Twitter’s feed has been living in the past in regard to visual content for years, but now it integrates previews of photos and Vines to bring something other than text and links to its primary means of presenting content. No longer will users have to click through blind links to see photos on the service. Certainly, this is a minor update that should have taken place long ago, but its effects could be felt in a big way as Twitter grows and begins to create a service closer in look and feel to more familiar social media formats.
Category: Percolate
Netflix Wants To Bring Blockbuster Movies Online On Release Day
The idea isn’t as bold as the headline might suggest, but it’s an interesting play from Netflix: the streaming service is looking to make its own feature films that would debut digitally and in theaters simultaneously. Off the back of its successful show series, the idea doesn’t seem too far-fetched; nonetheless, putting together a feature film is another level of commitment entirely. Nonetheless, Netflix has recognized the fact that consumers want the movies in all formats simultaneously, and is banking on this strategy.
Anticipatory Computing Meet Advertising
Wearable computing is no doubt on the rise with a host of health devices, home appliances and that respond to your behavior and environment. Traditional banners and display won’t do in these new categories, but there is an opportunity for predictive recommendations. For instance, your washing machine knows its low on detergent and recommends Tide, or your fridge suggests a Betty Crocker recipe based on its contents. Just look at Nest, Fitbit or LG’s smart appliances for proof that this trend is not so far on the horizon.
PDP Releases Xbox One “Eye-Patch”
For Xbox users who own Kinects, the spectre of privacy infringement looms large. Indeed, with the Xbox One and the Kinect 2.0, Microsoft has had to reassure customers that their hardware won’t be used for spying on living rooms and people’s lives. For customers who remain unconvinced, PDP is now selling a solid layer of plastic over the device’s infrared and color camera sensors – for just $20 on Amazon. It retains the important voice control of the Kinect, but ensures that Microsoft can’t see into users’ lives. If products like this sell, it will prove just how hesitant consumers really are about new technology and privacy implications.
Newspapers Test The Waters On Instagram
While visual brands have gained traction on Instagram, newspapers have been more reluctant on the platform that boasts over 150 million users. A lack of embedded links and no form of monetization are likely the detractors so see if Instagram will begin to support these on the brink of their advertising debut. For the time being, a host of publishers like the NY and LA Times are beginning to use it for their lifestyle stories supplementing with short form video.
LG Unveils LG Flex
Beyond all the traditional specs that you’d associate with a quality smartphone, LG and Samsung have entered into what seems like an oddly-shaped battle: the two manufacturers are trying to out-curve each other. The Galaxy Round features a horizontally curved screen, while the LG Flex has a vertically curved screen. Supposedly, the curved screen optimizes the phone for the average face and improves visual and audio quality. But for the moment, the curved models have yet to prove any real market penetration. We’ll only be able to see whether consumers take to the idea in a few months’ time.
YouTube Plans Spotify For Music Videos
YouTube, the number one destination for music is preparing a premium on-demand music video service that looks a lot like Spotify. With both free and premium models, users get access to a breadth of music that is organized by album and artist in a way that makes it a more lean back experience than YouTube currently offers. Amidst serious competition from Spotify and Pandora and a precedent of free services, can YouTube breakthrough the clutter?
Kate Spade Brings Window Shopping Into The Future
We all know window shopping is usually the first step to purchase so why not enable checkouts from the sidewalk? Kate Spade & eBay have installed interactive kiosks that allow you to purchase items, with different products featured in the window display. The products are also delivered in an hour so it has the same quick turnaround as in-store. While it’s buzzworthy during store hours, it should provide utility after closing.
WWE: A Case Study On Second Screen Effectiveness
If there is anything to be learned about WWE’s wildly successful second screen initiative, it’s placing a premium on audience participation. From airing video responses from viewers to audience polling that affects storylines, the WWE is committed to making their viewers active participants. Their second screen programs bring viewers far closer than Twitter can, and yet most of the second screen efforts fail on that front. An auto check-in or character list is not a close enough tie-in to sustain attention across screens.
Hulu Enables Free Mobile Viewing
Hulu’s decision to package short clips for free on mobile is a smart move for the internet TV giant. It serves as a highlight of last night’s TV action, is appropriate for the “snackable” nature of mobile and will serve to convert users to paid subscriptions. With mobile video viewers increasing from 63.7 million to 74.4 million over the last year according to eMarketer, Hulu is well positioned to capitalize on the growth.
