As companies from Google to Best Buy turn their attention to mobile advertising, could 2010 be the year when the medium finally makes its mark?

Given the widespread popularity of devices like Apple's iPhone, and the increasing interest among advertisers in augmented reality, it seems that the stage could be set for real developments in this area.

However, according to eMarketer, the research firm, mobile advertising spend in the US reached just $416 million last year, showing this channel is hardly mainstream as yet.

Similarly, the (understandable) conservatism observable on the part of many brands during the recession may exert a negative influence in this area.

But maybe the early adopters will be the ones that stand to gain the most in the long term...