landscape. The trade fair will be held, January 29 – February 2 in Tucson, Ariz.

First there’s the Centurion App for iPhones and Android phones. The free app is customized for Centurion through The Conventionist app, which provides practical, mobile solutions for those attending events, such as trade shows.

To locate, search for The Conventionist app. Download and install the app on your smart phone. Then search for Centurion within The Conventionist app and download the guide to the Centurion Show. (Shown on an iPod Touch.).

The customized Centurion app contains:

* Centurion Schedule at a Glance

* Show Floor Map,

* Key Events list,

* To-Do list,

* General Info,

* Exhibitor’s list, and

* My Schedule.

The second initiative is the Jewelry Industry Internet Forum, an education program geared to help ensure that high-end retail jewelers, designers, manufacturers and service providers have the knowledge and tools to succeed in the fast-moving world of the Internet.

The JIIF is designed for the industry to learn and share best practices, information, insights and intelligence in online marketing and merchandising, including analytics, design, multi-channel integration and e-commerce, according to show organizers. As a forum for retail and manufacturing executives, JIIF will offer regular access to useful and targeted education and information sharing on a year-round basis. The effort will include at-show education as well as on-line forums and more.

For its first official event, JIIF will highlight a keynote presentation by Mike Gottfried, Head of Industry for Retail & Luxury, from Google to give Centurion participants an insider’s view of what it takes to succeed in today’s ultra-competitive environment and how to take advantage of the Internet as a marketing vehicle.

Gottfried will headline separate sessions for retailers and designers/manufacturers at Centurion 2011.

The third initiative is the Centurion Showcase, an online extension of the luxury trade fair that is being launched during the show.

The Centurion Showcase has up-to-date digital catalogs of participating branded exhibitors, updated show information, and news and events. During the show and throughout the year, retailers will be able to use the catalogs at the point of sale and to e-mail to and print product pictures and details for their customers. Branded manufacturers will be able to use the catalogs to show new product and provide ongoing support for their Centurion retailers.

Ice Unveils ‘Try It On’ Mobile App

Online jewelry retailer Ice hops onto the augmented reality (AR) bandwagon with a mobile app that allows shoppers to virtually “try on” rings and bracelets before purchasing. It is currently only available for iPhones while an Android version of the app will be available later this year.

AR is a live direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input. In this case Ice is using the technology via a mobile app to provide digital shoppers the opportunity to view the Ice catalog of jewelry products, select an item of their liking and opt to virtually "try on" the piece. Utilizing their personal mobile device camera, a picture of the shoppers hand will act as the landscape for the ring or bracelet of interest. The desired piece of jewelry can then be super imposed on the picture. Ice shoppers will be invited to then share their “try it on” pictures with friends and family via email, Facebook and Twitter, or add to their wish list.

“It's about enhancing our customer's experience, customer engagement with our products as well as overall conversion. For the first time, we are offering our customers with the complete shopping experience,” said Shmuel Gniwisch, CEO of Ice. “No longer will online shoppers have to question "will this look good on me?" they will have the answer right on their smartphone desktop and be able to ask their family and friend's thoughts from around the globe with just a few clicks.”

You can find the app by following this link.