Social Media Platforms Are No Longer a Free Gateway
Net neutrality has officially been repealed, reversing the 2015 Obama administration decision. What is Net Neutrality? It prevents big boy companies like AT&T, Verizon & Comcast from having any say over what you can access on the Internet or the capability to upcharge for accessing certain sites. The repeal grants broadband companies the power to potentially reshape Americans’ online experiences, meaning that in the near future, users may have to pay extra to access Instagram or Facebook. FCC chairman Ajit Pai said, “We are helping consumers and promoting competition. Broadband providers will have more incentive to build networks, especially to underserved areas.” He believes the decision will benefit consumers, providing a variety of different services. What do you think? (Source: NY Times & CNN)
Target Faces off with Amazon
Target is challenging Amazon by offering online shoppers a same-day shipping experience. The mega discount store retailer has agreed to purchase grocery-delivery startup Shipt Inc. for $550 million in hopes of being able to deliver goods from local Target stores to consumers’ doors. At $99/year, Tar-jay shoppers get unlimited, same-day free shipping to satisfy those shopping sprees. Gone are the days of going to Target to buy one thing and ending up with a cartload of purchases when you can find twice the amount of stuff you don’t need online and get it the same day. (Source: Bloomberg)
Design Your Own Lenses for Snapchat
Yesterday, Snapchat launched Lens Studio, an AR developer tool that allows anyone to place interactive, imaginary 3D objects in their photos and videos. Lens Studio is free for Mac & Windows users and its open platform allows outside graphic designing noobs to help create and offer AR experiences beyond those designed in-house. Snap’s VP of engineering and camera platform leader Eitan Pilipski says, “There’s something magical about coming back every day and finding that there’s a new experience.” The app already has ⅓ of its daily users playing up to 500 years worth of their already built-in AR. Oh Snap! (Source: TechCrunch)
