We Are Social’s Monday Mashup #390
Twitter is giving users globally a new way to save and revisit tweets, without having to engage with them. Starting this month, users will now have access to a new share icon beneath a tweet which will include the option to add to their Bookmarks – and the best bit, only you will know you’ve bookmarked something. Twitter has also used this update to introduce several other sharing options, including sharing a tweet via direct message and sharing it outside of the platform.
Twitter wins Formula E live streaming rights in Japan
Last week, the social network announced it had secured the rights to broadcast the live stream of the next ePrix in Mexico, in partnership with Formula E. Live streaming has been one of Twitter’s biggest priorities over the past 12 months, particularly around sporting events, and Formula E now sits alongside other notable wins including the platform’s partnership with Fox Sports to stream a live show on this year’s World Cup in Russia, and an ongoing deal with the U.S. National Football League.
Facebook calls time on Explore
After continuous testing and tweaking of two iterations of its Explore feature – the first bring a dedicated tab to showcase relevant content from new pages and sources; and the second incarnation a separate feed for all content from pages – Facebook has finally admitted defeat and called time on the long suffering feature. The decision came after feedback that users didn’t want to engage across two separate feeds and insight from the platform itself that the division of content was less necessary following recent updates regarding the prioritisation of user content over brand pages.
Facebook wants to help you find your next job
Following a year of testing in the United States and Canada, and a further £720m investment, Facebook has announced the expansion of its job-finding function to more than 40 countries – including the UK. Job-seekers will soon be able to subscribe to alerts about jobs and fill out applications, which can be completed automatically with information previously shared via the network – such as employment and education history. Facebook hopes that in the future the platform will become “the go-to employment network for job-seekers”.
YouTube launches AI ‘green screen’ feature for videos
For those YouTube users lucky enough to be taking part in the platform’s limited beta Stories trial, the team at Google has developed a new AI-powered tool which will enable content creators to swap out the background of their videos in a similar way to a green screen. As tests of the new technology continue, YouTube hopes to “integrate it into Google’s broader Augmented Reality services” if successful.
Snap prepares two new versions of Spectacles
According to a new Cheddar report, Snap is currently working on two new versions of its wearable tech – Spectacles – the first of which is currently being manufactured, and could be available as early as Autumn. The 2018 version is set to feature new colours and a water-resistant body, and the planned third generation is set to feature two additional cameras which will supposedly allow users to add 3D effects in recorded videos. Despite past consumer response to the Spectacles, which forced the company to write off close to $40 million in unsold inventory, the latest Specs will also come with a hefty price hike.
Twitter celebrates women in first-ever Oscars ad
Twitter ran the 60-second ad during Sunday’s Oscars broadcast to celebrate women with the hashtag #HereWeAre, as part of a broader call for female empowerment. The black-and-white spot featured prominent women from the entertainment industry reading poetry, ending with the words “this is how you create a new world”. As well as its call to support female empowerment, Twitter also wanted to make a statement that its platform is one to help elevate underrepresented voices and that it’s dedicated to tackling the bullying culture which has in the past smeared its reputation.
We stand with women around the world to make their voices heard and their presence known. To bring them front and center, today and every day. Join us as we say #HereWeArehttps://t.co/bVXGJ1NibP
— Twitter (@Twitter) March 5, 2018