While you were catching up on sleep and all your favorite shows during the recent snowstorm, Circuit City was busy finalizing plans for their comeback this spring, Facebook was getting ready to launch live streaming through their iOS app, and AdBlock Plus was recovering after getting un-invited to attend the IAB’s Leadership summit. Read on for more of what you might have missed…

No longer is the Daytona 500 track the only place where major races happen… 

The audience targeting race between Facebook and Google has paved the way for some of the most extraordinary advertising tools such as Facebook’s Custom Audience and Google’s Custom Search. Though it seems Facebook has fallen behind Google, which reported a 37% increase in programmatic display advertising spend and a 34% increase in conversions, while Facebook only saw an increase in 22% in growth and 17% in conversions. Even more so, Google recently announced the development of a smart mobile-messaging app that will compete with Facebook Messenger. It’s safe to say, we’re excited to see what exciting new tool will launch as a result…

We’re saying WAHOO! for Yahoo! for YouTube

From YouTube to Yahoo!, these recent advertising updates are ones for the book. Yahoo! recently announced that advertisers will be able to buy native ad inventory on Yahoo!-owned websites. Similarly, Google has been working with YouTube with the goal that Super Bowl advertisers will use YouTube’s instant ads instead of Twitter’s real-time ad options. Speaking of YouTube, Forrester predicts that within a decade, half of U.S. viewers under 32 will not subscribe to pay for TV service suggesting that YouTube should be the new go-to for advertisers.

Google is going frugal

Google announced they will be removing some search APIs on February 15, 2016, and has provided the alternative of the Google Custom Search API for their users. As we say goodbye to some APIs, we can say hello to a new tool for users through the “What’s Hot” & “What’s Nearby” search option for Android users. Google is also also teaching us how to do yoga with their New Search Cards within their app. And… while people aren’t technically supposed to creep on your emails, Google is about to make social sharing easier by providing the ability to share links to social media right from your email message.

Your out-of-office message may need some tweaking…

Clients and customers are about to be able to reach you not only through phone, email, fax and text, but now through your beloved social apps. From releases of platforms such as the previously mentioned Facebook for Businesses or LinkedIn’s messaging capabilities, social media platforms have been working hard to gain a larger share of the business audience. WhatsApp recently announced the release of a new tool that will allow users to communicate with businesses and organizations. Similarly, a new startup, Caliber, is being named the app where “WhatsApp meets LinkedIn,” by enabling users to chat with business contacts rather than having to fuss with email.

To Like or not to Like the new social media updates? ‘Tis the question…

Twitter upgraded their connection with Periscope through the added ability of broadcasting live videos and replays accessible right within your Twitter feed. Twitter is also looking into 10K tweet lengths, meaning you could almost have an endless number of characters to express yourself! Similar to Twitter’s change of heart to the ‘Like’ button, Facebook released 6 Reaction buttons in over 6 different countries. While we’re on the subject of expression through apps, if you’re into swiping right, you’ll be happy to see that Tinder made some updates that allows the use of GIFs and Emoticons, as well as the ability to upload your own photos.

Plug in, and enjoy the sounds of the ride

Okay, so now that 90% of the population has a connected device within 2-3 feet at all times, and teen interests in mobile apps have shifted from well-known apps such as Facebook to other apps such as Kik, it’s time to sit back, strategize and develop a plan to enhance the mobile experience. Google has already made its stride at making smartphones smarter through their recent partnership with Movidius. Uber is also now providing an express delivery service for anything, including deliveries from major retailers. In the race against Spotify, Pandora added a Browse section that helps users discover new music, and Amazon is working on their music platform which was deemed by the New York Post as the ‘Spotify Killer’.

To learn more on the topics covered in this series, please visit the website of Carousel30, a Capitol Communicator sponsor.