Techno-politics

FACEBOOK has been forced to change Beacon’s default behavior due to mounting criticism and user unrest. Previously a transaction would broadcast to a user’s network automatically if he did not choose to prevent it. Under Beacon 2.0 transactions will not be published until a user actually agrees to it. Ignored requests will greet a user Continue Reading →

YAHOO and ADOBE will begin paying publishers to run ads inside PDF files. Publishers can upload a PDF to Adobe to have dynamic text advertising inserted. Advertisers will purchase the ads through Yahoo’s online system and have them contextually placed in relation to the contents of a PDF. Adobe and Yahoo have settled on a Continue Reading →

KEVIN MARTIN conceded defeat yesterday for his suggestion that the 70/70 rule is in effect. He withdrew a report that contained the 70/70 claim as justification for further cable regulation and will re-submit his proposal without it in the coming months. Martin’s plan to lower channel lease fees for independent networks was passed and will Continue Reading →

NBC UNIVERSAL will use TIVO‘s second-by-second viewer data and sell interactive ads on behalf of the DVR-maker. The ads will come in the form of clickable “tags” that reveal a company’s name even if a user is fast-forwarding through a commercial. A similar feature will allow users to easily record NBC Universal shows that are Continue Reading →

THE WGA and AMPTP will resume talks this morning. Negotiations will occur in an undisclosed location and a press blackout is in effect. The WGA reminded writers to return to picket lines even as the new round of talks begins. FIREBRAND will launch tonight on ION Television, offering users TV ads as entertainment. The show Continue Reading →

AMAZON unveiled Kindle, its new e-book reader on Monday. The device allows users to download e-books from the Amazon store wirelessly using Sprint’s EV-DO network. Over 90,000 books are available, with new releases priced at $9.99 and classics as low as $1.99. The device is already drawing some negative reviews, with several commentators questioning the Continue Reading →

SYNCTV will launch in private test form today, offering an online a la carte channel lineup with downloadable DVD-quality programs. The PIONEER spinoff will offer online channel subscriptions for a few dollars per month and sell individual episodes for $2. The company also promises forth-coming compatible media players and a public test version of the Continue Reading →

GOOGLE has been quietly preparing for the upcoming wireless auction by using a license from the FCC to operate an advanced wireless test network on its corporate campus. The network is complete with transmission towers and handsets running Android software. Google is also using game-theory specialists to help orchestrate its auction strategy. Potential spectrum bidders Continue Reading →

KEVIN MARTIN is drawing ire from consumers, the cable industry and even his own FCC. Three consumer advocate groups have submitted a filing to the FCC that says Martin’s plan to relax media ownership rules will destroy competition, reduce local news and taint editorial pages. The NCTA has also logged complaints about Martin’s plan to Continue Reading →

BEBO unveiled “Open Media,” a new video service offering free content from Turner, CBS, BBC, MTV and others. Broadcasters will create channels on the system using their own players, which allows them to sell advertising and retain control of the user experience. Bebo will not take any advertising money from in-video spots but will offer Continue Reading →