guidelines
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Twitch clarifies its updated guidelines in new FAQ
Last month, Twitch announced that it would be updating its community guidelines in order to clarify its policies on harassment, hate speech and sexual content. But while they were initially set to go into effect on February 19th, Twitch decided to push that date back to March 5th in light of all of the questions it received over the new guidelines. At the time, Twitch said, "It's important [the guidelines] are clear to everyone and we need to better explain some sections, so we're pushing back enforcement to start March 5." It also said it was working on an updated FAQ regarding the guidelines, and today, Twitch released it.
US will reveal revised autonomous car guidelines this summer
We'll see the latest revised set of guidelines for autonomous vehicles this summer, US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao has revealed at the annual Detroit auto show. According to Chao, her agency has been preparing for the arrival of autonomous vehicles, conjuring up ways on how to regulate them to keep everyone safe while promoting innovation at the same time. She said the revised guidelines cover not just autonomous cars, but also "barriers to the safe integration of autonomous technology for motor carriers, transit, trucks, infrastructure and other modes."
Facebook’s new guidelines could block news outlets from ad revenue
Facebook announced new guidelines today about what sorts of content can collect ad revenue on its platform. While it clarified the types of publications that will no longer get ad money, it also removed the line between content that promotes unsavory or offensive subjects and content that's reporting on them -- a move that could have a big impact on the sorts of topics that will appear on Facebook.
US DOT outlines safe transition to self-driving cars
US legislation for self-driving cars first made its way to the House of Representatives this past July. The bipartisan SELF DRIVE Act passed the House vote on September the 6th, and will now need to go through the Senate. Odds are that we'll see autonomous cars on the road sooner rather than later, thanks to this bill and new voluntary guidance The US Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The governmental agencies released new guidelines on Tuesday that provide federal guidance for automated driving systems to both individual states and businesses.
AI can predict heart attacks more accurately than doctors
An estimated 20 million people die each year due to cardiovascular disease. Luckily, a team of researchers from the University of Nottingham in the UK have developed a machine-learning algorithm that can predict your likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke as well as any doctor.
Uber explains how you can lose access to its service
Uber already has publicly posted guidelines telling drivers what they're not allowed to do, and why they might get the boot. However, the same hasn't been true for passengers -- just what qualifies as crossing the line? You probably have a good idea, but Uber wants to erase whatever doubt is left. It's publishing a set of Community Guidelines that not only explain driver and passenger expectations in plain language, but publicly outline US policies for rider behavior for the first time. While they're largely logical rules that you'd expect, it's helpful to see them all the same.
US Energy Department outlines efficiency standards for set-top boxes, Verizon already on board
The US government, the CEA (you know, the group that runs CES) and pay-TV providers want to save consumers $1 billion annually with a new voluntary standard for set-top box (STB) energy-efficiency. By curtailing phantom power usage and implementing a pair of sleep modes for periods of device inactivity, these non-regulatory guidelines could save enough energy each year to power some 700,000 homes. According to the industry announcement, many cable and satellite providers are already on-board, with Verizon implementing a light-sleep option in certain FiOS boxes sold starting January 1st, 2014. Still, the group expressed some concern that scaling back an STB's power might negatively impact the user experience. What good is a lower electric bill when your DVR takes forever to resume from standby? [Image credit: quinn.anya/Flickr]
Instagram toughens brand guidelines to discourage lookalike services
Like many developers, Instagram defends itself against clone apps and other clear abuses of its image. However, the photo-focused social network is now cracking down on subtler variations of its branding. The company has updated its brand guidelines to forbid Instagram-compatible services from including "insta" or "gram" in their names; they also can't use modifications of Instagram's signature logo. These similar-looking offerings could be mistaken for officially endorsed products, according to Instagram. The firm isn't taking any offenses lightly, either. In a notice to Luxogram that was obtained by TechCrunch, Instagram asked for a response to its concerns within 48 hours, and required both logo and name changes within a "reasonable period." Given the abundance of third-party developers that lean on the Instagram name to lure customers, the tougher policy could spark some confusion as companies rebrand their services en masse.
