Software : Twitter reportedly mulls SoundCloud bid as it seeks music biz comeback |
- Twitter reportedly mulls SoundCloud bid as it seeks music biz comeback
- Google could soon allow users to nuke internet search results
- Facebook may take aim at Snapchat with 'Slingshot' video app
| Twitter reportedly mulls SoundCloud bid as it seeks music biz comeback Posted:  Twitter is reportedly considering a blockbuster bid for popular audio sharing service SoundCloud, according to reports on Monday. Recode sources "familiar with both companies" have claimed the social network is mulling a huge acquisition offer that would place the so-called 'YouTube of audio' under Twitter's control. The report points out SoundCloud is valued at around $300m (£178m, AU$321m) and, like Twitter, has around 250m active users. Any buyout would be the microblog's largest acquisition by a considerable margin. Fuelling growthThe main reason for the buyout would likely be to fuel Twitter's growth, which has started to slow somewhat in recent times. The company had hoped to broaden its appeal with its ill-fated Twitter Music venture, which was finally put out of its misery last month. However, a SoundCloud buy would represent a much different proposition. It is as established as Twitter in its field but retains huge potential for growth should it pursue distribution deals with the major record labels. SoundCloud users are also well acquainted with Twitter. They share files on Twitter more often than even Spotify users. is this a tech match made in heaven? Let us know our thoughts below. |
| Google could soon allow users to nuke internet search results Posted:  If you've ever Googled your own name, chances are there were one or more results you wished never existed - and thanks to a recent ruling by a European court, users may soon be able to actually wipe their internet slate clean. Compuerworld reported Friday that Google is working on an online tool capable of deleting outdated or unwanted internet search results in response to a court ruling handed down last week in Europe. The Tuesday decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) found that Google and other search engines can be forced to remove links to out-of-date information, should the user specifically request to do so. Once requested, companies like Google will then have to determine whether or not the search results in question are relevant, and if not, they must be rendered unavailable, at least for European citizens covered by the court ruling. Secret shameAccording to Hamburg Commissioner for Data Protection Johannes Caspar, the proposed system would introduce one or more authentication methods to stem potential abuse or "unauthorized" takedown requests. The report notes Google already offers several "semi-automated tools" for removing sensitive personal information including signatures, ID numbers or bank account details, but will need to expand its reach to include a variety of other data in numerous languages. "The ruling has significant implications for how we handle takedown requests," a Google spokesman confirmed, suggesting that the "logistically complicated" process may take "several weeks" to implement. Google wouldn't elaborate on how the new system might work, but for now it appears to be limited strictly to European Union countries, whose officials have banded together to create what Caspar called "coherent principles" among data protection authorities there.
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| Facebook may take aim at Snapchat with 'Slingshot' video app Posted:  Facebook has responded to its failed attempt to buy picture messaging service Snapchat by creating its own rival named 'Slingshot', it's been reported. According to the Financial Times, Facebook began building Slingshot immediately after Snapchat rejected Zuckerberg's $3 billion acquisition offer, and the app could be released as soon as this month. Sources told the FT that the new app will have a simple UI and restrict interaction down to a minimum to make creation and delivery of videos as simple as possible. The race to stay relevantFacebook has been losing ground to Snapchat in the last two years as teens flock in their droves to the self-destructing picture messaging service. Since its inception, Snapchat has sent over 400 million messages. Slingshot isn't Facebook's first try at a Snapchat-like service. In late 2012 it released 'Poke', which allowed users to take and send short video and picture messages. Its unpopularity saw it removed from the iOS App Store in May this year. Facebook's need to stay relevant in the face of stiff competition has seen it purchase Instagram, WhatsApp and attempt to buy Snapchat. In all cases, eye watering amounts of money have been thrown around. Facebook declined to comment on this story. |
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