Best Buy Super Bowl ad puts phone, app makers in one place
updated 07:15 pm EST, Sun February 5, 2012
Best Buy kicks off tech-driven Super Bowl ads
Best Buy as part of a promo has started the run of tech-focused Super Bowl ads with a segment pitching its mobile stores. The ad unites both the inventors of phone technology, such as Philippe Kahn (the camera phone) and Ray Kurzweil (text to voice synthesis) with those making newer hardware and software. Key inventors behind Instagram, Shazam, Square, Words With Friends, and others find their way into the 30-second clip.
Words With Friends' promo gives a nod to Alec Baldwin's airplane incident.
The promo itself gives a $50 gift card to anyone who volunteers to upgrade their phone at the store before the end of 2012 on one of the four major national carriers. It works for as many lines as a person has on an individual or family plan, and can count towards the phone itself or towards an extra.
Best Buy has usually been counting on extras such as post-sale setup and exclusive color options to drive sales. The new promo is more direct and a clearer attempt to fight off carrier deals.
