World Trends

riteWeb reports that Gigya, a provider of tools for social sharing and third-party logins, assessed the numbers and found that, since its last round-up of social logins in July 2010, LinkedIn has skyrocketed as the login of choice for B2B sites.
These figures confirm the notion that users prefer to use differing online identities for certain online activities, making use of multiple online personalities. Users wish to promote the right image of themselves according to who might see their profile, and LinkedIn is all about promoting professional self identity. Therefore it makes sense not to use a more personal Facebook or Twitter login.
The LinkedIn login JavaScript API makes it easy to let third party website customers authenticate via their LinkedIn account. The third party site can then use that information to register those users for their own site, identify them in a blog comment, or otherwise use the login to streamline their experience. This provides the third party website with increased registrations with minimal work.
The most important piece of data for third parties to capture and store is the LinkedIn member id. This is an application-specific unique identifier for every member and with this identity, third parties can easily retrieve profile information about any of their users who have authenticated using Sign In with LinkedIn.
Rachel Peterson, a spokesperson for LinkedIn, commented that the company has seen increased use as a third-party login ever since it updated its profile API. The site has seen an increase from 3% to 20% in just over six months.
“LinkedIn has a strong case that a single social graph through Facebook is not sufficient,” said Peterson. “Professionals want to apply different profile data to business oriented sites and share that content with a different group of people than their FB friends.”
This doesn’t mean that LinkedIn is a growing threat to the giant that is Facebook, however, but shows a coming of age of social media where savvy users are beginning to understand when and how to use each network.
Facebook is still used predominantly as a meeting place for family and friends, and businesses can use the platform to listen to those conversations and participate on a more personal level.
LinkedIn however has found its niche, making sense as a business identity, as it is more restrictive, and is not as successful as Facebook and Twitter in terms of two-way interaction. The company reports that it has 90-million users worldwide (just over a third are U.S. based), of which 7.9-million are business decision makers, 1.3-million are small business owners, 5.5-million are high tech managers and 4.4-million are corporate executives.
LinkedIn is essentially used by people as a digital CV in order to attract job offers, or to exchange information about businesses and services. It is by nature a Mecca for self-promotion, which is why it makes sense as login of choice for B2B sites.
What better way to garner the attention of other professionals in your line of work?

Appitypes.

What your mobile apps say about you.

The secret to determining someone’s personality lies beneath the apps they’ve installed on their phone.

Based on recent research commissioned by Nokia, society’s relationship with their cell phones has changed significantly. We are now a country of “app dependants” with 65 per cent of smartphone users in South Africa relying on apps to significantly benefit their lives while at home (50 per cent), travelling (13 percent), or at work (20 percent). These figures suggest that apps are being used as important life tools — and as usage levels rise, so does our cell phones ability to learn more about us and become even more useful.
With so many apps available, people can pick the ones most relevant to them. The intimacy we share with our phones stamps our personality onto them. They know our tastes, our needs and even our secrets. If you ever want to really know someone, take a look at their apps – you may be in for a surprise!
Interestingly, “appitypes” not only revealed personal traits, but some of our national characteristics too. South Africans are the biggest “connectors” with 45 percent regularly using social networking apps, while the Germans and Indians were revealed as the hardworking and productive “appcentrics.” The Italians were the undisputed “live wires”, with the Brazilians the world’s biggest “creators” with their flair for music and style.
Eighty percent of South Africans sampled have up to 30 apps on their devices, with men more likely than women to download an app (87 per cent vs.79 per cent). The most downloaded and used apps are for social networking followed by music and games which highlights that the majority are used while at home rather than at work.
The Appitypes:
APPTHUSIAST – Appthusiasts are energetic and passionate. They are social creatures who like to know about the latest trends. They are curious, spontaneous and enjoy being involved in diverse pursuits. Their likes/dislikes are illustrated through the content on their mobile; they download lots of apps and use them a lot. Appthusiasts are rarely without their smartphone, sometimes even taking it to sleep with them!
APPCENTRIC – They are hard working, energetic and productive. They have a lot of contacts, are tech savvy, and know how to make their technology serve them best. They’re conventional and prefer data management, numerical and organisational pursuits. Appcentrics get the most out of the more functional apps on their mobile, which they often use as a pocket-sized computer. While they only download apps occasionally, they frequently use them.
LIVE WIRE – Live Wires are active, down-to-earth people who enjoy technical, outdoor and athletic pursuits. Clever and investigative, they’re sociable, have lots of friends and often seek new experiences and adventures, relishing any challenge. They are reliable and productive and this is reflected in their downloads, which tend to be a mix of health/fitness, social and travel related apps.
CREATOR – These people are creative and imaginative. The creator may be a loner or a team player, but when they socialize they often find themselves the life of the party. As natural storytellers, they will not only rely on the creative capabilities of their mobile, but often use social networking sites. They are up on the latest trends and their creative spirit often drives them to brightly coloured phones, illustrating that they are fun and open minded.
CONNECTOR – The connector is personable, confident and curious. They have an uplifting and motivating personality with a knack for making friends and acquaintances in the online or real world. They have a collection of apps that they use again and again, often carrying fun apps on their phone and apps that may be useful to others. They occasionally download free apps and their app catalogue could do with a refresh.
APPRENTICE – The apprentice is sensitive, kind hearted and independent. They’re inquisitive and clever with a solid circle of friends and a select group of passionate pursuits. Apprentices are interested in downloading apps but don’t know where to start. Don’t be fooled by their shy appearance. There is a wild side just waiting to get out!

nairobiosophy: The why, how and where.

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