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Google announced that co-founder Larry Page is taking over for Eric Schmidt as the company’s CEO. Schmidt will become the Executive Chairman and focus on business development, especially globally. Google says the move comes as an attempt to streamline decision-making and have a clearer sense of accountability. In other news, Facebook announced on its website today that they are rolling out an app for the 80% of non-U.S. mobile users not on smartphones. The app is a way for Facebook to infiltrate the lucrative worldwide market and expand their network even further. 14 mobile carriers will offer 90 days of free data on over 2,500 compatible devices. And finally, Amazon will buy out the remaining shares of Europe’s online video rental service Lovefilm. Having already owned 42% of the stock, the deal is not surprising and should be completed by the first quarter of the year. Amazon is leveraging Lovefilm to further challenge Netflix in the on-demand rental arena.
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with AI strategy, implementation and governance, as well as technology, media and marketing. Named one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Technology, he is a bestselling author, covers tech and business for Fox 5’s Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN, and writes the popular daily business blog Think About This. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.