Twitter Changes the Update Button to “Tweet”
March 11, 2010
When Twitter users go to post a new tweet, they have in the past used a button that says "update" (at least from Twitter.com...that varies when you get into all the different apps Twitter users use). Now, that button says "Tweet".
We're not sure exactly when the change was made, but it appears to have been very recently, as there is quite an outpour of Tweets from users mentioning that they are now seeing the "tweet" button. Perhaps this is Twitter way of asserting some kind of ownership of the word and the brand that it carries.
Twitter made "retweeting" an official feature last year, after the community-born practice grew to mainstream use.
Interestingly, Retweet.com just sold for $250,000 this week.
The tweet button isn't the only new thing going on with Twitter's website this week. Twitter is currently in the process of rolling out geolocation features on the site, after having had such capabilities available via the API since November.
Twitter CEO Evan Williams will be speaking at SXSW early next week (WebProNews will be there covering it). We may get more interesting news from the company there (some expect an ad platform to be announced).
Update: Looks like some have noticed this for at least a couple days.
Twitter Changes the Update Button to “Tweet”
March 11, 2010
When Twitter users go to post a new tweet, they have in the past used a button that says "update" (at least from Twitter.com...that varies when you get into all the different apps Twitter users use). Now, that button says "Tweet".
We're not sure exactly when the change was made, but it appears to have been very recently, as there is quite an outpour of Tweets from users mentioning that they are now seeing the "tweet" button. Perhaps this is Twitter way of asserting some kind of ownership of the word and the brand that it carries.
Twitter made "retweeting" an official feature last year, after the community-born practice grew to mainstream use.
Interestingly, Retweet.com just sold for $250,000 this week.
The tweet button isn't the only new thing going on with Twitter's website this week. Twitter is currently in the process of rolling out geolocation features on the site, after having had such capabilities available via the API since November.
Twitter CEO Evan Williams will be speaking at SXSW early next week (WebProNews will be there covering it). We may get more interesting news from the company there (some expect an ad platform to be announced).
Update: Looks like some have noticed this for at least a couple days.
FTC Takes Closer Look At Google’s AdMob Deal
March 11, 2010
The "Facts about Google's acquisition of AdMob" page Google established in November of last year apparently hasn't satisfied the Federal Trade Commission's curiosity. A fresh report indicates that the FTC has stepped up its investigation of the deal by seeking sworn declarations from third parties.
This isn't a good sign for Google. Todd Shields and Dina Bass heard about the FTC's move from "people with direct knowledge of the matter," so the affair appears to have developed beyond rumor stage.
Also, after talking to Stephen Calkins, a professor of law who used to serve as General Counsel of the FTC, Shields and Bass reported that the FTC tends to seek declarations "'when they think there is some significant chance' the agency will ask a court to block a merger, or seek to modify a deal."
Google's been running into more and more antitrust trouble as of late. From the problems with its book digitization project to a European Commission probe, the search giant's been held up on several fronts. It wouldn't be surprising if something - such as this AdMob deal - becomes a breaking point.
Still, asking for sworn declarations isn't the same thing as strongly objecting. It remains possible the FTC will give Google's acquisition of AdMob a green light.
Schmidt On China: “Something Will Happen Soon”
March 11, 2010
Two Google executives have again assured onlookers that the company is dealing with the situation in China. While in Abu Dhabi, Eric Schmidt indicated today that something will happen sooner rather than later, and Nicole Wong told politicians in D.C. that leaving China is still an option.
Unfortunately, not a lot of other details and/or promises were forthcoming. Eric Schmidt's exact words, according to Jerry Dicolo, were "something will happen soon," and whether that's "soon" as a five-year-old would perceive it or in terms of continental drift is hard to say.
We should note: it's already been almost two months since Google stated in an official blog post, "[O]ver the next few weeks we will be discussing with the Chinese government the basis on which we could operate an unfiltered search engine within the law, if at all."
As for what Nicole Wong, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at the company, had to say, there was less wiggle room. The AFP reports that she maintained, "We are not going to change our decision on not censoring results anymore." Also, with respect to abandoning the country, Wong added, "We are prepared to do that."
Google and Baidu investors are sure to remain on pins and needles until the situation is resolved.
