AdMob extends interactive mobile video promos to Android

Google-owned mobile advertising network AdMob is introducing interactive video and interactive interstitial ad units optimized for applications running across the Android smartphone platform. According to AdMob, the rich media units identify a device's screen resolution, size, and network connection speed to serve users the optimal viewing experience; ads may be placed either at app-open or in-app. AdMob first launched the interactive video ad format on iPhone devices in November 2009, and since that time it has run more than 120 video and interactive interstitial campaigns worldwide in tandem with clients like Universal Pictures, Best Buy and Seattle's Best Coffee.  

AdMob credits the Android launch to demand from advertisers seeking to reach a cross-platform audience as well as publishers desiring to maximize their revenue potential. AdMob adds that "interstitial ads are reserved for developers of the most popular and engaging iOS and Android apps," but does not qualify how such apps are pinpointed.

Google acquired AdMob for $750 million in late 2009, officially completing the deal this May after the Federal Trade Commission voted 5-0 to approve the merger. The FTC's decision came as a surprise given that reports stated both Google and AdMob expected the agency to block the deal over antitrust concerns--lawmakers said their initial concerns were overshadowed by growing competition in the mobile ad segment, led by rival Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iAd effort.

For more on the interactive Android ads:
- read this Google Mobile Ads Blog entry

Related articles:
Google steers mobile advertising into hyperlocal relevance
Google launches location-aware mobile display ads
Google expands click-to-call ads across content network
Google Search for mobile adds app results
Google AdWords goes mobile across Android, iPhone