Google and Microsoft agree to US guidelines for fighting ads on pirate sites
The White House isn't happy that many counterfeiters and pirates lean on internet advertising to support their sketchy ways. Accordingly, it just teamed up with Google, Microsoft and other ad providers to create a voluntary set of best practices for cutting off funding to digital bootleggers. An ad network operator following these guidelines agrees to either warn customers or kick them out of ad programs if they're found to be dealing primarily in ill-gotten goods. Thankfully, the accused also have a say: they can issue counter-notices and otherwise make a case for their innocence. It's doubtful that the US guidelines will stop copyright violation overnight, but they should streamline an ad removal process that hasn't been consistent. [Image credit: Christopher Clay, Flickr]
US Department of Transportation posts guidelines for reducing in-car distractions
We all know by now that directly interacting with a phone while driving is a very bad idea. There are many more potential distractions at play in a car, however, and the US Department of Transportation has just published the first phase of guidelines to help infotainment device and vehicle makers keep drivers' eyes on the road. Many of them are logical recommendations for avoiding text, video and the web while on the move, although the federal agency suggests curbs that would surprise those with cutting-edge rides. While the DOT agrees that hands-free calls are safer, it still sees an added degree of risk from using them; it's not a big fan of GPS systems that introduce 3D or photorealism, either, as they potentially distract from the navigation at hand. The current guidelines aren't hard and fast rules, but it's clear the DOT will be watching companies closely -- and when the advice is just one part of a three-part series, we'd expect close scrutiny of phones and other mobile devices before too long.
League of Legends enforces 'zero tolerance' policy on test server
Riot Games is cracking down hard on noxious player attitudes and actions on League of Legends' public beta environment (PBE) server. The studio admits that it has not done enough to enforce player behavior guidelines on the server. Riot also says that this ends now. "Our take-away message today is quite simple," the studio posted. "The PBE has zero tolerance for toxicity, and change is coming." The studio says that the PBE is a premium server that should function under higher standards, and as such the devs are working on ways above and beyond the norm to enforce and improve player behaviors as well as hold players accountable for their actions. One of the new features is an automatic system that will deliver bans to so-called toxic players, starting with 167 such bans today.
Microsoft Office becomes first non-Metro application within Windows Store
You knew it was going to happen, but Microsoft Office 2010 has officially taken roost in the Windows Store, which is part of Microsoft's next-gen OS known as Windows 8. What makes its arrival noteworthy, however, is the fact that the productivity suite marks the first of the traditional desktop applications available in the digital storefront. Integration leaves much to be desired, however, as you can't actually make the purchase within the Windows Store. Instead, users are kicked over to Microsoft's website, where they're prompted to choose between different editions of Office, which range in price between $119 and $499. In other words, the latest "inclusion" is little more than a shortcut rather than a cohesive shopping experience. Still, if you like the idea of a full-fledged desktop productivity suite and LibreOffice simply won't cut the mustard, it's yet one more opportunity to plunk down some cash.
Microsoft details Windows Store changes, adds desktop apps, better navigation
Microsoft is opening up about the changes its made to the Windows Store as the premiere date for the new OS draws near. It'll be available in 26 markets (so far) and Redmond's listened to concerns consumers had about getting around. In response, it's added a navigation bar that also links users directly to the apps they already own. Desktop apps will appear from June 1st (today), although when clicking a link, you'll be redirected to the developers own website to make the purchase. The company has tweaked the terms and conditions to insist that app-builders make the primary experience take place "within the app," rather than merely linking elsewhere. Additionally, everything submitted must fully support keyboard / mouse and touch controls, so people can switch controls if necessary. The company's also mandating that apps must rely upon mechanisms provided by Windows 8, such as process management and using swipe-implemented menus.
Microsoft gives Windows 8 developers a head start on Windows Store app submissions
If you've been jonesing to get your app into the Windows Store and don't want to compete for attention with the developing masses when Windows 8 ships, Microsoft might just have your ticket to the front of the line. Developer Evangelist Matt Harrington is offering a fast track for developers that write a "great" app, contact him through his blog and meet all the app submission conditions needed to get Microsoft's rubber stamp. Along with receiving a token to enter the store well ahead of most others, those privileged few who clear the hurdles can get help from a Microsoft engineer to give their Windows 8 apps that extra polish. When the development floodgates open to everyone is still an unknown, although a handful of workshops between May 11 and June 8 should give app writers an edge in getting started.
Google's Matias Duarte reveals design standards for Android 4.0 at CES 2012
Looking for a little more consistent UI experience with your Android devices? Google is looking to make that happen as the folks in Mountain View has revealed that the upcoming Ice Cream Sandwich OS will be the first Android software to institute design standards for developers. Android Design is a online repository for the UI guidelines and blueprints for version 4.0, which we learned would unify smartphones and tablets back at Google I/O. This set of information should make things all neat and tidy for ICS devices, keeping user interface characteristics a bit more cohesive from app to app. Here, devs will find all the basic info and elements that are native to platform in order to make the best applications possible for the OS. Mr. Duarte warns that if you choose to not follow the style guide, your software will stand out -- and not in a good way. He also quipped that these are indeed guidelines, not mandates. And that they will gain value as more folks adopt them. Yeah, we know... the competition from Cupertino has been doing this for a while now, but a bit more structure in the Android universe certainly won't draw any complaints from us.
