9.3.2015
Good to Know: Ever wanted a Van Gogh? No problem. German researchers have figured out an algorithm to “paintify” any image into one of the classics. And, it only takes an hour.
THE SKINNY.
Slap on the Wrist – Tsk, Tsk …
Starting November 1, Google is taking matters into its own hands search results by demoting sites that use “interstitial” ads in mobile search.
Inter-what Now?
“Interstitial” ads are basically those annoying full screen pop ups you sometimes come across when searching a site on your smartphone. These ads either prompt you to continue viewing the site’s mobile version or to download an app.
It’s Only Because We Care …
Google says it’s got users’ back on this since interstitial ads create bad user experiences. But, Jeremy Stoppelman, CEO of local review site Yelp, isn’t buying it. Stoppelman says that the Google machine is only in it for itself. In other words, he thinks Google wants to cut down on app usage in order to maintain its head honcho position in search. #FightingWords
What Else Is Going On?
They’ve Got Woes (Legal Ones) in Different Area Codes …
Yesterday, we told you about Uber’s legal troubles state-side. And now, it looks like things are brewing abroad. For one, Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff has been pretty vocal about the ride-hailing app putting regular taxi folk out of work. Major cities and Cade, the country’s antitrust body, are at odds. Mayors of cities like Brasília, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro have all expressed intention to ban the app and are considering whether to make it official. Cade, on the other hand, sees the benefits of increased competition. Meanwhile, back on the ranch in China, Uber is sparring with local competitor Didi. Both companies are pulling out all the stops to focus on their core customers, but Didi is taking home court advantage and maintains about 80% of the market. Uber isn’t backing down and has set up Uber China to help raise funding and develop relationships. Why stop there? Of course not! Uber is also tapping into the African market. In its latest move, it’s formed partnerships with Kia and Access Bank Plc to make it easier for drivers in Lagos, Nigeria to get cheaper car deals. The Nigerian market has serious potential with existing drivers completing about 2 million trips this year so far — double from last year. But, there are some challenges. Other than heavy traffic and poor mapping capabilities, smartphone adoption and usage are still slim – coming in at only 10% of the country’s 148.5 million mobile subscriptions.
If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em …
Online streaming services like Amazon and Netflix don’t display ads during your viewing sessions, and Hulu is taking some cues from its competitors’ playbook as it looks to step its game all the way up. For $11.99, Hulu is willing to offer users ad-free content with about seven exceptions. When it comes to major hits like Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, New Girl, etc., Hulu plans to still show ads along with those shows even if you get the ad-free subscription. Sometimes, you just can’t shake old habits! With increased competition, Netflix’s shares got low, low, low, low – dropping even more after an 8% decline earlier this week.
One Day You’re In, The Next Day …
Natalie Massenet, founder of Net-a-Porter (Net) – a luxury e-commerce site, is saying auf Wiedersehen to her own company after 15 years. Although Massenet intended to bring luxury and all the feels of exclusivity to the Internet, Net struggled with profits. Richemont, the site’s parent company, saw a merger with Yoox, an Italian mail order retailer, as the viable fix. Turns out not everyone agreed. Carmen Busquets, an early investor in Net, once said, “…I question the logic of these two companies together, and of the new personnel structure.” Massenet was set to become the joint company’s chairman but is stepping down in advance of the merger. Massenet, OUT!
Oh, the Possibilities …
Sony is probably, maybe getting into the smart car game alongside Google and Apple. Its CEO Kazuo Hirai isn’t completely ruling out a full-on plunge into developing Sony cars, but for now, it simply wants to expand its smartphone camera sensor technology to cars. Speaking of cars, Tesla’s Elon Musk announced that Model 3, its $35K mass-market car will begin production in about 2 years, but car enthusiasts can start pre-ordering them in March 2016. In the meantime, if you have $135k laying around, you can pick up its Model X on September 29.
The Streets Are Talkin’
Twitter is still looking for a CEO, but in the meantime, it wants Jeff Seibert to take over its products team and think through how to improve its service moving forward. No pressure!
itBit, a Bitcoin exchange, has filled its General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer role. Daniel Alter is the man for the job after his three-year stint as General Counsel for the NY Department of Financial Services.
Snapchat is looking to grow its business and has tasked former Facebooker Anthony Pompliano in doing just that.
In non-new hire related news, cybersecurity start up Tanium recently raised $120 million and is now valued at $3.5 billion.
Oh, and Verizon got a new logo too.