Yet another week has flown on by, and of course the internet world has been changing rapidly just like usual. With so much to do and so little time, it can be hard to keep track of everything that's going on and changing. Don't worry, though, we have you covered!  From tech to social media to marketing and more, here's what you may have missed:

Social Data Startups

Lots of companies make money by analyzing social data such as public posts and tweets.  Recently they've been getting a lot of validation from the news.  For example, Apple just picked up the social data startup called Topsy, which they paid $200 million for.  Some other social data startups to keep an eye on are the San Francisco-based 140 Proof, DataSift, Gnip, and Lithium Technologies, which is also based out of San Francisco.

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Spotify

Spotify is planning on making its music service free. They plan on launching their free mobile tier on December 11th at a press event in New York.  However, this doesn't mean that users will get unlimited on-demand access to music.  It will still be less restricted than if you were to listen to playlists or collections you've previously collected.  There have also been hints that more secrets will be told at the press events coming up soon.

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Tweet-a-Coffee

Starbucks started a new program where friends could buy a coffee for their friends through Twitter.  Since its launch in October, this program prompted around $180,000 in purchases.  Out of all the 27,000 fans that used the program, 34% of them bought multiple purchases.  And even more astounding, 32% of the purchases so far occurred on the very first day of the launch.  A research firm, Keyhole, tracked all of the activity of the program.  They believe Starbucks has made a healthy profit from the program, considering the startup of it cost relatively little.

 

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Elfster

A lot of people this year have been using the relatively new website Elfster.  Haven't heard of Elfster?  That's okay, we'll explain.  It's an online, free, Secret Santa organizer and social platform of gift giving.  The site even has their own perfect algorithm for gift giving: Elfster Gifting Social = One Part Wishing + One Part Shopping + One Part Social Networking + One Part Gaming = Tons of Fun.  It's interesting to see how even the simple act of gift giving to friends and family can be digitized in this modern day and age.

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Google Patent

 

Google recently submitted a patent for software that learns how users respond to social media posts and then automatically recommends updates and replies they can make for future ones.  Patent applications don't always lead to anything.  The patent office might take years to make a decision, and we don't know what that decision will be.  Even then, if the patent is approved, the software may not become something popular and wildly used by droves of individuals.  Once the news gets more popular, it will be interesting to see how people respond to the idea of social media updating itself on your behalf.

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It's been a busy week, but the coming weeks are bound to be even busier with the holidays fast approaching. Even if you can't stay up-to-date on all the goings-on of the internet, don't fret, we've got you covered. Check in next week to see the week's recap.  For any questions regarding social media optimization, contact a Blue Archer Professional.

Michelle Hawley

Digital Content Writer

@BlueArcherPGH