Engadget
Google appears to be backtracking on its stated plan to block adult content on Blogger. “After coming under fire over the introduction of a retroactive change that would ban sexually explicit images and video … the search giant has told users that it will crack down harder on the publishing of commercial porn instead,” Engadget reports. “Maybe Google realised [sic] it would see a mass exodus of users jumping over to Tumblr.”
The New York Times
It might not be for the N.F.L., but an increasing number of professional sports leagues are taking a Web-first approach to reaching audiences. As The New York Times reports, the World Surf League is one example. “The World Surf League’s successful web-first broadcast strategy is at the leading edge of a gradual transformation taking hold in sports television,” NYT reports. “As more and more viewers move online and audiences become more global, the professional leagues have all adopted streaming as an important way to attract younger fans around the world.”
Mashable
In the wake of the runaway success of "Serial," Slate has launched Panoply -- a platform that gives content creators the opportunity to launch podcasts with the support of its framework. Launch partners include The New York Times, Huffington Post, and New York magazine, to name a few. “The platform is not entirely open,” Mashable notes. “Only partners that the company thinks are viable will be able to tap its resources.”
VentureBeat
Reddit plans to donate 10% of its ad revenue to charity, and it wants users to help. Last year, the content aggregator said its racked up just north of $8 million in ad revenue -- around $800,000 is doing to a good cause chosen by its community. “We want to show that advertising doesn’t just support the reddit platform, it also directly supports the causes and goals of reddit as a whole,” the company said in a statement.
The Washington Post
President Obama is expected to sign an executive order Friday that pushes companies to share cybersecurity threats with each other, as well as the government. “The order is advisory in nature and comes as the White House will kick off its first summit on Cybersecurity and Consumer Protection at Stanford University on Friday,” The Washington Post reports.
USA Today
Google is helping Mattel take the View-Master into the 21st Century. Yes, as USA Today reports, “Mattel is teaming up with Google on an upcoming virtual reality-based View-Master that is infused with Google Cardboard VR technology.” Unveiled in 1939 at the New York World's Fair, or original handheld 3-D viewer used with custom cardboard "reels" containing small color slides.
9To5Google
YouTube is reportedly experimenting with a new “Radio” feature, which builds on its existing “YouTube Mix” playlist service, and offer nonstop radio station based on the currently playing video. “The feature … is described as ‘a nonstop radio station based on the current video,’” 9To5Google writes, citing a report in Google Operating System. “Users will be able to customize the experience somewhat with options to ‘like, dislike and dismiss videos to tailor your Radio Station to your taste.’”
TechCrunch
Amazon just launched a simple tool to host giveaways of any kind. “Anyone is eligible to run these sorts of promotions on the platform, though … the feature will likely attract authors, marketers, brands, bloggers, sellers and others looking to raise awareness about themselves, their products, or those who want to engage their audience using promotions,” TechCrunch reports. Amazon’s shipping capabilities are tied directly into the new service.
TechCrunch
As Facebook continues to encroach on its local directory business, Yelp is looking to expand into other areas. This week, the public company announced the acquisition of Eat24 -- a U.S. food delivery business. “Yelp is paying $134 million for Eat24, with $75 million in cash and the rest in Yelp shares,” TechCrunch reports. “It will give [Yelp] more contact points with restaurants, [and] it will help the company shore up its core listings business with another revenue stream.”
The Hill
At a critical moment in the history of digital security, Apple CEO Tim Cook is scheduled to speak at the White House cybersecurity summit on Friday. At the event, “The White House is expected to reveal its next executive action on cybersecurity at the summit. Of particular note, “Cook’s remarks will come amid a debate between tech companies and law enforcement officials over encryption.”