According to Bloomberg sources, Facebook is working on developing an app to compete against Apple’s Find My Friends app. I’m assuming that the app would have a map with thumbnails of friends based on where they have checked in.
Samsung is spending $1.1 billion on a new Samsung Strategy and Innovation Center (SSIC). The SSIC will be a “global engine to accelerate innovation and to drive new business creation.” The company will have three offices worldwide and will give the opportunity for the company to interface with entrepreneurs outside of the company. Samsung will also provide mentorship for new businesses.
Jawbone was initially known for developing high-end Bluetooth headsets and they have expanded further into developing active tracking products with a focus on health. To bolster their presence in the health market, Jawbone has acquired two companies: San Francisco startup Massive Health and Portland based design company Visere. Massive Health is known for designing the Eatery mobile application.
Twitter has acquired Bluefin, a TV analytics company. This acquisition is believed to be Twitter’s large acquisition to date. Twitter definitely spent over $40 million on the acquisition since that is what they spent on TweetDeck two years ago.
Twitter counts their tweet volume in tweets per minute. Twitter reported that 24.1 million tweets was sent out about the game and the halftime show. After Beyonce’s halftime show concluded, around 268,000 tweets about it was being sent out per minute.
Former first lady Hillary Clinton has been serving as the U.S. Secretary of State under President Barack Obama between 2009 and 2013. She announced her resignation recently, but before stepping down she launched an initiative called the Alliance for an Affordable Internet.
IGN is an online entertainment company that focuses on video games, films, music, and other media content. Since IGN’s parent company News Corporation is reorganizing their business, they sold the company to Ziff Davis‘ parent company j2 Global.
Twitch is a video game broadcasting and chat community that lets gamers watch live streams of other gamers. The company has been relying on advertising as their primary source of monetization, but they have now launched an $8.99 per month plan to provide ad-free viewing. Twitch Turbo users will be able to stream events, matches, and tutorials without any pre-rolls or overlays.
