Tech Digest, some of the hottest stories

Google Launches New Messaging App Allo Today

Google has launched its new messaging app to compete with Facebook's duo of WhatsApp and Messenger – two of the largest communications apps in the world.  But Google Allo, available on Android and iOS, doesn't just have its sights set on toppling Mark Zuckerberg's empire, it also features powerful artificial intelligence in the form of a personal assistant; built to compete with Siri, Cortana, and Amazon's Alexa.  http://www.wired.co.uk/article/allo-google-messages-download-features-how-to-use

Hachette Children's strikes publishing deal with child YouTuber Tiana

Hachette Children’s Group is publishing a new book in the Rainbow Magic series inspired by the Toys And Me YouTube channel, presented by child YouTuber Tiana.  http://www.thebookseller.com/news/hcg-strikes-publishing-deal-youtuber-toys-andme-398376

Parents spend 25% less on Books for Boys compared to Girls - A new study reveals

According to the Childwise Monitor Pre-school Report 2016, a survey of parents of 1,000 0-4 year-olds in the UK, parents of girls spend significantly more, £8 every month, than parents of boys.
Childwise research manager Jenny Ehren said the findings emerged even though equal numbers of boys and girls named a book as their most treasured possession for the survey.
“The gender differences in book purchasing for pre-school children are indicative of reading trends that become more significant with age,” she said. “By the time they reach school, boys aged 5-10 read for significantly shorter periods and much less frequently for pleasure than girls of the same age.”http://www.thebookseller.com/news/parents-spend-25-less-books-boys-study-reveals-398381

Live Video Streaming

Video streaming has become one of the most engaging trends as well as the most popular methods to view content across the web today.  The increasing use of mobile devices is also driving video views, and this trend is set to continue in 2016.  The demand on smartphones is expected to increase, as companies – such as YouTube and Facebook – are adding livestreaming features on their mobile apps.

Facebook Slideshow New Video Format

With the recent introduction of a raft of new features for Facebook Slideshow, there’s probably been a better time to try this easy to use video ad feature from Facebook.  Slideshow ads are particularly popular right now, since they provide businesses with the opportunity to present ads in a really visual format without the need to produce a full video. And now the addition of new features like text, music and ore never possible with the original feature have only added to the appeal. http://smallbiztrends.com/2016/09/how-to-make-a-facebook-slideshow-ad.html

Alzheimer’s Research UK - #sharetheorange

Help us spread the word about dementia

Many people think dementia is just a natural part of ageing which means they don’t realise that it is something we could, one day, defeat.

To help change that, and to fight misunderstanding, please share this film about an orange. 

http://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/orange/

A great campaign Channel 4 Paralympics Campaign - UK First Broadcasting subtitles and signed version of 'We're the superhumans' to cinema screenings for impaired people

Channel 4 has claimed a UK first by broadcasting a subtitled and signed version of its "We're the superhumans" ad at dedicated cinema screenings for hearing impaired people.

The move comes as Channel 4 launches the next phase of its "Superhumans" campaign, which also features posters accompanied by audio commentary of Paralympians winning gold at London 2012. 

The cinema ad will display subtitles and be British sign language interpreted in dedicated screenings for hard of hearing people. The spot was produced with support from the charity Action on Hearing Loss.

Meanwhile, outdoor ads on city bus shelters will feature images of Paralympics GB leading athletes Ellie Simmonds, Richard Whitehead and David Weir. Channel 4 has also partnered with Metro to take over its masthead in a print campaign.

Facebook content has also been created that incorporates the social media platform’s audio assisted technology tool by providing audio description of the video for people with sight loss. 

The ads have been created by 4Creative, Channel 4’s in-house agency, with media handled by OMD UK.

The broadcaster’s ambition to make the campaign accessible to everyone comes as research carried out by Channel 4 shows that 82% of UK adults agree that the Paralympics are important for improving society’s perceptions of disabled people. 

The research also shows that more than 90% who saw the "Superhumans" ad said it was a positive portrayal of disability. 

Dan Brooke, Channel 4’s chief marketing and communications officer, said: "From the outset our ambition was to make this Channel 4’s most accessible campaign ever. 

"We want everyone to be able to share in the excitement of the Rio Paralympics and join in this wonderful celebration.

"The Paralympics and our 'Superhumans' campaign get right to the heart of what Channel 4 stands for – championing diversity, innovation and new talent and celebrating the amazing abilities of both Paralympians and everyday people."

Read more at Channel 4 Paralympics Campaign, Read More