The News
The Olympics start on Friday, although some of the football games have already been played, Facebook have launched avatar layouts and other features, Google has timetables and results , and Twitter has launched hundreds of emoji.
In not so good news Theranos, the medical device company that launched devices to run blood tests on tiny samples has been under fire from scientists, partners and regulators. It’s a brilliant concept but the technology needs far more testing and proof, and the CEO remains under fire this week when she presented at a US conference.
Bitcoin exchange Bitfinex was hacked, with 100,000 of participants’ bitcoin stolen, causing the exchange to suspend trading at least temporarily.
Tip of the week
Building a social media presence takes constant effort, here’s a guide to daily/weekly activities per platform. I’d suggest choosing key platforms and designing your own checklist.
Platform developments
Twitter is working on new ad options, some have already been tested by a few of the larger advertisers. The performance dashboard that goes with this will improve how you manage campaigns.
Instagram adds “stories”, a short film and editing option that disappears after 24 hours. It’s a feature that seems designed to beat snapchat. GE and other brands have found ways to use Instagram stories.
Social Media; the fab and the flawed
IKEA had some fun with their “Let’s Relax” video – poking fun at our need to overshare. It’s arty, funny and fab.
From my blog
It was Barack Obama’s birthday yesterday, he’s one of a handful of world leaders who “gets” digital and takes a stand on promoting it.
For an amusing take the startup world I have a book recommendation for you, it’s serious but with enough humour to make it a summer read – Disrupted: My Misadventure in the Start-Up Bubble by Dan Lyons.
Fantail Consultancy 