Reports: Hulu, YouTube Set To Make Headway In The UK
If Hulu and YouTube have their way, it may not be long before UK citizens are spending a whole lot more time in front of their computer screens. One fresh report says Hulu will possibly launch in the UK this September, while another claims YouTube is close to sealing some deals over full-length UK TV shows.
Purchasing Decisions Not Made Through Social Networks
While the majority (83%) of Internet users are actively involved in social media, less than 5 percent use social sites for research about making purchases, according to a new report from Knowledge Networks.
Additionally, only 16 percent of social media users say they are more likely to buy from companies that advertise on social sites.
Hulu Takes Advantage of its Competition
While measurements of Hulu’s audience have been disputed recently, there is no question that the site, while certainly gaining popularity, still has quite a ways to go before it catches YouTube.
Hulu has lemonade to make of such lemons, however as its YouTube channel (yes, it has a YouTube Channel – who would’ve thought?) is the tenth most popular channel on the online video leader’s site. And that’s of all time.
Facebook App Directory Overhaul Launched
Update: Facebook launched the App Directory, App Verification Program, and ne App Profile Pages today.
Original Article: In the coming weeks, Facebook will formally launch its App Verification program, a new Application Directory, and new App Profile Pages, a spokesperson for Facebook tells Murdok. Each of these will allow users to more easily discover and interact with the applications that are most relevant and valuable to them, they say.
Over Half of Britons Working From Bed
When one thinks of gadgets for use in the bedroom, one doesn’t think of a laptop. But then again, one may not be British.
According to a survey by Credant Technologies, a quarter of UK employees can’t keep their hands off their mobile devices for work purposes, even in bed. Of those who work until it’s time to sleep, 57 percent spend 2-6 hours a week at it despite their partners finding it “very annoying.” So much for eating crackers, eh?
YellowSpaces Launches Local Search App For iPhone
Local search engine YellowSpaces has introduced a free application for iPhone and iPod Touch users called "iLPS."
iLPS offers maps and driving directions with one tap, helping users get where they need to go. Mobile searchers using iLPS are presented with a map view first, allowing them to decide which business location they want based on how close it is to them.
Once a selection is made, additional business details are offered including the business phone number, address, website along with driving, biking and walking directions.
New Google Reader Feature Spotlights Chatty Cathys
Here are a few simple facts: some people talk more than others. Also, some people are more interesting than others. And a new Google Reader feature called "Friends trends" may help you determine how the folks you interact with online score in both of these categories.
Social Media A Stumbling Block For IT Pros
A survey of 1,300 IT professionals worldwide conducted by Websense reveals a majority of IT managers are still unsure what constitutes Web 2.0, and are ill-equipped to combat security concerns associated with social media.
About 95 percent of businesses allow access to social media in the workplace, and 86 percent of IT managers surveyed reported being pressured to expand social media accessibility—most often from marketing, sales, and C-level executives—despite security concerns.
Smartphones See Solid First Quarter Growth
Global mobile phone sales totaled 269.1 million units in the first quarter of 2009, a 9.4 percent decrease from the first quarter of 2008, according to Gartner.
Smartphone sales surpassed 36.4 million units, a 12.7 percent increase from the same period last year.
Don’t Expect a Facebook IPO for a Few Years
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg spoke at the Reuters Global Technology Summit on Tuesday, and declined to confirm recent reports that the company had held discussions regarding $150 million in funding (as reported by VentureBeat) and turned down $200 million (as reported by TechCrunch).