What happened in the Tech Policy Space in Jan 2023? [Part One]
The current Scoreboard for Jan 2023 is: Google 4, Apple 1, Meta 1, Tencent 1, Twitter 1.
This post is part one of a series documenting policy changes and feature improvements introduced by platforms in January 2023. These changes reflect the dynamic nature of platform ecosystems and the need for platforms to remain responsive to evolving user needs and preferences.
TL;DR → To accommodate demand from new users, Apple Maps introduces Apple Business Connect, letting business owners manage their information on the app. To accommodate demand from existing users, YouTube will share ad revenue with Shorts creators from February 1st. Google launches new Android Auto capabilities that focus on communication, while Tencent incentivizes creators to use WeChat Short Video and Live Streaming. WhatsApp offers a proxy tool to bypass censorship. Twitter updates its web interface and offers two timelines. Google Meet introduces emoji reactions, and Google releases the first public version of the Extension SDK.
Table of Content
Apple Maps introduces Apple Business Connect
YouTube will share ad revenue with Shorts creators
Google launches new Android Auto capabilities
Tencent incentivizes creators to use WeChat Short Videos
WhatsApp offers a proxy tool to bypass censorship
Twitter updates its web interface and offers two timelines
Google Meet introduces emoji reactions
Google releases the first public version of the Extension SDK
Page 1:
There was one policy change that was introduced to accommodate the demand of a new generation of users on that platform.
Apple Maps introduces Apple Business Connect
Apple Maps has launched a new tool called Apple Business Connect that allows business owners to update and manage their own information on Apple Maps platform. This policy change is aimed at accommodating Maps users who demand more accurate, up-to-date and engaging information about local businesses on Apple Maps by allowing Business owners to take charge of their Apple maps “real estate”. Features like Showcases that highlight their products or services and include quick actions like ordering delivery or booking a reservation, is clearly a move to compete with Google Maps. (link)
Page 2:
Several platform policy changes have been announced to accommodate changes in existing users' preferences.
YouTube will share ad revenue with Shorts creators
YouTube will start sharing ad revenue with Shorts creators from Feb. 1, enabling creators to earn ad revenue on their videos and competing against TikTok with added monetization options. By providing this opportunity to its creators, YouTube may be demonstrating its acknowledgement that its primary strength is in its monetization, which is why creators continue to remain loyal to the platform. (link).
Google launches new Android Auto capabilities
Google releases new Android Auto capabilities, simplifying the navigation, music streaming, and chatting experience for drivers. The new features take advantage of the faster and more responsive car dashboard displays, making it easier for drivers to do those 3-4 tasks they really want to do while driving without getting distracted. (link).
Tencent incentivizes creators to use WeChat Short Videos
Tencent provides more incentives for influencers and merchants to use WeChat's short video and live-streaming services in 2023 after quadrupling its user base. Incentivizing original content creators in categories such as music and comedy, Tencent aims to encourage WeChat users to minimize multi-homing, even as its competitors such as Douyin (TikTok’s Chinese Avatar) and Kuaishou boast a more refined algorithm and older user base. (link).
WhatsApp offers a proxy tool to bypass censorship
WhatsApp recently launched a proxy tool that bypasses censorship, allowing users to continue using the service even when faced with blocks or disruptions. This tool works by disguising WhatsApp traffic so that it is sent to a “proxy” server before being forwarded to the WhatsApp server. With this new development, existing users can continue to communicate freely and without fear of being blocked. (link).
Twitter updates its web interface and offers two timelines
Twitter has updated its web interface to display two timelines: “For You” and “Following”. The former shows tweet based on an algorithm, while the latter shows tweets in chronological order. Users can switch between them with a toggle button. This change gives users more control over their timeline view as some users also prefer to see tweets in chronological order rather than based on an algorithm. This feature was already available on iOS and is coming soon to Android. (link).
Google Meet introduces emoji reactions
Google Meet users can now express themselves with emoji reactions during video calls. The stated goal of this policy change is to offer a non-disruptive way to allow engagement that won’t interrupt the speaker. However, allowing users, especially students, to express themselves in otherwise boring meetings seems to be an unstated reason to provide features that other video streaming platforms have had for a while. Interestingly, the feature is first offered in iOS and web version and Android support will follow soon. (link).
Google releases the first public version of the Extension SDK
Google has released the first public version of the Extension SDK, which aims to bring features of the latest Android version to older iterations. For instance, Android 13’s new photo picker can be used in apps on phones running versions 11 and 12. With this, Android hopes to address a long pending request of Android users to use new features on their phones without having to wait for months for their handset manufacturers to rollout version upgrades. (link).
Part 2 to follow in a week’s time. Please spread the word if you think someone in your circle likes these type of posts :)
Research contributions of Anantesh Mohapatra, Divy Tandon, Yiran Liu (Thanks a ton, folks!)