Twitter is set to launch its own photo sharing service in a bid to compete with third party sites Twitpic, Flickr and Yfrog.

The official Twitter photo tool is likely to work in the same way as the existing services by allowing users to upload pictures and share them using shortened URLs.

It would have an advantage over third-party apps because it will be built in, meaning users will not need to navigate away from the site to share their photos.

Earlier this year Twitter told developers to stop making their own apps and third-party clients. Following that request Twitter bought UK-based TweetDeck for a reported $40m (£24m).

Source: www.marketingweek.co.uk

From 1 March 2011 the ASA’s online remit now extends to cover companies’ own marketing claims on their own websites and in other non-paid for space they control. This landmark development brings enhanced consumer protection, particularly for children.

We already regulate internet ads in paid-for space, like banner ads, pop-ups and paid search results, but our new responsibilities mean that we now apply the same high standards to marketing communications on companies own websites and in other non-paid space they control, like Facebook and Twitter.

The UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising, which includes rules to make sure advertisements do not mislead, harm or offend, will be applied to all UK based company websites regardless of the sector or size of business or organisation.

Since 2008, we have received over 4,500 complaints that we couldn’t deal with, but now anyone who has a concern about an online marketing communication will be able to turn to us. Not only is this good news for consumers, it is also good for business – marketing communications that are trusted are more likely to work and deliver value.

The extension to the ASA’s remit was in response to a recommendation from the UK ad industry, which has a long history of being committed to ensuring ads across media are legal, decent, honest and truthful. By extending the ASA’s remit, industry has responded to consumers’ demands.

Advertising self-regulation has been successful in keeping advertising standards high for almost 50 years. Our new online remit shows that we are continuing to keep pace with changes in technology for the benefit of consumers, business and society.

Source: http://www.asa.org.uk/

Let’s face it – at least half of us spend hours of our precious time on social networks such as Facebook or Twitter! The reason? – Is it just fun or is there something else behind it?
The latest Retrevo Gadgetology study asked social media users questions such as when, where, and how much time they spend on social media sites. It came out that people were obsessed with checking in with their social media circles throughout the day and even the night.

Social Media replacing the night sleep?

Social media fanatics checking Facebook and Twitter throughout the day are almost half of the respondents – they check in on the social media scene in bed, during the night or as soon as they wake up in the morning. Teenagers and younger social media users said they tweet by night more than 25+ years old.

Tweeting first time in the morning?

According to the study, it appears that social media may have begun to replace more conventional sources for news with many social media users saying tweets trump TVs for that morning cup of news. Among social media users, almost half are so involved with Facebook and Twitter that they check in the first thing in the morning. With 16% of social media users saying this is how they get their morning “news,” the research is questioning wheatear we are  witnessing the first signs of social media services beginning to replace the morning shows as the source for what’s going on in the world.