After the recent elections fallout, the Iranian government has been trying to cut every possible way of communication to the outside world. Journalists are not allowed to enter Tehran and some Iranian officials are even accusing England of inciting the demonstrations taking place at the moment. Iran has turned into “I ran” the hell out of there before getting shot.

Historically Iran has been a country where freedom of speech is forbidden and media is controlled by the government. This time around, Iranian citizens have turned to the use of non-traditional media (blogs, twitter, youtube…etc) to broadcast the truth to the world. In this context the mobile phone has become an instrumental part for reporting events as citizens use it to take pictures and record videos that find their way to the internet in a matter of minutes. In the current climate it’s easier and safer to walk around with a mobile phone than with a camera. The broadcasting can take place on the go without the risk of doing it at home and get detained by the law enforcement (which would normally mean that your life is as valuable as a farm in the middle of the desert).

Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) admitted selling a surveillance system for “lawful intercept functionality” to the Iranian government, powerful enough to pinpoint the exact location of every phone, listen to every call, read any SMS and watch every video or picture sent. Basically they have full access to any mobile phone operating within the country. Despite all that, new videos, posts and pictures are showing up every day for the world to see. After so many years of oppression Iranians are so fed up, that they’re willing to take the risk and show the world what is really happening in their country.

The sad part is that contrary to other concepts like the GoogleMap mashup Ushaidi monitoring the 2008 elections in Kenya or recent ones adopting the same model (Nigeria, Lebanon and Mexico for example), Iranians don’t have the chance to put their data in a central location. Some videos and short messages have made their way to YouTube and Twitter, but the rest are scattered around on the internet like a message in a bottle.

Once again the mobile phone has prove to be a powerful ally in the fight for social change. Allahu Akbar.

“Mankind Is No Island” by Jason van Genderen. The winner of the 2008 shortfilm fest Tropfest NY, entirely shot using a mobile phone in NY and Sydney. Thanks Pedro Lopez for bringing it to my attention. If you are wondering what does this have to do with Advertising? absolutely nothing… isn’t that great. I like the video because is a great showcase of the quality that can be achieved using a mobile phone and great imagination.

So what if: the spots are no longer produced by Agencies but by the consumers themselves using the mobile phones. A network of people sharing video tips about just any possible product you want to buy. Telling real stories about brands and breaking up with the deceiving world Advertising often portrays. Eventually this will lead to better quality products.

So what about the experience or the story that the brand allows me to tell? quality and trust are the best values you can get from any brand. Brands that already have it have nothing to worry about, brands that don’t… Well, they should get better or die.

It sounds like YouTube?… The problem with YouTube is the clutter, there is so much of everything, that is hard to find exactly what you’re looking for. I am thinking more about a platform dedicated exclusively to help consumers find the best products for the best price.

Sadly to say I find the community aspect of Qype extremely lame. Personally I am not interested in meeting anyone there since the website is aimed for a different purpose than socializing with people.

They have a pretty decent iPhone App called Qype Radar available in the app store for free.

Created by Violet a  french company focused on creating personal, informational and non-intrusive products, yet maintaining a cutting-edge status on the digital age. All Violet founders have an Internet-related background which allows them to come up with a delicate balance between design and technology.

This funny looking gadget has an open source SDK that allows developers to create new applications and also an online community where owners can share the latest tips and tricks.

The little guy, moves around its ears and switch its multicolor lights on every time it wants to communicate with you. It comes in different colors and accessories (like colored ears) are available for buying. Starting at 99 euros, this little bunny will probably sell faster than everyone expects.