Google Gadget Ads Launches in Beta

Andy Beal reports that Google Gadget Ads have launched in Beta to select advertisers through the Google Content network. The new ads will be available on a CPM or CPC basis and will run through Google's auction model. According to the information page for Google Gadget Ads, the new system aims to give advertisers new ways to engage the audience of their content networks. I've taken a look at some of them, and I see some interesting potential.

Andy points out that some of the beta users are having good luck with the system.

Pepsi-Cola seems particularly pleased with the initial results.

"We're always looking for new ways to engage with our consumers," said John Vail, director, interactive marketing, Pepsi-Cola North America in a statement. "Google Gadget Ads allowed us to reach the right audience at the right time, with an interactive message that brought our light-hearted Sierra Mist campaign, 'Squeeze More out of Summer,' to life."

Of the ones I've seen so far, my personal favorite is the ad for the Nissan Altima Coupe that shows live traffic information by zip code.

It's a good example of a company offering a branded widget related to their product rather than simply running a Flash based ad.

(You can see more examples of Google Gadget Ads here.)