Order Food Directly From Search Results Now!
A new feature has been integrated by Google in the search results so users can directly order and pay with Google Pay. Previously, Google’s search results would provide links to food delivery services when users would search for restaurants or types of food. These links would prompt users to download or open a third app. With this new feature, users can search for and complete their orders from the same place. This update is rolling out to Search, Maps, and Assistant.
Media companies leverage regional language content app Helo on a large scale
Social media platforms have been strengthening their partnerships with digital media platforms over time. The number of digital media companies on Helo, a platform specifically created for India, has increased by 200% since its launch less than a year ago. Companies are using it to post news and updates. There are around 20 digital media companies like ScoopWhoop Hindi, Sportskeeda and Digit on Helo. Facebook, according to media reports, was in talks with Indian content based startups for investments in sectors like news.
Google changes privacy policy affecting ad retargeting
In the face of growing privacy concerns, Google plans to crack down on third-party cookies in its Chrome browser. Third-party cookies help advertisers target digital ads, and Google’s move might have big ramifications for dozens of ad-tech companies. Last week Google announced that it planned to roll out new controls in its Chrome browser that let consumers block advertisers from serving ads which use third-party cookies. Instead of using cookies, Google recommends advertisers use first-party data such as log-in information or email addresses.
Pinterest creates new opportunities for advertisers
Pinterest plans to invest in analytics, international expansion and tailor-made solutions for SMEs. They have doubled the international markets to serve ads, streamlined retailers’ ability to upload their catalogs to Pinterest, and have made video available for all advertising objectives. Their goal is to try and help small and medium sized businesses. They are planning on letting advertisers put up their campaigns on their phone, and check via analytics as to how their campaign is performing.
TRAI is mulling to regulate OTT platforms
OTT apps are governed by the IT Act, but are not licensed currently. Carriers have been demanding that OTT players also be regulated under the principle of ‘same-service, same-rules’. The OTTs argue that this would stifle the innovation offered by them. TRAI is trying to avoid any legal cases due to the non-level playing field. Viewing TV shows on apps is still an urban phenomenon. It is yet to reach the mass scale that OTT apps in communication have.
Instagram improving UI/UX in order to promote IGTV
Instagram is now copying TikTok and Snapchat with their use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and interface design.The idea is to make it more immersive so we can see the breadth of videos on IGTV rather than the horizontal scrolling interface. IGTV, which exists both as a standalone app and as a homescreen button on Instagram, failed to bring must-see original vertical content. The download numbers for the app suggests that less than half the users who use Instagram – the photo messaging app – have downloaded the IGTV app. The IGTV videos recently started being shown as part of Instagram’s normal feed to help boost user engagement.
Only Indian firm to be listed in the top 10 most downloaded – MXPlayer
4.8b downloads in just 3 months, MXPlayer tops in app installs. The growth in app installs in India is closely tied to the growth in new smartphone owners, particularly Android users. The number of downloads is the continuation on the trend of more accessible data pricing, which in turn grew the demand for online entertainment amongst Indians. The mobile connectedness of India is what inspired firms to bring more solutions to the country, and increased their ability to scale.
Amazon works on a gadget that will read human emotions
The wrist-worn gadget is described as a health and wellness product. It’s a collaboration between Lab126, the hardware development group behind Amazon’s Fire phone and the Alexa voice software team. The idea of the product is to determine human emotions by analysing vocal patterns. It is unclear how far along the product is, however, Amazon is known to give their teams wide latitudes to experiment with. Since Amazon’s efforts to rival smartphone software companies Apple Inc. or Google have failed, they have been trying to make Alexa unique in other ways.