FACEBOOK is working on a new, targeted advertising system. Using the system, advertisers will be able to target users based on favorite activities, musical preferences, and other personal information revealed in a user profile. The new ads will appear in a user’s “news feed,” which keeps them up-to-date on the activity of their Facebook friends and contacts.
SONY has made two major moves toward positioning the PlayStation as a viable television platform. The company will launch GO!, a video download service for the PlayStation Portable early next year, as part of a partnership with BRITISH SKY BROADCASTING. Sony also unveiled a convertor that will turn the PS3 into a DVR capable of recording high-def content. Both products will begin with limited European releases.
COMSCORE has been suspended by TRUSTe, which certifies “trusted downloads” to help advertisers and partners avoid spyware and adware. ComScore uses a program called RelevantKnowledge to track Internet usage, and pays distributors for each copy they get installed on a user’s computer. One rogue distributor has been installing ComScore’s software without user consent, prompting the certification suspension.
GOOGLE‘s Chief Executive Eric Schmidt said in a speech that the search-giant will probably still bid in the upcoming 700 MHZ spectrum auction. He was content that two of Google’s proposed rules for the auction had been adopted. The auction will be held in January 2008.
SOUNDEXCHANGE has offered small INTERNET RADIO BROADCASTERS a reduced royalty rate through 2010. Under the proposed terms, broadcasters earning less than $1.25 million would pay royalties of 10% to 12% of annual revenue. Many webcasters think the fees are still too steep. They have until September 14 to accept the offer.