THE BIG ONE
Chris: Facebook just announced the launch of a News Feed algorithm change that will push videos higher in feeds for users who watch video more often. The usage data is based on whether a user interacts with a video in some way via their newsfeed—even if it doesn’t involve a like, share or comment. The idea being that if you want to watch videos more often, you might not need to leave Facebook's homepage in the future to find it.
Things like tracking the influence of shares and comparing viewing periods are a key addition to the Facebook ecosystem. But perhaps more importantly, it favorably positions Zuckerberg and co. to compete with similar offerings made by YouTube. Read More: Facebook Wants to Create a Video Feed You'll Never Leave
Eric: Video may be easier to monetize, but it's harder to get people to sit still for it overall, so this may be less of an obvious move than it seems.
MAKING MOVES
Chris: Every company has its own personality—its own soul—and we wanted to know what that looks like at five of the fastest growing D.C. tech companies. So, we interviewed executives from local companies including Trackmaven, WeddingWire and Optoro about company culture and how it influences their businesses. Read More: How 5 DC Tech Cos. Are Defining Startup Culture
• D.C. is home to a growing number of companies with alternatives to your daily metro trip of misery. Bridj, for instance, is like a "Uber for buses" commuting service that first launched in Boston and now calls D.C. it’s second home. Per Eric, “Bridj basically provides a private mini-bus along routes determined by a combination of user votes and data analysis of where people are and where they want to go.” Read More: How DC Is Becoming a Hub For Transportation Startups
Eric: The mix of experiments and ideas getting tested in D.C. can be a bit overwhelming but it bodes well for how well people will get around in years to come.
Chris: D.C.-based education tech giant Blackboard is continuing its 2015 acquisition spree by buying X-Ray Analytics. The company is a developer of a platform for organizing and analyzing the learning needs of specific students. For the moment, X-Ray’s tech will be integrated into Blackboard's Moodlerooms and Enterprise Moodle learning management systems. Blackboard has now acquired 8 companies in a year and a half.
DOWNLOAD
Chris: Phil Nevels, the executive director of ChicagoNext—otherwise known as World Business Chicago’s tech council—is leaving his position to lead a Chicago franchise of DC-based NextGen Angels. The news follows a series of hires for NextGen across its organization. We’ll be keeping a close eye on it all and you can expect an in-depth look in the near future.
COMMUNITY
Chris: No Beat tomorrow—have a great 4th of July weekend from everyone at DC Inno. Here's two helpful lists to find great places for fireworks and drinks:
- 9 DC Rooftop Bars With Stunning Views of the July 4th Fireworks
- 10 Places to Watch DC-Area Fireworks Displays on July 4
REACH OUT
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