Today's headlines

Mobile email has become crucial for brands. However, marketers need to move beyond bland formats by incorporating multimedia into their campaigns to stay ahead of the game.

Registration is open for the second annual Mobile FirstLook: Strategy 2013 conference Thursday, Jan. 17 featuring speakers from Coca-Cola, Sephora, Nissan, Museum of Modern Art, Citi, MillerCoors, Seamless and JetBlue. Must-attend event for brands, retailers, agencies and publishers.

NASCAR is turbo-charging its mobile strategy for 2013 with a revamped Web site that leverages responsive design and a new application to enhance the viewing experience for fans.

The 2012 holidays marked a turning point in the history of mobile marketing with more campaigns and shopping conducted on smartphones and tablets than in years past. This free, hour-long webinar tracks mobile marketing's progress over the holidays, lessons learned, left-field surprises and best practice for 2013.

Mondelez International has selected nine start-ups to participate in its Mobile Futures program and help shape the future of the industry.

Mobile Commerce Daily today - Why the mobile wallet will reign in 2013; Hertz enhances rental experience with ability to change reservation via mobile.

News briefs - WPP supports mobile strategies on a global scale with Globant deal; Phunware acquires TapIt to create new mobile ad network for apps; Nook ereader, tablets sales were down over the holiday.

Luxury Daily today - Hublot bridges print, digital gap via QR code; Land Rover pushes emotional buys via first Range Rover commercial.

By Bob Gold

What can marketers and retailers expect with mobile payments in the year ahead? Here are some trends that may become mainstream.