#MidweekMinute 5/9/18: taking care of business
Facebook appoints new head of blockchain development, opening the door for potential cryptocurrency integrations or even creation; Avatars, spotted in Android app code, look a lot like Snapchat's Bitmoji, and could allow for a greater range of emotive reactions; dating service won't have ads; a possible ad-free subscription model is being tested; and image and object recognition AI has been using Instagram photos for training.
Twitter is working on secure, encrypted DMs.
Instagram has introduced powerful new business tools including integrated ecommerce and business messaging tools with direct calls to action; Android app may soon allow Song Stickers within Stories; new dedicated beauty partnership unit.
WhatsApp integrates Facebook & Instagram video viewability within the app, including picture-in-picture functionality.
Pinterest announces Hootsuite integration.
