Skype Introduces Desktop Ad Units

Skype will soon add advertisements to their Windows desktop application.  The ads will be introduced in the US, UK, and Germany this week, and will appear on the Skype desktop Home Tab.  Companies like Groupon, Universal Pictures, and Visa are among the advertisers that will begin running at launch.

Below are some additional details from Skype.

We’re working with some great advertisers, including Groupon, Universal Pictures, and Visa.
Ads will appear in the US, UK and Germany and advertising sales for Skype are [...]

Google Acquires Zetawire

Google acquired Zetawire, which specializes in mobile payments.  According to the 451 Group, Google acquired the firm quite some time ago, however the purchase went unnoticed until recently.  Zetawire currently owns a patent which involves a payment system, an advertising system, and an identity management system.  Sources close to the matter state that Google has a particular interest in the patent, which gives the company a competitive advantage in mobile advertising, tracking, and payments.  (via  Techcrunch)

Mobclix Releases Demographics of Android Users

Research firm Mobclix recently completed a study on Android users and have released some of their findings.  It’s important to note that this was conducted on a very small sample size of Android users (~1,000). (via Mobclix)

45% of Android users are first-time smartphone owners.
37% of Android users spend most of their time using email, 21% on games, and 8% on maps and navigation.
46% of Android users prefer a touchscreen over a physical keyboard.
Android owners are twice as likely to make [...]

Google TV Coming to the US in 2010

Less than one week after Apple unveiled it’s latest Apple TV product, Reuters is reporting that Google TV will launch this fall in the US.  The service will be free, and will provide users with full internet browsing via their television sets.  Sony has agreed to begin including Google TV on its television sets, and Samsung said that it was looking into using the service. (via Reuters)