iPhone App Creates New Channel to Engage Photo Community in the Photo Moment

Responding to the immediate success of its Nikon Learn & Explore iPhone app, Nikon Inc. and digital communications agency Isobar have announced a new version of the popular app, featuring new categories of informative and inspirational photo content. Learn & Explore Version 2.0 will be available for free at the iTunes App Store this summer.

The Learn & Explore app was first introduced last fall for photo enthusiasts of all skill levels as a direct extension of the NikonUSA.com website. Since its launch, the Learn & Explore app has created over 55,000 hours—or 6.3 years—of consumer interaction with the brand. Additionally, the app hit #2 most popular photography app in the US in the iTunes App Store in late October 2009, and has been expanded to 22 countries.

On the backend, the Learn & Explore app is fully integrated into Nikon’s enterprise content management system. On the front end, the app allows iPhone users to read and bookmark informative and inspirational articles from the site, and provides free access to “Nikon World" magazine. iPhone users also get access to Nikon digital assets such as stunning images, video lectures and slideshows. iPhone users can share all of the Learn & Explore content with their social network through Twitter and Facebook.

“One of the key priorities for a manufacturer like Nikon is to find ways to create a direct, meaningful connection with consumers,” said Bryant Shea, VP, Content and Mobile, Isobar. “We recognized that the mobile channel created the perfect opportunity to build a bridge to photo enthusiasts and engage them where and when it matters most, but the response to the Learn & Explore app has far exceeded our expectations.”

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the phenomenal response we’ve received for the Learn & Explore app,” said David Dentry, General Manager, Customer Relations, Nikon Inc. “We worked hard to create a mobile experience that shares a common goal with our consumers by giving them valuable, inspirational content – no matter where they are – that helps make them better photographers. After having seen how people are using it, we’ve been able to really blow out the features in version 2.0, that we think will mean the most to our community of users.”

Isobar has been working with Nikon USA since 2007 and is the agency responsible for creating Nikon’s current website at www.nikonusa.com.

About Isobar North America, Inc.
Isobar is a full-service digital communications agency that combines digital strategy, creative, media, technology, and measurement to drive brand success in today's technology-driven, consumer-controlled world. Formed by the merger of Ammo Marketing, Freestyle Interactive, Mindblossom and Molecular in 2010, Isobar North America's team of more than 200 digital experts have been transforming the way the world's biggest brands reach, connect and engage with consumers since the Internet's inception. Its clients include adidas, Nikon, Northwestern Mutual, Procter & Gamble and Reebok. With locations in Boston, New York, San Francisco and Toronto, Isobar North America is an Aegis Media Group company. For more information about Isobar North America, please visit www.isobar.com.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-UX or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.