Facebook Tweaks News Feed | Crunch Report

TL;DR

Facebook is updating its newsfeed algorithm, Windows 10 is getting an anniversary update with new features, Uber is adding safety features to its app, Amazon is subsidizing phone prices with ads, and DoorDash plans to expand its delivery service to include alcohol.

Transcript

Facebook tweaks its newsfeed Windows 10 gets an anniversary update amazon subsidizes phone prices with ads and more it's wednesday june twenty ninth and this is crunch report facebook is changing the way it prioritizes the things that show up on your newsfeed stories that are shared by friends and family will get ranked more highly while stories th... Read More

Key Insights

• 👪 Facebook's newsfeed changes prioritize user engagement with posts from friends and family, potentially reducing traffic to publishers like TechCrunch.
• 👶 The Windows 10 anniversary update brings a mix of new features for both consumers and enterprises, including enhanced Cortana capabilities and school-focused additions.
• 🏔️ Uber's app updates aim to improve driver safety by encouraging breaks, providing driving reports, displaying speed limits, and promoting phone mount usage.
• 🎧 Amazon's subsidy program, previously available for Eng1 products, extends to non-Amazon devices, offering lower-priced phones in exchange for personalized lock screen ads.

Questions & Answers

Q: How will the Facebook newsfeed changes affect publishers like TechCrunch?

According to Facebook's Adam Masseria, traffic to publishers is expected to decrease by a small but noticeable amount. While this may not be ideal for publishers, they need to accept that regular users are Facebook's main priority.

Q: What new features can users expect from the Windows 10 anniversary update?

The update includes new security features for enterprises, but most of the additions are focused on consumers. Cortana will be able to answer questions before login, Windows Ink allows note-taking and sketching, and there are features tailored for schools, such as configuring laptops for test-taking mode.

Q: How is Uber enhancing safety in its app for drivers?

Uber will send reminders to drivers to take breaks after a certain amount of driving time. They will also receive daily reports comparing their driving habits with other drivers in the area, promoting better driving practices. Additionally, the app will display speed limits based on GPS and remind drivers to use phone mounts.

Q: How does Amazon subsidize phone prices with ads?

Amazon has been offering lower prices for certain Eng1 products by displaying personalized offers on the phone's lock screen. It will now extend this subsidy program to devices like the Moto G and Blu's R1 HD, allowing users to get these phones at reduced prices.

Q: What changes has DoorDash made to offer alcohol delivery?

DoorDash has implemented several changes to ensure legal compliance for alcohol delivery. They have added age verification measures to ensure both the delivery person and the recipient are at least 21 years old. They have also created a new payment flow for alcohol orders. The service is currently being tested in Southern California with plans to expand to other markets soon.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Facebook is changing the way it prioritizes content on newsfeeds, giving higher ranking to posts shared by friends and family, and lower ranking to posts from business pages, including news publishers.

• Windows 10 is releasing a big update for its one-year anniversary, including new security features for enterprises and enhancements for consumers, such as improved Cortana capabilities and features for schools.

• Uber is making its app safer for drivers by sending reminders to take breaks, providing daily reports on driving habits, displaying speed limits, and promoting phone mount usage.

• Amazon is expanding its subsidy program for lower-priced products with ads to include devices that aren't made by Amazon, starting with the Moto G and Blu's R1 HD phones.

• DoorDash plans to offer alcohol delivery in addition to its restaurant delivery service, ensuring legal compliance by verifying age and creating a new payment process.