Making the mobile Web a livelier place for Apple users, YouTube has finally added live video streaming to its iOS app. “Along with live streaming users can now enjoy their ‘My Subscriptions’ feed on the Guide, which gives them access to the latest videos from all of the channels they follow,” WebProNews reports. “Today’s update allows users to queue up videos to play on TV.” 

Accelerating the rise of mobile computing, Web pages on portable gadgets load about 30% faster than they did a year ago. That’s according to new data from Google, which contends that mobile speeds increased due to improved browsers, more powerful mobile devices, and more LTE/4G networks. “The average page load times on mobile are now comparable to desktop page load times,” TechCrunch notes. 

At least initially, Google Glass will not serve as a new channel for brands to spread their messages. Rather, Google's terms of service explicitly forbid ads on Glass client apps, as well as charging fees for Glass apps. That said, “It's important not to read too much into this,” The Verge writes. “The terms could always change down the road.” Also, we expect Glass developers to demand a viable revenue model at some point. 

Seeking premium video content and advertising, Twitter is reportedly ready to sign separate partnerships with Viacom and Comcast’s NBCUniversal. Twitter has “held talks with Viacom about hosting TV clips on its site and selling ads alongside them,” Bloomberg reports, citing sources. “Twitter has also discussed a content partnership with Comcast’s NBCUniversal, said two of the people.” 

Om Malik sees great significance in online eyewear brand Warby Parker opening its first physical retail location. “Warby Parker wants to go where no online brand has gone before -- toe-to-toe with offline brands,” Malik writes in GigaOm. “And while the business might be traditional, there is nothing traditional about the Warby Parker approach.” For one, the company is developing a data group, not to mention using sensors, Wi-Fi and other technology in its new store. 

Joining Apple, Google, and other gadget innovators, Microsoft is reportedly eyeing a “smart watch” of its own. “Microsoft … is working on designs for a touch-enabled watch device,” The Wall Street Journal reports, citing sources. “One executive said he met with Microsoft's research and development team … But it's unclear whether Microsoft will opt to move ahead with the watch.” 

The latest cyber security legislation is dividing tech giants -- which are pressing for more government action -- and smaller tech firms and privacy activists. “Last year, these two camps joined forces in a powerful protest that stopped a piracy bill favored by the entertainment industry,” The Los Angles Times reports. “Now they find themselves pitted against each other, trying to find a middle ground between increased security and protecting privacy.” 

In an unprecedented move, Google has agreed to legally binding changes to its search results following an antitrust investigation by European regulators. Yet, “Google will not have to change the algorithm that produces its search results,” The New York Times reports, citing sources. Rather, Google is agreeing to clearly label search results from its own properties. 

Apple is reportedly close to signing its first Web radio licensing agreement with Universal Music Group. The record company has reached the “final stages” of its negotiations with Apple, and Warner Music is close behind, sources tell The Verge.  “Apple is expected to launch a web radio service similar to Pandora's later this year, provided that executives there can strike an agreement with Sony Music Entertainment as well as music publishers.” 

Google this week unveiled a tool for managing one’s digital afterlife. “Google users can choose whether they want their information deleted or to name a beneficiary, as in a will,” The New York Times’ Bits blog reports. “Users can have different directives for different products -- deleting Gmail and Drive but sharing Picasa and YouTube content, for instance.”