Windows Store fine print puts consumers first
Digging into the Windows Store fine print reveals Microsoft's "consumer first" policy for the metro-style apps for next year's operating system. The company wants developers to make every app fully touch compatible, with every gesture working the same way as it does in Windows 8. It'll have to cater for every CPU architecture as well (or face having to tailor multiple editions) since users can install it on up to five machines. Video downloads are capped at 256Kb/s and audio at 64Kb/s to prevent apps maxing out the data caps on your plan -- if it wants any more, it'll have to politely ask for your permission. The only thing the company isn't offering to users is a returns policy, (except in countries where it's legally obligated to) but we can't have it all our own way, eh?
Sprint launches Drive First Android app to curb texting and driving, keep chatty teens at bay
Are you concerned that your talky teenager is trying to keep up on the high school gossip whilst behind the wheel? Or are you a more experienced driver looking to get rid of the temptation to update your status at 65 MPH? Sprint's got you covered with Drive First. The app, announced by CEO Dan Hesse at CTIA in March, will lock up your phone when it detects you're in a moving vehicle; calls will be automatically redirected to voicemail and incoming texts can get automatically replied to with a customized message. The service costs $2 / month per phone after a 15-day trial, and unfortunately only is available for Android devices, though BlackBerry and Windows Phone support has been promised in the near future as well. We'd say the more the merrier -- for parents, that is. Head below for the full press release.
Five ways for iOS developers to deal with Apple's new subscription guidelines
Over the weekend, Hulu subtly updated its iOS application to comply with Apple's revised in-app subscription guidelines. As Mike Schramm posted earlier, it removed the link on its main sign-in page that allowed users to visit hulu.com/plus to sign up for service. Apple states in section 11.14 of the developer agreement that applications can provide access to material from subscriptions outside the application so long as the application doesn't provide an external purchase link -- this is a retreat from Apple's original position on subscriptions, which is that they had to give App Store sales 'most favored nation' pricing equivalence with sales from outside the system. Users can visit your website and sign up there, but if you sell from within the product, it has to go through Apple's in-app purchase system. Apple receives 30% of those sales. Here's the current verbiage on the agreement: 11.14 Apps can read or play approved content (specifically magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, and video) that is subscribed to or purchased outside of the app, as long as there is no button or external link in the app to purchase the approved content. Apple will not receive any portion of the revenues for approved content that is subscribed to or purchased outside of the app For all we know, Hulu was okay with its change. After all, it won't have to fork over 30% of its app-sourced subscriptions to Apple. The conversion rate from free app to paid subscriptions through that link might have been very small indeed. At the same time, could Hulu have lived by the wording of the guidelines without sacrificing the sales push from app to site to signup? TUAW brainstormed up five other ways Hulu might have played things. Here are our suggestions that developers might want to consider when facing the same guidelines and the same need to move forward to a compliant app. Use indirection. Instead of providing a sales link, provide a help link. "Learn more about Hulu Plus" could transfer the reader to information about what Hulu Plus is. That in turn could convert to sales through a further link, without providing direct in-app links to a purchase page. Downside: Apple isn't stupid. Unless the page truly provides information about the product rather than a sales pitch, you're better off avoiding the indirection. Skip the link. So long as your text does not provide a live link or button, you should be able to specify how to sign up for service, e.g. "Interested in Hulu video access? Visit hulu.com/iwantmyhulu from any browser." If the URL isn't clickable, that's within the rules as written. It could even be more indirect than that, mediated by a search: "Want thousands of TV episodes at your fingertips? Use Google or Bing and search for 'Hulu Plus sign-up' to join." Downside: Again, this might not make it through Apple review. While it respects the letter of the developer agreement, it certainly breaks the spirit. True, "button or external link" is a fairly clear guideline; a text URL without a hyperlink behind it is not a 'link' in the generally understood sense... but the App Store reviewers might not see it that way. Promote the benefits. Speak to your users, explaining why subscription services would help them with your app from within the app. You can verbally and visually upsell your app, even adding buttons and screens that discuss "what subscribing to Hulu Plus can do for you," without ever linking to that external website. Downside: Apple may determine that your sales pitch for materials not included in the basic application detract from the user experience. Leverage social marketing. A "Tell a friend about Hulu Plus" link could send off an e-mail with all the information and links you need to explain the service and allow users to sign up. Downside: Users might not get that the information on signing up for service is available for them as well as for their friends. It's a pretty indirect way to get your message and links across. Of course, there could be a 'Copy me on this email' checkbox in the Tell a Friend UI. Be aggressively transparent. Hulu did not hide why its update shipped. In "What's New in Version 2.3.2" in iTunes, Hulu writes, "Compliance with new rules for subscription-based apps." At the same time, it didn't make a big deal about it on its home page. Was that a missed opportunity? Websites can act as a bully pulpit as well as a sales tool. Front and center, Hulu might have described why the update shipped, i.e. to remove the link in order to comply with Apple's rules, and further promoted its product -- but it did not. As a large brand with excellent presence, it probably didn't need the extra push-to-monetize that website editorializing might have brought. Downside: This is a really indirect way to gain sales that you used to promote through your product. Why tick off Apple publicly if you don't have to? On the other hand, Apple does respond to community pressure. If your cause is just and true, you shouldn't have to feel that you can't publicly stand behind it while still doing business with Apple. So there you have it. Five suggestions that could help upsell your subscriptions without violating 11.14. Agree with these? Or do you think there are better ways to handle your sales pushes? Let us know in the comments.
