Digital publishing news for February 18, 2014
The New York Times is reporting on the mystical world of Google Plus. Publishers will be interested to hear what The Economist thinks about Google’s social network. Claire Cain Miller writes, “The Economist has more fans on Google Plus than on Facebook — six million versus three million — and its journalists use Plus features like Hangouts. Chandra Magee, The Economist’s senior director of audience development, emphasized the value of Plus as a search engine optimization tool.” Miller spoke with Chandra Magee, “There is potential there to help us get in front of new audiences,” she said. “But it also helps with our S.E.O. strategy because our posts on Google Plus show up in our search engine results.”
Starbucks also recognizes the link between Google Plus and search rankings. Miller writes, “When we think about posting on Google Plus, we think about how does it relate to our search efforts,” said Alex Wheeler, vice president of global digital marketing at Starbucks.” Have you seen your Google Plus profiles impact your search ranking? Let us know.
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Has Adobe Killed e-Readers?
Michael Kozlowski writes, “Adobe has issued a proclamation that starting in July, the vast majority of e-reader apps and hardware devices will not be able to read purchased eBooks anymore.” This is due to Adobe new encryption system that launches in July. Adobe will begin lobbying eBook app developers and companies in March to get them on board with their new encryption system. Kozlowski adds, “Adobe is betting that their new book encryption will not be broken, due to them not sharing the source code of the new book format. They also hope to unveil a new “always online” form of DRM within the next two years. This will function the same way most games work that require you to always maintain an internet connection to verify the authenticity of the book.”
6 Billion Web Connected Gadgets
Media Daily News is reporting that there will be 6 billion web connected devices in use by the end of the year. Gavin O’Malley writes,”That’s 6.18 billion units, to be precise — up 6% from the 5.82 billion gadgets that connected users to media and marketers, in 2013. If accurate, the jump will represent the market’s biggest increase in four years — when it saw a 10% hike in production in 2010 — according to IHS Technology.”
Here is another crazy statistic, “Between 2015 and 2017, an estimated 19.42 billion new devices will enter the market, according to IHS.” I hope recycling technologies grows, as well.
Hearst UK Launches New Mobile
What’s New In Publishing is reporting that Hearst UK has launched new mobile sites for Elle UK and Company. “The launches respond to the increase in mobile traffic across Hearst’s portfolio of brands, growing 70% over the past six months. ELLEUK’s mobile audience now makes up 30% of its total monthly users, while 45% of Company’s monthly online users are now from tablet and mobile devices.”
New CEO at GateHouse Media
Talking New Media is reporting that Kirk Davis has been named the new CEO of GateHouse Media. D.B. Hubbard writes, “Davis has been with GateHouse Media since 2006, most recently serving as President and Chief Operating Officer. Mike Reed, previous Chief Executive Officer GateHouse Media, will be taking the role of Chief Executive Officer of New Media Investment Group Inc.”
