ETC. — 5/22

“ETC.” is a semi-weekly compilation of news stories in Entertainment, Technology, and everything in between and slightly outside of them (Cetera). With a critical (yet loving) voice, we’ll attempt to give perspective with a dash of sarcasm and humor. As this is a developing project, please forgive the blemishes and wrinkles.

THANK YOU, DAVE

SPOTIFY: THE NEXT GENERATION On Wednesday, Spotify announced its plans for next evolution: adding video and podcasts, more curated and “daypart” playlists, and enhanced mobile features (such as detecting running pace and selecting music accordingly). The music service is among the leaders in the space, but it now wants to take a leap forward by wanting to fully integrate into a consumer’s full day via video and podcasts. Though a challenge to change consumers media behaviors, the list of video and audio partners is a solid start to this endeavor. We just want the curated lists to continue evolving to our ears (hipster music YEAH WE ARE ASHAMED TOO!) [hides in hipster shame]

SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED TO KNOW WHY Google has updated it’s Maps app ahead of the Memorial Day weekend and the start to summer driving season. The highlight addition is for the user to receive an explanation for upcoming delays and reasons for new routes. Usually, GPS systems would deliver generic messages for “TRAFFIC!!! AHHH!!”. But, it feels like a “human” touch to be told why you’re going to be late to a destination. It’s an alleviating feeling to be in the know, and when you’re in stuck in traffic, feeling alleviated is always a pleasant positive.

NETFLIX AND THE UNDYING A/B TESTS Netflix is slowly rolling out a slightly revamped desktop browser which it hopes will be easier on the eye and to use. With all the data Netflix has accumulated through the years, it’s no surprise the company has been tinkering and testing design layouts for a long time, even cover layouts of certain content to see which garners more video views. The key to its (and the competitive set’s) success really is the beautiful data (we love data and want to bathe in it) and harnessing it to maximize viewership.

NO NO NO NO Full disclosure: this author was raised in Tennessee (shipped up from yonder land of Ecuador when he was seven) (long story). Recently, the citizens of the state have embraced the tri-star* emblem on the state flag as a proud self-identifying symbol by attaching it on clothes, various beverage containers, or other objects (see: store that takes all of our money). But this week, the bright minds in Nashville have decided “No, we’re going to burn $46K on a Word created logo”. We’re not joking — we’ve seen a few recreated logos on Twitter to show how easy $46K could have been earned by any slob with 4th grade skills.

THE HOMELAND GENERATION Apparently, this is a potential term for the upcoming generation (those born from the mid-90's through present) following Millenials. Sounding like it is sponsored by the Showtime drama, it sounds grim with a dash of paranoia tendencies towards the outside world. Other terms in contention are “plurals” (no idea what this means), “iGeneration”, and “Generation Z” (zzzzzzzzzzz). It seems a little early to give them a name and we should wait until they do something embarrassing for a proper label.

“THE BRIDGE WAS COMPLETED AHEAD OF SCHEDULE AND UNDER BUDGET” That is the most extraordinary line of this quick history of the Golden Gate Bridge, one we hardly see regarding current public projects. The other brilliant nugget includes the chief engineer being “extremely safety conscious” for his workers (gasp!). And photographs. Stay for the photographs.

IT’S ABOUT THE FOLLOW-THROUGH Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton joined LinkedIn — you know, just being one of the little people looking for a new job. However, once you get past the cynical eye-roll, the strategy to distribute a meaningful and contextual message shines through in her post. It’s not a secret President Obama pioneered utilizing the digital landscape back in 2008. Look for all 2016 candidates across both aisles to continue delving in social and digital (though some will hilariously fail and we await with popcorn and meme making machines)

*one star for each geographical region of the state — see how proud we are to share!