Man, stuff always happens when I take day off from work. Last time I took a long weekend, the Yahoo/MSFT deal was announced. Today we have twitter changes, analysts quitting and more. Here's my quick take on the events you should read more about (there's plenty of conversation out there).
- Twitter knows where you are: Twitter announced it will make twitter location-aware. Developers will be the first exposed to use before it rolls out to the web platform. So soon you'll be able to follow tweets of those around you even if you're not following them. Don't worry, the default will be to not disclose your location for those of us who like to go off the grid.
- Twitter for suits: Twitter co-founder Biz also let loose that they will be providing commercial accounts for twitter in the near future. I believe this is a great step (as a brand marketer), but I'm guessing the folks at Co-Tweet weren't as thrilled. Or maybe it'll float all boats.
- Bing licenses Wolfram (Bingram? Sounds vulgar): Not quite a merger, but Wolfram did license some of it's curated data to Bing. I think this does help Bing get closer to the decision engine it wishes to be. Don't take your eyes off Wolfram-Alpha. I think this ice cube is melting slowly into the greater waters of search. And it's flavor will be distinct (okay, I've done that metaphor to death. Sorry Anil).
- Jeremiah's Excellent Adventure: Forrester Analyst and social icon Jeremiah Owyang announced Thursday that he's leaving Forrester. His friends and followers are having fun guessing what he'll do next. My bet is he'll do a 180 and go back to evangelizing sandwich boards and billboard advertising. Bringing it back old skool. Best of luck to him. I hope the timing was coincidental and I had nothing to do with it.
