The Link Tax is on its way
A new (link: https://campaigncollective.org/2017/02/03/comms-teams-must-be-vigilant-on-link-tax/ text: Copyright Directive) has been put forward to be considered by the European Parliament to enable charging when a site links to news websites. Should the directive be passed, this could spell difficulty for marketers such as ourselves here at Superdream when it comes to linking to big news sources for the news we update you with. With worries and (link: https://savethelink.org/ text: petitions) across the web, marketers are concerned that the tax will stifle innovation for online services and only enhance big news sources further. We’ll be bringing you updates and news as and when information gets released.
Google Search Ranking update
In one of our previous Digital Digest posts, we brought you the news of rumours regarding an unknown (link: https://www.seroundtable.com/google-no-comment-search-update-23408.html text: Google update) which had an effect on traffic and rankings for websites. Currently there is no confirmations from Google employees regarding the update with many of them being quite vague and confirming that Google “always make changes”. Should there be more news or updates, we’ll be sure to detail this within the Digital Digest post.
2-Step verification for Whatsapp users
With security being more and more of a concern across messaging apps and social media, Whatsapp have confirmed that they have rolled out a (link: https://www.scoopwhoop.com/WhatsApp-Rolls-Out-2Step-Verification-To-Its-Users-Heres-How-You-Can-Activate-It/#.3kkntnrvk text: two-step verification process) to enhance security for users. Current users can change settings to enable the two step verification which allows you to create a 6-digit passcode as well as your phone number when you sign into Whatsapp.
iPhone 8 is to have wireless charging
Apple’s upcoming iPhone release, thought to be in September of this year, is rumoured to have a new (link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2017/02/14/iphone-8-come-wireless-charging-apple-move-hints/ text: wireless charging feature) alleviating the need to plug the device into a socket. The way it will work is by placing the phone on an inductive surface which will enable it to charge. Other rumours regarding the new iPhone includes removing the home button and instead utilise the fingerprint ability to unlock the phone as well as having a curved OLED screen like competitor Samsung. We’ll be keeping an eye out for potential features, release dates and other information regarding the new iPhone.
Pavement lights created to help ‘Smartphone Zombies’
A town in Netherlands has announced the roll out of (link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-38992653 text: pavement lights at pedestrian crossings) to help catch the eyes of people using their phones whilst crossing the road. The lights change colour to match traffic signals with red encouraging pedestrians to stop and green enabling the pedestrians to continue walking across the street. The lights have been placed on a trial basis amid many concerns.