Apple gives in to publishers, changes policy on in-app subscription prices
It looks like Apple has decided to make some pretty major changes to its App Store Review Guidelines -- and, in particular, to its controversial in-app subscription policy. Under the new guidelines, publishers will be able to offer subscriptions to content outside of the App Store, as long as their apps don't include a "buy" button that directs users away from Apple's marketplace. Under the previous version of the policy, which was set to go into effect at the end of this month, app owners offering subscriptions outside of App Store were required to sell equivalent, in-app services at the "same price or less than it is offered outside the app," while giving a 30 percent cut to Cupertino. Now, however, they can price these in-app subscriptions as they see fit, or circumvent the system altogether, by exclusively selling them outside of their apps. Apple will still receive 30 percent of the revenue generated from in-app subscriptions, but won't get any money from purchases made outside of its domain. Theoretically, then, publishers would be able to offer in-app subscriptions at higher prices, in order to offset Apple's share. This is how the new rules are worded: 11.13 Apps that link to external mechanisms for purchases or subscriptions to be used in the app, such as a "buy" button that goes to a web site to purchase a digital book, will be rejected 11.14 Apps can read or play approved content (specifically magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, and video) that is subscribed to or purchased outside of the app, as long as there is no button or external link in the app to purchase the approved content. Apple will not receive any portion of the revenues for approved content that is subscribed to or purchased outside of the app. It's important to note, though, that Apple hasn't made any changes to its policy on sharing user information. Publishers had been lobbying to gain access to subscribers' credit card data and other personal information, which they see as critical to applying a TV Everywhere model to online publishing. With today's concessions, though, these demands may become less insistent.
App Store guidelines updated for subscriptions, more tweaks
Apple's guidelines for developers who place their wares in the App Store have been updated, with a few key bullets. Changes to accommodate the new subscription models are there in section 11, along with a stern warning up front to developers who might game the review system or steal other devs' work: "[Y]our apps will be removed from the store and you will be expelled from the developer program." Additions and changes also include more specific examples of problematic me-too apps in section 2.11 (now noted "such as fart, burp, flashlight and Kama Sutra apps"); section 2.13 citing "simply web sites bundled as apps" or "do not provide any lasting entertainment value"; section 2.21 suggesting apps that are media-only should be submitted to the iTunes store instead. Section 2.22 warns against arbitrary carrier differentiation in apps (no 'Angry Birds for Verizon'!); section 3.11 cautions apps not to warn users to restart before installing; and section 3.12 tells developers to have all included URLs live and working when the app is submitted (otherwise known by its street nickname, "The Embargo Crusher"). Where Apple was previously "thrilled" to have developers invest time and talent in creating App Store apps, now the company says it is merely "pleased." The document (hosted behind the Dev Center registration wall) retains its conversational and just-us-geeks folksy introduction -- "We will reject Apps for any content or behavior that we believe is over the line. What line, you ask? Well, as a Supreme Court Justice once said, "I'll know it when I see it." And we think that you will also know it when you cross it." The opening section still ends with the familiar namaste for responsible and user-centric development: Lastly, we love this stuff too, and honor what you do. We're really trying our best to create the best platform in the world for you to express your talents and make a living too. If it sounds like we're control freaks, well, maybe it's because we're so committed to our users and making sure they have a quality experience with our products. Just like almost all of you are too. Our favorite clause remains 4.2: "Apps that use location-based APIs for automatic or autonomous control of vehicles, aircraft, or other devices will be rejected." If you want to use iPhones as the brains of your army of drone dirigibles, you're gonna have to jailbreak. [hat tip MacRumors]
