What’s happened this week:
- Facebook acquired Branch Media for $15m to form a new “Conversations” group internally, and connect users around their interests
- Groupon moves into the fashion flash sales market through the acquisition of Ideeli
- Paypal streamlines the online purchase process with a new “in-context” check out feature
What we have learned:
- 73% of brand tweeters also tweet about TV according to new research by Nielsen
- Usage of mobile messaging app’s grew 203% in 2013, more than any other app category
- Amazon are planning to deliver you products before you buy them, with “anticipatory shipping” according to a patent filed in December
Cool stuff:
- Google are working on smart contact lenses that measure glucose levels for diabetes sufferers
- RaceYourself is a Google Glass app that gamifies the get-fit experience
- Umoove allows you control mobile games with face gesture and eye movement
Where to find more:
- Google’s acquisition of Nest for $3.2bn – an OS for the home or a home invasion? Analysis and perspectives from Forbes, Wired, MIT and New Scientist
- The Social Log-in War neatly laid out in this nice infographic
- From digital doors to connected toothbrushes – 6 Internet of Things companies to keep an eye on
