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 Under Beacon 2.0 transactions will not be published until a user actually agrees to it.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 upon login until he chooses to publish or hide every single transaction. There is still no way for users to universally opt out of Beacon.
GOOGLE is expected to formally announce its application to bid for wireless spectrum sometime today. According to FCC rules all companies must declare their intention to bid by Dec. 3rd. The landmark auction will be held in January.
AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson told an audience in California that the 3G iPhone is coming in 2008. Of course, Apple declined to comment. Meanwhile, VERIZON is getting ready to run trials of a 4G network. Verizon has chosen the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard for 4G, delivering a blow to WiMax and Ultra Mobile Broadband supporters.
STARCOM‘s senior VP Tracey Scheppach estimates that the top four networks will generate $120 million in online streaming revenue during 2007. Schappech bases the estimate on Starcom’s extensive online media purchases. Accustream estimates that the total online video advertising market for 2007 will be worth $1.3 billion.
THE AMPTP offered the WGA a New Economic Partnership, claiming the plan would increase writer revenues by over $130 million from the current $1.3 billion. The WGA quickly issued a statement denouncing the plan as a “massive rollback” from current compensation rates. Negotiations will pause until December 4th.