This week’s picks are in! Check back each week for news on all things digital, and by all means tweet us @Spyder_Trap to share what you’re excited about in the world of digital marketing and technology.
1) The Future of Storytelling
Some super-savvy creatives met in NYC this week for the third-annual “Future of Storytelling Summit.” The two-day event also featured some cool technology including a 20-sided speaker that captures 3D sound, a choose-your-own-adventure based video creation platform, and a mobile accessory that emits combinations of scents. What will they come up with next, right? Take a look at the highlights.
2) Phablets and Fast Fashion
Fitting the new iPhones into your pocket has become a real challenge for some. Amazingly, the fashion world is already responding. American Eagle, Levi’s, L.L. Bean, H&M, and J. Crew say they are adjusting their designs to accommodate the 4.7 inch tall iPhone 6 and the 5.5 inch tall 6 Plus. Mashable tested out the new iPhones compared to various retailers’ pocket sizes via video this week.
3) Google: Penguin Refresh May Roll Out Next Week
At Search Marketing Expo East, Google Trends Analyst Gary Illyes announced that a major re-write of the Penguin algorithm that took Google almost a year will hopefully launch next week. Google says the update is designed to make both users AND webmasters happy. Complaints from webmasters have been common. Largely, because refreshes have been painfully slow. Penguin 3.0 will support faster refreshes, perhaps on a monthly cycle like Panda, said Illyes. Again, the release may be delayed if tests show issues, but Google is optimistic. Read more from Search Engine Land.
3) Facebook Responds to Real-Name Enforcement
Facebook came under fire in LGBT communities this week after accounts by well-known drag performers were disabled on accounts where they did not use real names. Historically, Facebook has required users to provide a “real” name to prevent bullying, trolling, impersonation, etc. However, Facebook’s chief product officer issued an apology to the LGBT community this week along with a promise that the company will build better tools for flagged accounts. This comes as new social network Ello is causing an LGBT exodus from Facebook due to new anonymity and ad-free features. Read more.
5) Facebook’s Atlas Platform Allows Cross-Device Targeting
On the heels of Facebook shutting down ‘like-gating’, they’ve released what could be the most powerful tool in their history for advertisers. Facebook’s cross-device targeting ad platform will allows advertisers gain more eyeballs and be smarter with their ads. In their words, this update is, “game-changing in our ability to understand the consumer journey and correctly value and budget our mobile ads efforts.” Read more here.