Child-friendly YouTube Kids app launches in the UK
A child-friendly version of YouTube, called YouTube Kids, has launched in the UK. The app is available on Android and iOS, and features approved famous shows including Morph and Teletubbies.
The app blocks inappropriate search terms, comments and certain social features.
It's been downloaded by 10m parents in the US, but has also been slammed for showing ads to kids.
A spokesperson told the Guardian: "We only show ads that are approved as family-friendly. For example, we don’t show any food and beverage ads and all ads undergo a rigorous review process for compliance with our policies.
"All ads are clearly labeled and include ad intros. Ads don’t include any click-throughs to websites or product purchase flows."
Source: Guardian
Retailers stumped by delivery charges
Online shopping is a boon to consumers, but might be less so for retailers who have to bear significant delivery and logistical costs.
According to research by Kurt Salmon for Retail Week, UK supermarkets are losing around £300m from online business. Each home delivery loses around £3 to £5.
Supermarkets have begun to rethink their home delivery offers, risking customer wrath by upping their minimum online spend. Click-and-collect offers a possible solution, since it's popular with consumers and reduces costs.
Source: Financial Times
Google+ won't die, gets a redesign
Google's ailing social network, Google+, has got a surprise redesign, with more focus on interest-based communities, like "wild hummingbirds".
The emphasis has shifted away from organising existing contacts into Circles, and more towards surfing content.
The update means Google+ is no longer a real competitor to services like Twitter or Facebook, instead becoming more of a forum-like community.
Source: Google
In case you missed it...two longer reads
Read the key features from our November 2015 issue on postcapitalism
This month we looked at new economic models and how marketing fits into a future of potential postcapitalism. Read all our insights and news from the theme in one place.
Lidl's Arnd Pickhardt voted Marketers' Marketer of the Year as he scoops German role
Lidl's marketing and advertising director, Arnd Pickhardt, scooped the Marketers' Marketer of the Year award after being voted in overwhelmingly by elite industry players in Marketing's Power 100.
If you watch one video today...
Rather than a video, this week we're pointing you towards our new podcast. Listen to the third episode below and find out more here.
