This week’s picks are in! Check back each week for news on all things digital and tweet us @Spyder_Trap to share what you’re excited about in the world of digital marketing and technology.
1) Windows 10 Brings Back the Modal Start Menu
Microsoft decided to skip over naming their new OS Windows 9 and jumped right into Windows 10. Naming conventions aside, Microsoft paid attention to the poor reception of Windows 8 and is trying to clean the slate by reintroducing a true start menu. Get the technical preview at Microsoft.com. Warning: The preview is a very early version of the new Windows build, so it may have bugs and may not run some software programs that you use on a daily basis.
2) Bing / Yahoo Own Roughly 30% of Search Market in the U.S.
Speaking of Microsoft, their affiliation with Yahoo’s ad network has created a case for paid media campaigns to include a Bing Ads strategy. Bing Ads allows AdWords campaigns and Google Shopping product feeds to be imported into Bing Ads accounts. According to U.S. search engine market share statistics, Bing and Yahoo own almost 30% of the search engine market. This opens up a window to reach beyond the roughly 68% of search users that are using Google.
3) Samsung Adds Oxygen Saturation Measurement to its Phones
Using the sensor on the back of your Samsung phone, you can now measure your oxygen saturation. New functionality also allows you to measure your sleep. Some of the new health-focused features require a compatible wearable device, such as UV exposure and weight loss monitoring. You can download this update by going to Galaxy Apps on your Samsung device.
4) Android is Unbeatable
According to Strategy Analytics, Google’s Android operating system shipped with 84% of all smart phones globally for the third quarter of 2014. Android’s open source software development model and low device price point combine to put the web in the hands of global citizens. Seamless integration with Google apps and services also draw those already in Google’s ecosystem into the Android universe.
5) BlackBerry Messenger: Now You Can Take Back Your Texts
If you have ever instantly regretted a text that you just sent, then BlackBerry feels your pain. One of the new features of the newest version of their BlackBerry Messenger service is called message retraction and it allows you to remove a message that you sent and instantly regretted sending. Another new feature is timed messaging, which can be likened to Snapchat’s vanishing content feature. Read the full story.
