Denuo - denuology.com

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Sorry about that.  This week’s issue was taken over by the World Cup’s digital vuvuzela, found inside, along with a whole bunch of other digital extensions to the planet’s favorite sporting event.  Also, we watch a digital behavior go analog as “Liking” something creeps into the real world, a classically-trained violinist playing the first level of Super Mario Bros. (not how you think), and the technology of today getting a decidedly-retro graphic design makeover.  Finally, New @ Denuo  recaps our involvement with The Betacup and how changing our coffee-drinking habits could save the planet from environmental destruction.

Download the issue here!

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Thanks to my internship, I have acquired an appreciation for Latin. My lesson on Day #1: Denuo means “anew”, “afresh.” It embodies our approach to exploiting the constantly changing digital, interactive, and mobile space. As the wide-eyed intern, I have gotten to hang out with the coolest nerds in the industry. Inspired by Rishad T.’s advice to “not let these guys beat me to a pulp”, I have taken a deep-dive into the world of Denuo, eager to learn how they work their marketing magic.

You know those people who have a natural sense of direction? Who seem to just know how to navigate new neighborhoods, where to turn right or left? Who can give a map a once-over without furrowing their brow? I am not one of those people.

In fact, about a month ago, I got lost on my 0.1 mile walk to work off the Clark/Lake stop. I somehow managed to head west on Lake Street and walked in squares around Clark, LaSalle, and West Wacker. I even annoyed not one, but two, busy-looking people on the street by asking which way West Wacker was. At this point, it was 8:54am and I was getting dangerously close to being late, so I hailed a cab to work (I’m serious.) Quite possibly the most embarrassing $5 I ever spent.

It got me thinking: I am one of those people who should get a smartphone. I’m constantly looking up train schedules, walking directions, restaurant menus, movie times, concerts and events information. When I’m out with friends, I always have to ask two questions: 1) “Where are we going?” and 2) “Who has a smartphone?”

Last week, Denuologist Matt Story participated as a speaker at the 2010 Digital Hollywood Spring event in Santa Monica, CA. A collection of leaders from the media, creative, technology and entertainment industries gathered for this three-day event exploring topics ranging from smartphones to online video to music to Hollywood to videogames.

Matt’s panel focused on the strategies, market and rewards for games, music and content. It also specifically spoke to the rise of SmartPhones, iPads and digital tablets. Joining him on the panel was Stephen Jackson, President and CEO of Smashing Ideas; Jason Henderson, Games Product Manager at Verizon; Michael Schade, CEO and Co-Founder of Fishlabs; Daniele Calabrese, Founder and CEO of sountrckr; and Jennifer Cooper, Founder and Principal of Rocket Spark Media, who also participated as the panel moderator.

This officially marks Saneel’s last week at Denuo. Conveniently, volcanic ash seemed to keep him far away from us (i.e. Vienna) until hours before our rousing farewell party at Vertigo at the Dana Hotel in Chicago. Coincidence? We think not. But we do know that he will miss us…and the feeling is mutual.

Saneel has long been a driving force inside of Denuo. He helped put Play on the map; gave Denuo a voice in the social space via Denuology; and turned Denuo’s team of hybrid talent mongrels into Alchemists. He even tried to make Transformers and Snuggies cool.

So, before he takes off for the Big Apple and settles into his new role at BBH Labs as Director of Media Innovation, we wanted to share our gratitude and support via Saneel’s favorite method of communication: witty tweets.

Below are some short, heartfelt farewells to our creative leader. We wish you well in the land of even more pretentious creative hang-outs, foodie-worthy restaurants and places to buy matching shoes and watches.

XOXO,
Us