Mobile internet usage expected to reach 75% in 2017

Without even having to look at the statistics, it’s easy to notice how much more time you spend online while on your smartphone or tablet. But there is also data to back that up. ROI agency Zenith predicts mobile devices will account for 75 percent of internet use around the world next year. It’s expected to be 7 percent more from last year and four percent less than the 2018 prediction. Spain, with the highest mobile internet usage rates in the world, is already at 85 percent.

Some of the other data Zenith released in the Mobile Advertising Forecasts report include Ireland having the highest percentage of smartphone users at 92 percent. They are closely followed by Singapore at 91 percent. With this increase, Zenith predicts mobile advertising to be on the rise as well with 60 percent of global advertising revenue being mobile-driven. These mobile-first ads is forecasted to be worth US$134 billion worldwide, which is far greater than estimated global advertising for newspapers, magazines, cinema, and outdoor advertising combined. Looks like we have to be prepared for a lot more ads showing up on our smartphone/tablet screens.

Emoji domains might be the next big thing

If you want to have an emoji-based domain name for yourself, GoDaddy is making that dream come true. The web hosting company and internet domain registrar introduced an emoji domain search engine to find out if said domain is available or not. Don’t expect to get a .com or .org emoji domain, though. Currently, .ws is the only top-level domain that accepts emojis. This new feature is meant to make it easier for mobile users to search for available emoji domains. Who knows if we reach a point where only emoji domains remain standing? We’ve seen stranger things happen.

Source: CNET

Facebook tests out another Snapchat-like feature within its main app

Facebook seems so keen on taking Snapchat’s young audience as it keeps trying to replicate the app. This time instead of releasing a separate app, Facebook is trying out Snapchat-like features with the main app. Much like Snapchat, the app will now have a built-in camera with disappearing messages will be live for 24 hours. It has optional special effects, too. And you don’t even need to open Messenger to send these photos and videos to your Facebook friends. The test is currently only running in Ireland and there is no word yet if this’ll make it out of Ireland and past the testing phase.

Source: Recode

Barnes & Noble might be working on a new Nook tablet with Google Play Store support

It looks like Barnes & Noble hasn’t completely abandoned its Nook brand. But a device that recently passed through the FCC might point us in a different direction. What’s new with this “Nook Tablet 7” is it’ll run on Android and have Google Play Store available. Some of the other specs include MediaTek MTM8163 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor with Mali-T720 MP2 graphics, 3,000mAh battery, front and rear cameras, microUSB port, and microSD card slot. No word yet on the price or its availability but perhaps we might see it before the holiday season goes into full swing.

Source: The Verge