You Tube is a social media and video sharing powerhouse. We all know that. In fact, much of my entertainment comes from You Tube. But it’s not a perfect system. It’s clean up time. So Goodbye to You Tube Video Editor, and Photo Slideshow.
Because hardly anybody uses them, You Tube will shut down their Video Editor and photo slideshows. The shut down will begin September 20, 2017. But you don’t have to take my word for it. Just go to the You Tube Help Forum and Google Products’ Forum. Even Google and You Tube leaders say ‘limited use’ is the cause of this shutdown.
But that’s not all. You Tube wants to focus on creating new tools and make more popular features even better. ?For example, maybe they can use something like iMovie or Movie Maker. But if you’re still using Video Editor, you better wrap it up. When they say goodbye to You Tube Editor, they mean it. After September 20, you won’t be able to make anything else with it. Not only that, but they will erase unfinished business with your editor. But this won’t mess with existing videos, just won’t you haven’t put up yet. And if you wait until September 21, and still depend on You Tube video editor, you never will get them up.
This is a big step for You Tube. It’s also a necessary one. I say this because Facebook video is on the rise and rising quickly! On my Facebook feed, I see a live video almost every day. In fact, a customer in our Boston computer service shop shows off his Facebook videos often. Then there are those who make their video with their smartphones and other measures. You Tube isn’t the only candy store anymore. In a while, it may not even be the biggest candy store. So if they want to stay on top, they need to say goodbye to You Tube video editor. How will this affect You Tube?
Most of us know the headlines by now. So most know the tensions between the US and North Korea, as well as with other nations. Consequently, many ask, “What will become of this?” One hacktivist group says these tensions could have catastrophic results. Hacking group Anonymous warns of World War Three.
Anonymous put out a video telling people to prepare for WW3. They also say signs of war on the Korean peninsula are looming. The video is on You Tube. In fact, it’s around six minutes long and it’s been up for several days now. As usual, the Anonymous newscaster disguised his/her voice. They also wore the Guy Fawkes masks. They don’t call them Anonymous for nothing.
But back to their warnings of WW3. They pointed out military movements the US, Japan and South Korea made. They also claim President Donald Trump tested several ballistic missiles last week. Of course, we all know about North Korea’s nuclear tests as of late. Then Anonymous said China urged it’s people in North Korea to get out ASAP. Furthermore, Anonymous claims Australia is now involved. In fact, they’re looking for strategies involving the Indian Ocean. Hacking group Anonymous warns there will be severe world consequences if World War 3 really breaks out.
So what does this have to do with computer repair, or anything technology? Well, hacking group Anonymous told us things mainstream media wouldn’t, or couldn’t. Some of it was wrong. But some of it was right. I’m not saying I’m a big Anonymous fan. But when they issue a dire report like this, maybe we should at least listen. We can agree to disagree, but we should at least listen. Like them or not, they have made a big impact on the world in recent years. Obviously, I hope these warnings don’t come to anything. I don’t want this disaster anymore than you do. Remember what Einstein taught us, “I don’t know with what weapons WW3 will be fought. But they will fight WW4 with sticks and stones.” I think that’s why Anonymous put this report out. What do you think of hacking group Anonymous’ latest video?
Millions tune to You Tube every day. It’s almost as popular as television and/or streaming networks. But can you imagine You Tube cable TV? Consequently, you don’t have to imagine it anymore. You Tube cable TV becomes reality.
So Tuesday, You Tube introduced You Tube TV. For $35 a month, they will package and deliver streaming channels to your Internet. Then there’s the cloud that lets you skip ads. I’m sure that’s a selling point. But here’s good news and bad news. Good news: You’ll get the big four: NBC, CBS, ABC, and FOX. You’ll also get 40 other channels, including ESPN (sports lovers rejoice!) However, there’s bad news. We may or may not have HBO, TBS, Discovery, or Comedy Central. Negotiations are ongoing.
Furthermore, there’s a lot of competition out there. Hence, you have Verizon and Comcast and Dish Satellite. But you also have Sony’s Vue and Hulu. Plus, some streaming services aren’t looking so good. They’re having technical difficulties. And they’re not the only ones. Meanwhile, You Tube seems to have it’s act together. Their technical difficulties are usually minor and minimum. Also, they’re good at videos, online and live ones. The 12-year-old record speaks for itself. I don’t know when You Tube cable TV’s debut will be.
But I do know it faces an uphill battle: price. I doubt $35 a month will make that much of a profit. But then again, that will be another huge selling point. People are tired of paying expensive amounts and getting mediocre service. That’s why some networks are among some of the most hated companies in America. I don’t think that will be a problem for You Tube. If You Tube plays their cards right, they will be the most popular streaming service of them all. Just like sports lovers, laptops can now rejoice! And if you need laptops fixed, we can do that for you (I know. It’s a shameless promo, but hey…). So what do you think of You Tube cable TV?
