Lots of people have been asking us what we predict from 2012. The past year was so exciting with so many developments that no doubt the next year is going to be a great year for mobile advertising. Here is our look into the crystal ball…

We already discussed with you last year the demand for all things tablet. In the coming months we are going to continue to see the rise of the tablet and iPad. By 2016, they expect to sell 87.8 million tablets. We are seeing that advertisers and developers who create ad units built specifically for tablets are experiencing phenomenal user engagement. Developers have really started acknowledging and taking into account the fact that tablet users have a radically different user experience and consume content and media in a very different way compared to other mobile devices such as smartphones.

What’s the lesson for 2012? In the coming months it will be important that advertisers and developers recognize the different strategies and products required for tablets as opposed to other mobile devices, and develop strategies and ads with tablets specifically in mind.

Read more: Mojiva Blog

WPP Group’s Kantar Media is stepping up its digital game in China, acquiring a pioneering local agency that helps marketers leverage the power of social media.

CIC is a leader in providing analysis and insights based on information gleaned from China’s vibrant social-media outlets. Its ability to collect and analyze chatter about a certain product or brand in real time has made it highly valuable to marketers seeking ways to better engage with Chinese consumers online.

Some of CIC’s longterm clients include PepsiCo, Nike, L’Oreal and Dell. The company was founded in 2004 and has more than 60 social-media consultants. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

China has 513 million internet users, up 12% from a year earlier, according to the latest government figures. More than 70% of them are on social media, said Sam Flemming, founder and chairman of CIC.

Read more: AdAge