Is it really fall? Last weekend’s 90-degree weather drove beachgoers to the Jersey Shore, making “local summer” feel like we are in the middle of July. Despite the weather, you know it is autumn when every coffee shop and restaurant adds “pumpkin-something” to their menu.
As you tuck away your beach chairs and dig out the sweaters, take a moment, grab a pumpkin latte and read some of the latest marketing, PR, and social media events that happened in September, curated by the Springboard team. Highlights include Twitter doubling its character limit, Apple giving Snapchat a run for its money with animated emojis, Amazon bringing primetime programming to the Internet, and the fallout of Odell Beckham, Jr. after his latest end zone antic.
Twitter Tries Out Doubling in Size
Sick of putting up with Twitter’s 140-character limit? You may be in luck! On September 26, Twitter Product Manager Aliza Rosen announced on the company’s blog that the social media platform is now testing a 280-character limit. Some who enjoy the challenge of cramming content into 140 characters may find this news upsetting, but this gives brands and thought-leaders more runway to craft the perfect tweet.
Move Over SnapChat, Apple Now Animates Emojis
Apple recently announced the highly anticipated iPhone X which will be released on November 3. New features include wireless charging, dual cameras, sharper retina HD displays and a longer battery life, but perhaps the most intriguing is Animoji which enables users to animate their favorite emojis! Available directly within the Messages app for iOS 11, Animoji will use the Face ID hardware face-scanning features of the iPhone X to create custom 3D versions based on a user’s facial expressions. Users will even be able to send animated audio messages in real-time by using their own voice. Which emoji are you most excited to virtually become?
Thursday Night Football Coming to Amazon Prime
Amazon kicked off their partnership with the NFL last night, streaming its first Thursday Night Football game featuring a Bears-Packers matchup between two division rivals. The ability to stream the Thursday night games will only be available to Amazon Prime members for no additional cost. The same CBS telecast that viewers get on their televisions at home will be featured on Amazon Prime. It will be interesting to see how the NFL Network will work behind a paywall as Amazon continues to expand its marketing strategy.
Giant Fallout
What do the New York Giants, Verizon, Dunkin’ Brands, Procter & Gamble, and Nike have in common? They all employ the services of the ultra-talented athlete, Odell Beckham Jr., to represent their respective brands. Each are fortunate to align their products with this iconic celebrity. But what happens when your superstar goes rogue and partakes in crass and classless behavior on the gridiron?