1. Pandora’s 21-Month Study
Pandora has just finished a 21-month study, surveying close to 35M listeners. The researchers divided Pandora users into 9 groups that were each served different kinds of ads. Some groups received twice as many ads (up to 12 ads per hour), which resulted in decreased listening. It also found older age groups were more likely to switch to an ad-free paid subscription service and those under age 24 switched platforms entirely. Pandora has struggled in the past trying to keep up with the competition. Spotify has no problem getting subscribers, as 71M out of their 150M users are paying for a premium service.
(Source: Wired & The Hustle)
2. Facebook’s Data-ing App?
During Facebook’s F8 developers conference, Zuckerberg promised a dating service for “more than just hookups.” This move will likely put Facebook as a top contender to Match Group, owner of Tinder and OkCupid. From what we have heard, this opt-in feature will be integrated into the main Facebook app. To make things spicy, your friends will not be able to see your dating profile and your potential matches will be outside your Facebook friend circle.
(Source: The Verge)
3. Tesla Sued for Patent Infringement
Nikola Motor Company claims that Tesla’s all-electric Semi infringes on their hydrogen truck startup patents. The two companies, when put side-by-side, spell out the first and last name of the famous inventor Nikola Tesla. Unfortunately, their business relationship is not as cohesive. Nikola Motor Company is asking for $2 billion in patent damages.
(Source: The Verge)
