William James Adam Junior, better known as the Black Eyed Peas front man Will.i.am, was introduced as Intel Corp.’s new Director of Creative Innovation at their sales and marketing conference in Anaheim, California.

According to Will.i.am his work is already quite similar to that of the Intel employees. “Nearly everything I do involves processors and computers, and when I see an Intel chip I think of all the creative minds involved that help to amplify my own creativity,” he said in a release. “Teaming up with the scientists, researchers and computer programmers at Intel to collaborate and co-develop new ways to communicate, create, inform and entertain is going to be amazing.”

The six time Grammy Award-winning artist signed on for a multi-year contract where he’ll be hands-on with the development of new technology such as laptops, smartphones and tablets. Intel is the world’s largest computer chip creator and they want to forge a more emotional bond with their consumers. While some may find it hard to believe that a partnership with a celebrity will have an impact on the company’s future product offerings, Intel is confident that will.i.am’s ideas could eventually affect Intel chips in some way.

Will.i.am’s first task appears to be to rewrite the Intel Inside Jingle, which hasn’t changed since its first release in 1992. If Will.i.am’s track record is anything to go by the new version is not going to sound anything like the old one!

Earlier this month Will.i.am launched a mobile app development company called will.i.apps. The first app, BEP360, released for Apple Inc. iOS platform, allows users to view music videos with augmented reality features using HD digital cameras on smartphones. The illusion created will seem as if the music video is happening all around them, for when they turn their phones around 360-degree axis, as the name suggests, the perspective will change.

One of Will.i.am’s ideas for his partnership with Intel included transforming his smartphone into a microphone. When performing, he can simultaneously record everything he sees and hears, uploading it later for fans to relive the experience. According to him, how will this be made possible? “The only way is with powerful chips.”

Facebook launched a new app last week designed in partnership with Snaptu. The app is designed specifically for feature phones which can be described as less expensive, Internet-capable phones. The Facebook app for feature phones works on more than 2 500 devices from a number of manufacturers including Nokia, Sony Ericsson, LG and many more. The app will offer millions of users a better Facebook experience with quick and easy access to their Facebook profiles, messages and so forth thanks to the easier-to-navigate home screen, contact syncing and fast-scrolling features. “We want people to have a great mobile experience no matter what type of phone they carry. Smartphones have offered better features for sharing with friends but aren’t used by most people around the world” said Mark Heynen, Program Manager at Facebook.

Fourteen mobile operators in various countries have agreed to let Facebook users try the new app free of charge, offering them free data access during the first 90 days. The app is initially being made available through nine mobile operators, mainly in emerging markets, with five more to follow soon.

The app will be made available through more carriers in other countries which will allow more users to have a better mobile Facebook experience regardless of the mobile device they use. Mobile is Facebook’s biggest growth engine and in July 2010 Facebook had about 150 million mobile users out of a total of 500 million members. Now Facebook users who want to update their Facebook profile on-the-go but don’t have a smartphone, have access to an app that allows for bigger functionality. We can’t wait for the app to launch in South Africa!

Don’t be surprised if you receive a Valentine’s greeting via mobile and not mailbox this year. More and more consumers are using their mobile devices for shopping – why would it be any different on Valentine’s Day?

2011 is the year to include a mobile marketing component in your marketing strategy if you haven’t already. Mobile marketing, however, should aim to reinforce the existing message in other channels and not replace it. There’s an obvious increase in advertising around seasonal events, especially Valentine’s Day, for this day transcends all religions – love is universal.

Mobile video, sms, mobile coupons and loyalty programs are at the top of any marketer’s to-do list. It’s one of the few times a year when a brand’s target audience might change when businesses compete to “woo” men into buying gifts the special women in their lives. Mobile marketing appeals to your entire audience across demographics and caters for users in every which way they connect. You need to reach your consumers the same way their peers communicate with them – via sms.

Various companies established themselves in the digital world through the use of mobile marketing during Valentine’s Day. Mogreet and American Greetings Corp have partnered for MMS e-cards, but according to Retrevo, 48% of consumers over 50 still prefer hand-written cards. American Greetings launched a free greeting card iPhone app which rose to number 8 on the list of “Most popular free apps” in “Entertainment” within only 2 weeks. Clickatell estimated going on previous stats that consumers will send 1.15 billion text messages this Valentines Day, exceeding the previous year’s 1.06 billion.

It is clear that for many sms is the message protocol of choice. As a brand using sms to communicate with consumers you can reach out to them instantly – it is easy to do, costs less than a phone call and isn’t as irritating as telephone sales. Brands can benefit from last-minute, forgetful consumers by reminding them via sms about special or important days like Valentine’ Day and informing them about last minute deals and specials. The immediacy of a text message combined with creative design and editorial equals a winning idea.

Mobile marketing brings new possibilities for retailers, not only does your brand remains relevant by keeping up with current trends but it also allows for more frequent, informative, instant communication. On the other hand, don’t get too text-happy and overdo it by sending too many messages. Also be sure to send communication only to those consumers who have opted to receive marketing messages from you.