The latest mobile news June: Wimbledon launches virtual assistant and AI-edited highlights, Google use heat mapping in VR-video analytics, IKEA launch AR furniture app and more…
At Sonin we feel it’s important that we deliver the latest mobile news to our readers from an industry that is constantly evolving. Whether you’re new to mobile, an industry leader, a start-up or a multinational brand, it’s important to keep on top of what’s happening around you.
Here’s the latest mobile news June…
Last updated: 29/06/2017
Wimbledon launches virtual assistant, AI-edited highlights and mixed reality
Wimbledon organiser All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC ) and IBM, partners since 1990, have unveiled their technology offering for this summer’s Championships.
Among the new digital properties is Fred, an IBM Watson-based virtual assistant built into the existing Wimbledon app. Fred’s major purpose will be to let visitors to Wimbledon know what is available around the grounds. Including food, beverages, retail, and general features like the hill, the museum, the kids’ zone
AELTC will also begin using IBM Watson to accelerate the Wimbledon editorial team’s video production process. This will automatically selecting highlights from each match. In addition to match data, IBM Watson also uses player movements and crowd noise to identify the most exciting moments.
Source: MobileMarketing
Google to use heat-mapping in VR-video analytics
In an effort to increase performance of YouTube’s 360 VR video, Google will introduce heat-mapping analytics for 360 video content creators. Using this tool creators will be able to monitor where their viewers are looking throughout the video. Giving creators a better insight into how their audience is interacting with the content.
This follows the founding of YouTube’s VR Creator Lab. A partnership with VR Scout and VR Playhouse to provide training and funding for participant’s dream VR projects.
Source: TechCrunch
Ikea partners with Apple for AR virtual furniture app
Ikea and Apple are teaming up to deliver an app that enable users to virtually preview how furniture will look in their home before purchasing. The app, expected to arrive later this year, will initially house over 500 of Ikea’s products with more lines to be added in the future.
MadeWithARKit showcases the possible uses of Apple’s technology including an AR measuring app, 3D drawing and mobile gaming.
Source: MobileMarketing
AI is changing SEO faster than you think
Google’s launched a new AI machine learning algorithm called RankBrain. It’s turning the SEO industry on its head and challenging long-standing SEO rules. Google RankBrain does not rely on standard algorithms, instead drawing from a completely different mix of algorithms for each search.
The future of SEO could rely on staying niche to avoid classification and direct comparison with Google RankBrain’s collection of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ sites. Further to this, Google RankBrain will punish sites using irrelevant or loosely-related backlinks. Emphasising the importance of sticking to your ‘linking neighbourhood’ when introducing new content and promotions.
Source: TechCrunch