HT @CBInsights Two new Amazon blockchain initiatives: Amazon Quantum Ledger Database is a private blockchain for companies to store/track data cryptographically. Amazon Managed Blockchain platform will help clients create/scale their own blockchain networks. But is the notion of a managed blockchain a contradiction in terms?
NBCUniversal debuts a machine learning tool to help brands place ads around scenes relevant to their product, by analyzing scripts, CC data, visual descriptors
More than half of all learning apps available target preschoolers, but few actually teaching them anything. Developmental experts cast a critical eye on how app-makers need to improve.
HT @benedictevans If the aim is to be a commodity platform to sell absolutely anything, then everything has to be automated and nothing can be specific to the product. The problems come when you try to sell a 2-year warranty to a wire brush, Subscribe & Save for a bassoon strap, or Amazon Dash buttons for the morning-after pill!
HT @nycmedialab Amazon is negotiating with brands to include Alexa in holiday campaigns in exchange for product performance data and Alexa skill development assistance
Amazon Teen encourages kids 13-17 to make their own purchases thru their parents’ Prime account. Amazon is using Snapchat to target teens. This brings up regulations about advertising to kids. For example, U.K.’s Advertising Standards Authority says anyone under 16 is a child
Walmart launched interactive site that lets kids take on role of “official toy tester” for 20 toys. The “toylab” is one of the first collaborations between Walmart and Eko, which Walmart invested $250m in
Google and ALA launch Libraries Ready to Code website, Grow w Google workshops for digital skills, and a $1m sponsorship to create a pool of micro-funds for local libraries to bring digital skills training to their community
Apple’s Entrepreneur Camp is a free two-week camp, for female founders. It includes one-on-one coding assistance from Apple engineers and sessions on design, technology and App Store marketing.
@HarlequinBooks announces Feel Good Project, including Creator Fund to attract a wide range of new and established female content creators w financial grants to storytellers + opportunity to complete their manuscripts with Harlequin
Congrats to @DVpit_ for reaching a milestone – 100 success stories! #DVpit is a Twitter event created to showcase pitches from marginalized voices that have been historically underrepresented in publishing.
Until 12/4 if you purchase from my company thru http://PRH.com, @penguinrandom will donate to @worldreaders. A $1 contribution for each purchase ensures 1 new eBook for students in Worldreader programs. Also PRH renewed a donation of over 500 diverse titles for use by Worldreader #TeamPRH
RT @FirstBook Now through Jan. 1, every gift made to First Book will be matched by a book donation from our partners @penguinrandom! Donate now to double your impact for the educators and kids we serve
This stellar free WMG event on 1/24 at 12:30 is with Susan Brady (author of Mastering Your Inner Critic) and Sally Helgesen (author of How Women Rise). If you’re not a WMG member and are interested, let me know!
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