1. Majority of Marketers Expect to Increase Spend in 2021, Big Focus on Automation (AdExchanger)
A CMO Council survey of 200 global marketers reveals that 65% plan to boost their investments this year, according to CampaignUS. 10% of marketers plan to reduce their marketing budgets year-over-year while 24% expect to keep their investment stable. Marketers are keen on spending on technology, automation and transformation in 2021.
2. Facebook Planning Newsletter Tools to Court Independent Writers (NYT)
The social media giant is working on newsletter tools for journalists and writers as part of its Facebook Journalism Project. The product could include features to help writers build their followers on Facebook, curate their email lists and offer paid subscriptions.
3. Apple’s Tim Cook Criticizes Facebook’s Business Model (9 to 5 Mac)
Speaking at an EU data protection conference on Thursday, the Apple CEO said valuing engagement over privacy leads to ‘polarization’ and ‘violence.’ Cook covered Apple’s stance on privacy and security in the technology industry, the hope it sees for change going forward and its deep concerns with Facebook’s business model.
4. Google Uses Search Pop-up to Fight Proposed Law in Australia (LiveMint)
Google is showing Search users in Australia a new pop-up to warn them about the implications of the news media bargaining law, which the tech giant says will force it to pull its search service from the local market. US tech giant Google stepped up its public relations campaign against Australian regulation on Friday, presenting all search users Down Under with a “proposal” to water down planned rules.
5. YouTube Readies its TikTok Rival – Tests in India First (Business Insider)
YouTube is gearing up to challenge TikTok with a new feature called ‘Shorts’ that will allow creators to upload brief vertical videos. It has been testing Shorts in India after first announcing the feature in September, Business Insider reports. YouTube joins Instagram Reels and Snapchat’s Spotlight in the race for primacy in the short-form video format.
6. Gambling Apps are Coming to Google’s Play Store in the US and 14 Other Countries (The Verge)
The change in Google’s Play Store policies will now allow gambling and betting Android apps in 15 more countries, including the US. Previously gambling apps were only allowed in four countries: Brazil, France, Ireland and the United Kingdom. The new rules will be applicable from March 1, 2021.
7. Peacock Hit 33 Million Sign Ups Before the Office Even Arrived (TheWrap)
NBC Universal’s Peacock streaming service hit 33 million sign-ups in the fourth quarter, parent company Comcast reported on Thursday. This is an addition of 11 million subscribers since the third quarter. While the company’s overall revenues beat Wall Street’s expectations, Comcast continued to see the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on its filmed entertainment and theme park divisions.
