It might sound familiar already, that’s probably because Google Workspace was previously called G Suite. The search giant introduces the new brand identity along with enhanced integration between included individual apps. On the brand identity side, the most noticeable change other than the name change is the new Gmail logo, which is now a colorful “M”, replacing the envelope icon. The logo shift is meant to represent the tweaks made to the service earlier this year, with the incorporation of video conversations and real-time chat. Google obviously sees the need to make its move on potential competition including Slack, Zoom, Facebook and Microsoft Teams. Hence, Meet’s video conferencing being built into Docs, Sheets and Slides, in order to the user fewer reasons to want to switch platforms. With Covid and many more of us working at home, the improved integration makes total sense. While we do find the numerous icons in the brand’s company roster of apps and features a bit confusing visually, they are “more Google” or on brand. We are big believers in giving new identities some time to be used and accepted. Fair enough?
Month: November 2020
The celebrity advertising campaign lives on with Apple and the evolving Mac
Another installment of the under appreciated “Behind the Mac” advertising campaign debuted during Apple‘s “One More Thing” special event last week. The new advertising spot again featured celebrities, musicians, journallists or notable people who use the machine to create music, television, movies and more. Set to Raury’s “Take Back the Power,” the ad transitions between photographs and video clips of Kendrick Lamar, Gloria Steinem, Billie Eilish, RuPaul, Tarana Burke, Spike Lee, Stephen Colbert, Takashi Murakami, Iris Apfel, Saul Perlmutter and Lisa Simpson. They are all featured using a Mac (surprise, surprise) and according to Apple, have all participated in the commercial “honor” SMASH.org, an organization that seeks to build a diverse tech workforce by providing equal access to STEM for students of color. The commercial is another typically beautifully produced spot from the tech giant. We especially like the music and voiceover, “There’s a certain kind of person who doesn’t take no for an answer. They don’t walk in quietly. They parade in, trailblazing, eyebrow-raising, status quo-breaking, grazing greatness, braving hatred and taking up space. Never got a set at the table so we can’t sit and behave. We’d rather defy the rules and amaze. There’s a certain kind of person who doesn’t wait for greatness. They make it.” Yes, and btw, we love our new Macbook Pros…
With challenges, come progress + victory
After launching full-coverage swimsuits and hijabs to help make swimming more inclusive, Nike has just debuted a new Victory Swim ad that is another inspiring piece of advertising. The ad by longtime agency Wieden + Kennedy begins with a mom teaching her young daughter how to swim. It then cuts to women diving into pools, strapping into scuba gear, surfing the waves, and rowing along the water, showing all the places you can go and things you can experience when you learn to take that first plunge. As the daughter swims away on her own, her mom declares, “Don’t stop now!” Beautifully shot and scripted in signature Nike style. Empowering is a great thing these days. Girl power!