You’re about to watch your favorite You Tube show. It could be a family show or it could be a tutorial on laptops fixed. But a commercial appears for 30 seconds. You press the skip button. Then you realize the skip button says, “Video will play after this ad”. So you have to wait 25-30 seconds for this ad . But that’s going to change. Unskippable ads: Say goodbye, 30-second ones.
Starting in 2018, You Tube will no longer have 30-second unskippable ads. But they will come up with some ad system that advertisers and users alike. However, some ads under 30 seconds, even if they’re 25 seconds, will be unskippable. But in April 2016, You Tube set up a six-second unskippable ad system. And prepare to see a lot more of that in the months and years to come.
You Tube leaders recognize many advertisers won’t like new ruling. But consumers will. And that’s all that matters to You Tube right now. First off, You Tube worries about competition. They know the success of other streaming networks, like Netflix and Hulu. Apple and Amazon TV are making a come up. Facebook wants to start their streaming network. Competition is fierce, and You Tube doesn’t want to lose in the shuffle. One You Tube leader admits they need to improve their online experience.
And this is why competition is so good for the social media industry. Some may complain, “We got too many choices. It’s all so overwhelming”. Good! I rather have that than have only one streaming service. Suddenly, you’re a slave to that one service. Competition forces people to do well. So look at the unskippable ads You Tube promises. And I hope they keep such promises. But let’s say they don’t. Let’s say, for some reason, they continue with 30-second unskippable ads anyway. Would you quit You Tube and go to another streaming service? Do you think You Tube wants that?
I have a confession to make. I love watching family shows on You Tube. This also includes families with small children. And I’m not the only one. Some have been on You Tube for years, literally their whole lives. But this Washington Post article got me thinking. ?Child You Tube stars: When every moment is caught?
So, the article stars with talking about a You Tube show. A six-year-old flaps his arms acting really dramatic. They’re conducting an experiment. As a result of being on You Tube all his life, he knows exactly how to act. Furthermore, the subscribers, likes, and positive comments roll in. In addition to that, the article suggests child stars don’t interest Americans as much. That’s so 20th century. But now, it’s about real life kids, and the daily tracking of life on You Tube. But what will happen when these kids grow in in this new world order?
This is what worries some. About the channel Washington Post talks about: they capture just about every move. The oldest sister, 10, records and films sleepovers with friends. The youngest, 3, knows how to vlog with an iPad. They even record their Halloween adventures. But how much is too much? This isn’t unique. You don’t even have to be a You Tube star. On my Facebook page, parents often put kids’ report cards for all to see. They also seem to record every accomplishment.
So you see, Generation Z (those born after 1996) is in a dilemma. Most will never know a time pre-social media. But what about when they get into the real world? Will shoving a camera or smartphone in your face be the normal for them? Will privacy rights be as extinct as the dinosaur? What does this have to do with IT? So, today’s information technology allows every move to be recorded. I admit…it might seem cute at first. But I do respect the family channels I look at. They make sure their kids have some privacy and normalcy. They will not record certain things. On some days, they won’t record at all. So You Tube kids: What will become of them?
Have you seen the commercials of Amazon’s Alexa? Alexa is Amazon’s talking machine. You speak a command to Alexa. She answers and carries it out. But wait…there’s more. In addition to commands, there’s music. As a result, Amazon, Alexa and music unlimited combine forces.
Amazon launches Amazon Music Unlimited. For $3.99 a month, customers get unlimited access to over 10 million songs. Furthermore, that’s twice the amount Apple Music costs. It’s several times the amount of Jay Z’s Tidal service. Seems like that’s the streaming service nobody wants. But there’s a catch. This service is available through Amazon devices only (like Echo or Amazon Tap). Also, you need Amazon Prime membership. With your own devices, you’ll pay $7.99. Without Amazon Prime membership nor Amazon device, you’ll pay $9.99 a month.
So, what does Alexa have to do with this? Quite a bit, actually. With Amazon Music Unlimited, you can ask for any song. For instance, you want to hear ‘No’ by Meghan Trainior. Just tell Alexa, “That new hot one by Meghan Trainor,” or the title and artist. You’ll get the song. Here’s another way you use Alexa. You want to hear a certain genre, or a certain decade. You don’t know, or you don’t care, what song it is. Say, “Alexa, play 1990s grunge”. You might get Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” or Soundgarden’s ?”Black Hole Sun”. Hence, the possibilities are endless.
Amazon seems obsessed with dominating every aspect of our lives. They want to shop for us at grocery stores. They ship for us everyday of the week. Now, they want to play our music. I must admit, Amazon Music Unlimited is a great start. With the program alone, it rivals Apple Music and Spotify. However, you have to join Amazon Prime get an Amazon device to get the generous $3.99 a month price. I have mixed feeling about that one. But Alexa’s assistance in music titles, genres and even year and decades, is a huge plus. Just don’t expect me to ask Alexa to play any music from this decade! But back to this $3.99 price bargain. Will it get people to get Prime and devices? Or will it hinder people from getting Amazon Music Unlimited?
