What An iAd Looks Like

One of the key differentiating features of Apple’s iOS4 – besides folders and multitasking – is the ability for advertisers to serve up iAds – which we hope are context-dependent. A detailed video is now available of one of the first iAds launched as of today, for the Nissan Leaf (the first mass market electric car).

The iAd looks like it could easily be an app; it allows you to customize your car, learn about key features – including comparative miles per dollar- via an engaging, informative interface. The difference is that you don’t download it voluntarily at the app store – a banner may pop up while you’re browsing the news, for instance. Clicking on the banner will then launch the iAd application, without launching your browser.

Not nearly as intrusive as one might expect, it’s not entirely unlike the paid links already included in some free apps one might download – you have to elect to launch the full experience. Half content, half advertising – it has the power to inform if you’re in the mindframe to buy a car – or you can ignore it if you’re not.

Nissan Leaf iAd Announcement