Want to catch up with what happened in the digital world this week? Our weekly cheat sheet will fill you in on everything you missed while you were scrambling to meet deadlines and put out fires!
This week, read about Facebook mobile DAUs surpassing desktop, the Blackberry 10 launch, YouTube launching a paywall for premium channels, Foursquare for businesses, and Shazam’s second-screen experience for Super Bowl.
1. Facebook mobile DAUs exceed deskop for the first time
For the first time ever, Facebook’s mobile daily active users have surpassed those of desktop users in Q4 2012. 680 million of monthly active users are using their mobile devices to access Facebook which is a 57% increase since last year. Their mobile advertising accounted for 23% of overall ad revenue, up from 14% last quarter. As people continue to transition from desktop to smartphones and tablets, brands should also monitor this behavioral shift when looking to connect with consumers.
2. RIM makes a comeback with BlackBerry 10 launch
On Wednesday, RIM (now renamed as BlackBerry) launched their new mobile operating system,BlackBerry 10. They have launched 2 new phones, the BlackBerry Z10 which is touchscreen only and the BlackBerry Q10 which retains their iconic keyboard. There are a few notable software features as well. BlackBerry Flow allows users to hide or scale down windows to navigate through your desktop. The Hub feature aggregates notifications from text, email, and apps all within a centralized location. The operating system also allows users to maintain both personal and work accounts onto a single device.
3. YouTube launching paywall for premium channels this spring
How do you feel about paying to watch content on YouTube? Starting this spring, YouTube is planning to launch a paywall on select premium channels in an attempt to drive content producers and TV viewers away from the traditional TV. The subscription plans will range anywhere from $1-5 a month charging for content libraries, live streams, and pay-per-view. It is very likely that this new paywall will have backlash from consumers — how do you feel about it?
4. Foursquare launches stand-alone management app for businesses
Foursquare has launched its second stand-alone app called Foursquare for Business. The app, available on iOS and Android, allows businesses to manage, create, and push content featured on Fourquare. Business owners will be able to view total check-ins, number of likes, and their top customers. This new app will allow businesses to provide customers with more real-time updates and specials going on at the store.
5. Shazam continues to experiment with the second-screen for the Super Bowl
Shazam is hoping to enhance their app to provide a second-screen interactive experience to watching Super Bowl. If brands make their ads recognizable by Shazam, users are able to access exclusive content like product information, store locators, or even behind-the-scenes video content. For now, users can tune into the Super Bowl this Sunday to Shazam the game to access stats and information and even Beyonce’s performance to get links to her songs.
